How to Change a Nissan's Alternator
by Kahlea Pendleton
Alternators help power a vehicle’s electric system when the engine is running. The alternator also charges the battery, so it plays an integral role in your Nissan. If you don’t have the money to pay a mechanic to replace and install a new alternator, consider doing it yourself if you possess basic auto repair skills.
Step 1
Lift the hood of your car. Disconnect the negative battery cable with an 8 mm wrench to loosen the bolt that holds down the cable. Go to the passenger side of the car and locate the idler pulley. Below this is the belt tensioner. Place a 15 mm wrench onto the belt tensioner and move it clockwise to loosen the tension on the belt.
Step 2
Attach another larger wrench, as an extension, to the 15 mm wrench to give it more pull. Then push the wrench to loosen the belt. Pull the belt off of the belt tensioner without totally removing it. Let it lay. Move the wrench back to its starting point and remove the wrench.
Step 3
Pull out the black plug that is connected to the alternator with a pair of pliers. You will see an electrical connector with a rubber protector. Take the protector rubber boot off and you will see a 10 mm mounting bolt or nut. Remove this nut.
Step 4
Place a 13 mm socket and ratchet on the top brace nut and remove it from the black brace that holds the alternator in place. Then remove the other brace nut (15 mm brace nut), located on the side of the brace and toward the bottom, with the 15 mm socket and ratchet. Remove the brace.
Step 5
Remove the 13 mm bolt underneath the alternator. Lift and pry the alternator out of its holding spot. Insert the new alternator in the place of the old alternator and reassemble all the parts. Reconnect the negative battery cable to complete the job.
Things You'll Need
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Large pair of slip jaw pliers
- 10 mm, 13 mm and 15 mm sockets with ratchet
- 15 mm wrench with larger wrench or pipe for leverage
Writer Bio
Kahlea Pendleton has worked as a freelance editor since 2008. She has edited content for ChaCha.com a well-known, fast-moving texting company as an expeditor and has served as a homeschool teacher assistant for the past two years. She also has her degree in music education.
