How to Install an Alternator on a 2002 Dodge Intrepid
by Dan Ferrell
The alternator on your 2002 Dodge Intrepid is nestled inside the engine compartment among several components. Still, you can gain access to it through the underside of your vehicle after removing a couple of components. Then you can easily remove the old unit and install the new one. The strategy allows you to accomplish the job in your driveway using a few common tools. This procedure applies to the 2.7-liter engine model.
Removal
Step 1
Park your Dodge Intrepid on a level surface.
Step 2
Open the hood and detach the ground (black) battery cable, using a wrench.
Step 3
Jack up the front of your vehicle, using a floor jack, and support the car on two jack stands.
Step 4
Chock the rear wheels and apply the parking brake.
Step 5
Detach the splash shield from under the engine compartment, using a ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Unfasten the transmission cooler mounting bolts, using a ratchet and socket, and move the cooler to the side.
Step 7
Unfasten the lower radiator cross-member support, using a ratchet and socket, and support the radiator with another jack stand.
Step 8
Loosen the alternator adjusting T-bolt, using a pair of slip-joint pliers.
Step 9
Loosen the alternator mounting bolt(s), using the ratchet and socket.
Step 10
Slip the belt off the alternator pulley.
Step 11
Unplug the wiring harness from the back side of the alternator.
Step 12
Unfasten the retaining nut holding the wire to the back side post of the alternator, using a wrench.
Step 13
Remove the alternator mounting bolt(s) completely, and remove the alternator from the vehicle.
Installation
Step 1
Fit the alternator in place, and install the mounting bolt(s)--but do not tighten yet.
Step 2
Install the wire to the back side post of the alternator, using the wrench.
Step 3
Plug the wiring harness to the back side of the alternator.
Step 4
Install the belt on the alternator pulley, and tighten the T-bolt to properly adjust the alternator belt. Use the slip-joint pliers.
Step 5
Tighten the alternator mounting bolt(s), using the ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Remove the jack stand, then install the lower radiator cross-member support, using the ratchet and socket.
Step 7
Install the transmission cooler, using the ratchet and socket.
Step 8
Attach the splash shield to the bottom of the engine compartment, using the ratchet and socket.
Step 9
Lower the Intrepid.
Step 10
Remove the chocks from the rear wheels.
Step 11
Reattach the ground (black) battery cable, using the wrench.
References
- "Chrysler LH-series Automotive Repair Manual"; Eric Godfrey; 2008
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Chocks
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Slip-joint pliers
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
