How to Change the Alternator for a Hyundai Elantra
by Shayrgo Barazi
The alternator on a Hyundai Elantra is an electrical generator that recharges the battery while the car is on to power the ignition and electrical systems. When the alternator fails, the Elantra will shut off because the ignition system ceases to obtain a sufficient amount of electrical current to keep the engine running. When the alternator fails, replace it with a new or remanufactured alternator. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and disconnect the battery to prevent shock.
Step 1
Open the hood of the Hyundai Elantra; prop up the hood.
Step 2
Disconnect the negative battery terminal with a wrench.
Step 3
Pull up on the belt and remove it from the alternator.
Step 4
Remove the two electrical connectors from the alternator. One is held on with a nut that you can remove with a ratchet; the other is an electrical connector that requires you to press down on a tab and pull the connector straight out.
Step 5
Remove with a ratchet the two long alternator bolts that secure the alternator and thread into the engine block. Remove the alternator from the engine.
Step 6
Install the new alternator onto the engine and thread in the bolts. Tighten the bolts with a ratchet.
Step 7
Reconnect the two electrical connectors onto the new alternator.
Step 8
Place the alternator belt back onto the alternator, and tighten the belt tensioner with a wrench or ratchet. Tighten the alternator belt to half an inch of belt deflection. If you would like to be precise, place a ruler against the belt perpendicularly and see how far down you can push it. If you can push the belt down more than half an inch, tighten the belt some more; then tighten the lock nut to keep the belt tensioned.
References
- "Automotive Repair and Rebuilding"; Jeffrey J. Rehkopf; 2006
Tips
- Check the condition of the alternator belt. If there are many cracks in the belt, replace it so that it doesn't break while you are driving.
Things You'll Need
- Wrenches
- Ratchet
- Sockets
- Alternator
- Ruler (optional)
Writer Bio
Shayrgo Barazi is a college graduate with a degree in automotive engineering technology (B.S.c.) from Ferris State University. He is a successful writer and has taken a college level technical writing course. He currently works for Time Wave Media writing automotive DIY articles. He has an intuition for technology and has the capacity to write, too.
