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how to replace alternator

Old 03-04-2009, 09:47 PM
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Default how to replace alternator

2001 f150 4.6L V8
Alternator is shot, was wondering how long it would take to replace? some what handy but not a mechanic by any means.

also battery is brand new, can i still drive truck 15km from work to home? or would this fry the new battery?
Old 03-04-2009, 09:52 PM
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that is an easy change buy the one recommended and take the old one out and when you put the new one in just reverse order.

and that will kill your battery in no time
Old 03-05-2009, 06:14 PM
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A bad alternator can and will kill your battery in no time.. Had it happen to me once.
Removings easy:
1. disconnect your battery
2. unplug the electrical from the alternator
3. remove your drive belt (there is a square cutout in the arm off the tensioner pully that accepts a 1/2 socket wrench to take the tension off the belt)
4. Unbolt the alternator it is the two bolts on the front for a 4.6l
5. To install just do these steps in reverse

Hope this helps
Old 03-05-2009, 06:38 PM
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Go for it,.... an easy change.
Old 03-05-2009, 07:24 PM
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Easy to do. I did mine when it was 20 below and it took me an hour(I do not have a garage) so i was in and out of the house alot to warm up my hands. I probably will take you a half hour to 45 minuts if you take it slow and pay attention to how things come out and go back in.
Old 03-05-2009, 07:58 PM
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Not knowing what is wrong with the alternator, suggest disconnecting the alternator before driving. Don't need a shorted alternator draining the battery. And on the other side of the discussion, don't need the alternator frying the new battery. Drive with as little of accessories on. No radios, TV's, A/C or what ever, just limp the truck home to do the repair.
Old 04-01-2012, 09:55 AM
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Default alternator went south, I found this thread

A piece of cake ... I don't usually do much maintenance, beyond oil or tire rotation, but this seemed like more of a hassle to take it into the shop.

I disconnected the batt., and used a short cheater on the 1/2" drive to get slack in the belt. 3 bolts to break it loose and I was was off to pay the piper.

130 amp Mexican rebuilt unit was still pricey, but $40 or $50 bucks cheaper than a dealer's parts counter. (BTW I got 125,000 mis. out of the OEM unit)

The whole procedure took about an hour and fifteen (including the parts run)

Thanks, guys

'01 short bed 4x4 manual 4.6 L
Old 02-03-2013, 12:11 AM
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My alternator went bad today and I need to try and get it fixed. If anyone had detailed instructions of how I should remove the alternator that would be appreciated so much. It is a 2008 f-150 5.4 . Thanks
Old 02-13-2013, 09:43 AM
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Don't drive it. Remove the old one. First, Remove air intake stuff that's in the way (dont be worried to pull out the two hoses connected to it). Secondly, take a 1/2" drive and insert it into the tensioner pulley (there should be a diagram under the hood that says which one it is). Turn clockwise and to take tension off and remove belt from alternator. There should be three bolts holding alternator, two on the bottom and one on the top going down. They are 10mm I believe. Remove them and lift the alternator up so you can get to the wires on the back. One should be red and you will need to pull back the rubber cover and remove the nut that holds it on with the 10mm socket. Then, remove the other two wires (you will probably need a screw driver to lift up the clips that hold them on, But don't break them!). Get a new alternator and do all of this in reverse and you should be good! Takes me about 30 min. Good luck!

(disconnect the battery before you do anything, by the way. )

Last edited by blakesheldon; 02-13-2013 at 09:46 AM.


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