How to Install an Alternator in a Jeep Cherokee

by Gregory Crews

The alternator on your Jeep Cherokee is designed to convert the voltage from your battery to a current your vehicle can use. The alternator also recharges the battery when the engine is running. Your vehicle loses battery charge when cranking, as that takes a lot of electricity to turn your motor.

Step 1

Disconnect the battery cables from the battery. The battery will need to be disconnected as you are working on the electrical system.

Step 2

Remove the accessory drive belt from the pulley. You can do this by loosening the tensioner pulley.

Step 3

Unfasten the electrical lines from the back of the alternator. The harness should unsnap. You can use a flathead screwdriver to help unlock the fastener.

Step 4

Unbolt the screws holding in the alternator. The alternator is held up by two to three bolts. In some cases you might have to unscrew the bottom bolt from underneath the Jeep.

Step 5

Remove the old alternator and replace with the new alternator. The new generator should go back in place.

Step 6

Fasten the electrical harness to the new alternator. They should snap in to the back of the alternator.

Step 7

Re-attach the belt. The vehicle has a belt diagram which will instruct how to run the belt. Loosen the tensioner pulley to attach the belt. The pulley will tighten as you release it.

Step 8

Screw the battery cables back on the battery. Red is positive and black is negative.

Step 9

Crank your Jeep Cherokee and you can test the charging power of your alternator by turning on the headlights. Your vehicle should not surge when you add the extra power from the headlights.

Things You'll Need

Warnings

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