How to Change an Alternator on a Ford Escort

The Escort was Ford's leading compact car for many years, replacing the Ford Pinto as an alternative for the other full-size models of its time. There were three types of engines used in the Ford Escort, and the alternator was placed in different locations depending on the engine and year of manufacture.

Things You'll Need:

• Box-end wrench set
• Ratchet and socket set
• Flathead screwdriver
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• Lug wrench

1.9 Liter Ford Escort

1. Open the hood and remove the negative battery terminal from the battery by loosening the clamp nut with a box-end wrench. Wiggle and pry the terminal off of the post with a screwdriver, and isolate it so it does not come into contact with the battery post during the procedure.
2. Remove the serpentine belt by locating the tensioner pulley and placing a box-end wrench onto the bolt head and turning it. Remove the belt from the alternator pulley only.
3. Remove the two snap-on wire connections to the alternator.
4. Remove the wire connector to the alternator by removing the nut to the alternator stud.
5. Remove the clip retainer of the A/C accumulator tube support (if equipped with A/C; if not, skip this step).
6. Remove the two alternator bolts (upper and lower) using a ratchet and socket.
7. Remove the bolts holding the power steering reservoir in place and position the reservoir out of the way. Remove the alternator.
8. Place the new alternator into the engine and reverse the procedure to install.

1.8 Liter Ford Escort

1. Open the hood and remove the negative battery terminal from the battery by loosening the clamp nut with a box-end wrench. Wiggle and pry the terminal off of the post with a screwdriver, and isolate it so it does not come into contact with the battery post during the procedure.
2. Remove the wire connector to the alternator by removing the nut to the alternator stud.
3. Remove the other wiring connector to the alternator.
4. Loosen the alternator bracket bolt enough to position the alternator forward and remove the drive belt from the alternator pulley.
5. Break the lug nuts loose on the front passenger side tire with the lug wrench.
6. Lift the front right quarter panel with the floor jack and support the Escort on a jack stand under the front right frame rail.
7. Remove the lug nuts and wheel. Remove the splash shield retainer clips by prying them out with the screwdriver, and remove the splash shield to expose the alternator.
8. Remove the lower alternator bolt and remove the alternator.
9. Place the new alternator into the engine and reverse the procedure to install.

2.0 Liter Ford Escort

1. Open the hood and remove the negative battery terminal from the battery by loosening the clamp nut with a box-end wrench. Wiggle and pry the terminal off of the post with a screwdriver, and isolate it so it does not come into contact with the battery post during the procedure.
2. Remove the serpentine belt by locating the tensioner pulley and placing a box-end wrench onto the bolt head and turning it. Remove the belt from the alternator pulley only.
3. Remove the power steering hose bracket from the alternator bracket on the sedan and wagon models only. On the coupe, remove the antifreeze reservoir to access the alternator more easily, then unplug the electrical connectors.
4. Remove the alternator bolts and position the alternator so you can access and remove the electrical connectors. Unplug the electrical connectors on the sedan and wagon. Remove the battery cable to the alternator on the coupe model.
5. Remove the alternator.
6. Place the new alternator into the engine and reverse the procedure to install.

Tips

On the 2.0 liter engine, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will need to reset after disconnecting the battery. Take the Escort for a test drive down a quiet road for about 10 miles for the PCM to reset.

Video demonstrating how to replace an alternator on a Ford Escort:

Comments on this video:

• Thank you very helpful, god bless.
• Good video, If I may make 1 observation... The serpentine belt removal was not covered.. but most of us are experienced enough to know how that works.