Replace the Alternator on a Chevy S10

Replacing the alternator in a Chevy S10 is not a job that must be handled by a professional. If you have a garage and some experience in the automotive field, this is a job you can do on your own, saving a costly, and inconvenient, trip to the local mechanic. Follow these steps for how to replace the alternator on a Chevy S10.

Steps

  1. Verify whether your Chevy S10 has a faulty alternator.
  2. Access a voltmeter and start the truck.
  3. Make contact to the battery with the voltmeter and look for a reading of 14.2.[1]
    • Assume that the alternator is not properly charging if the reading is below 14, or higher than 14.3.
  4. Turn on the lights and the radio.[2]
    • Recheck the reading on the voltmeter. The charge shouldn't drop below a reading of 13.
  5. Depress the gas pedal until the tachometer reads 2000 RPM.
    • Recheck the reading on the voltmeter. With the electric devices running and the engine running at 2000 RPM, the voltage should read 14.
  6. Test the wiring if the charges aren't in the proper range, as the voltage reading alone doesn't fully diagnose a faulty alternator.[3]
  7. Assure that the vehicle is still running.
  8. Make contact between the rear of the alternator and the voltmeter and check the reading.
  9. Connect the voltmeter to the positive battery anode and check the reading.[4]
    • Assume that there is a problem with the wiring or circuitry system if the readings differ by more than 0.3.
  10. Proceed with the following steps when you have confidently diagnosed a bad alternator.
  11. Detach the vehicle's negative battery line.[5]
  12. Assure that the battery cable remains completely separate from the battery throughout the repair procedure.
  13. Disengage the serpentine belt from all applicable components.
  14. Rotate the belt tensioner counter-clockwise, using an appropriately sized socket wrench.[6]
  15. Pull the belt from the pulley when the tensioner is sufficiently loose.[7]
  16. Access the wiring harness, which is attached to the back of the alternator.
  17. Dislodge the clamp portion of the primary connector by pressing on the tab.
  18. Pull the primary wire away from the alternator.
  19. Remove the nut from the secondary connector.[8]
  20. Pull the secondary wire away from the alternator.
  21. Use appropriately sized socket wrenches to dislodge the 3 mounting bolts from the alternator.
  22. Lift the alternator away from the engine bay.[9]
  23. Position the new alternator into the support clamp.
  24. Tighten the mounting bolts to the proper torque.[10]
  25. Reconnect the secondary cable to the alternator by reengaging the nut.
  26. Pull back the tab from the primary cable, and then reconnect that wire.
  27. Push the wire in until the tab locks.
  28. Rotate the belt tensioner counter-clockwise once again.
  29. Replace the serpentine belt, referring to the routing guide, which is affixed near the radiator.
  30. Reconnect the negative battery line.
  31. Start the truck to confirm proper installation.



Tips

  • Some other faulty components that can mimic symptoms of a bad alternator can include the battery or the starter.
  • It is a good idea to inspect the serpentine belt while it is removed. If you find any cracks or tears on the smooth side, replace it.
  • If you have the know-how, rebuilding the alternator may be a more affordable alternative to replacing it.
  • An alternator with a high charge can cause a lot of problems for your truck's sensors and can permanently damage the battery.
  • If your truck is a late model, refer to your owner's manual regarding the voltage regulator, and how to bypass it in order to check the alternator charge.
  • The vehicle battery needs to be replaced every 5 to 6 years. More frequent replacement may be indicative of an alternator that is running too many volts.

Warnings

  • It is not safe to disengage the battery cables while the truck is running to verify a dysfunctional alternator.

Related Articles

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COJr7OB23Hw
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGB6ZEjGm7Q
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGB6ZEjGm7Q
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpG8uQHCDQk
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzG2tvp68mQ
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDJI0riVHrg
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDJI0riVHrg
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDJI0riVHrg
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDJI0riVHrg
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDJI0riVHrg
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