How to Remove an Alternator From a Chevy Venture Van

by Kyle McBride

The alternator on your 2005 Chevrolet Venture Plus is in the rear of the engine compartment, next to the power steering pump on the passenger side of your 3.4-liter engine. When you remove the power steering pump, don't disconnect the lines. If you do you'll need to bleed the power steering system. The standard labor estimate for removing and installing the alternator on your Venture is two hours. Give yourself plenty of time. Pay attention to belt routing and the orientation of the brackets before you take them off, or take reference photos. Chevy calls for replacement alternator part No. 10317648 or equivalent.

Removal

Step 1

Park your Venture and turn off all accessories. Set the parking brake and put the transmission in "Neutral." Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key. Install a memory-saver. Remove the negative battery cable bolt and route the cable aside so it doesn't touch the battery.

Step 2

Loosen the intake air duct clamps: one at the mass airflow sensor and one at the throttle body. Disconnect the intake air temperature sensor connector. Grasp the IAT sensor, then gently twist and pull it to remove it from the air duct. Disconnect the vent tube from the air duct and disconnect the connector for the mass air flow sensor. Disengage the two air cleaner cover clips, then remove the air duct and air cleaner cover.

Step 3

Remove the engine mount strut bolts -- one on each strut -- and swing the struts out of the way. Attach the engine tilt strap to the hook on the forward side of the engine, near the passenger-side engine strut, and secure it to the front frame member at the strut mount bracket. Using the tilt strap, ratchet the engine toward the front of the van to rotate it away from the firewall, then tighten the strap to hold it in place.

Step 4

Remove the generator B+ terminal nut and lead, then disconnect the connector on the backside of the alternator. Find the drive belt tensioner below the alternator pulley. Rotate the tensioner to release tension on the belt and slip the belt off the alternator pulley.

Step 5

Remove the bolt on the front and two bolts on the rear of the alternator. Remove the alternator from the alternator bracket and set it above the drive axle. Remove the drive belt tensioner bracket bolt and remove the bracket and tensioner as one piece.

Step 6

Remove three bolts from the alternator brackets -- one on the top and two on the front of the engine. Remove the brackets.

Step 7

Disengage the power steering lines from the retaining bracket. Don't disconnect the power steering lines from the pump; just remove the lines from the retaining bracket. Remove the Schrader valve cap from the fuel rail. Remove the three power steering pump bolts from the front of the engine. Move the power steering pump to a temporary position in front of the timing chain cover.

Step 8

Disengage the wiring harness on the right fender well from its retainer and move it aside. Lift the alternator from the engine compartment.

Installation

Step 1

Set the alternator in the engine compartment in its temporary position above the drive axle. Engage the wiring harness in the retainer on the right fender well.

Step 2

Install the power steering pump and tighten the bolts to 25 foot-pounds. Install the Schrader valve cap on the fuel rail. Engage the power steering lines in the retaining bracket.

Step 3

Install the alternator brackets and the drive belt tensioner. Tighten the bolts to 37 foot-pounds. Install the alternator on the brackets and tighten the bolts to 37 foot-pounds. Route the drive belt around all the pulleys except for the alternator pulley. Rotate the belt tensioner and slip the belt on the alternator pulley. Release the belt tensioner.

Step 4

Connect the electrical connector to the back of the alternator. Install the B+ lead and nut. Tighten the nut to 115 inch-pounds. Release the engine tilt strap and rotate the engine toward the firewall. Swing the engine struts into position. Install the strut bolts and tighten them to 36 foot-pounds.

Step 5

Install the air duct and air cleaner cover. Engage the cover clips. Connect the MAF sensor connector and connect the vent tube to the air duct. Press the IAT sensor into the air duct until it snaps in place. Connect the IAT sensor connector. Tighten the air duct clamps to 18 inch-pounds.