How to Remove a Ford Contour Alternator

by Jody L. Campbell

The Ford Contour comes in two different engine sizes. Removing the alternator from the 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine is much less complicated than removing it from the 2.5 liter, six-cylinder engine. Since each motor offered in the Ford Contour sits sideways in the engine compartment, the drive belt and pulleys it routes to (including the alternator) are located on the passenger side. The alternator is one of the lower components in the pulley system, and requires disassembling of several other components to remove.

2.0 Liter Ford Contour Alternator

Step 1

Align the Contour between the car lift posts, but do not lift yet. Release the hood latch and open the hood.

Step 2

Disconnect the negative battery terminal and isolate it so that it does not come into contact with the battery.

Step 3

Remove the air intake resonator using a hand wrench or ratchet and socket.

Step 4

Remove the air cleaner tube and the mass airflow sensor.

Step 5

Reach down to the alternator and disconnect the plugs and connectors from the alternator.

Step 6

Lift the Contour to waist level and remove the front passenger side hub cap, then the lug nuts from the wheel using the impact gun and an impact socket. Remove the wheel.

Step 7

Remove the wheel well splash shield assembly to gain access to the alternator using a screwdriver to remove the retaining clips.

Step 8

Locate the tensioner pulley and use a box-end wrench to turn the pulley clockwise to release tension on the belt. Remove the belt from the alternator pulley only; you do not need to remove the entire belt.

Step 9

Locate and remove the alternator mounting bracket and lower bolts using a ratchet and socket.

Step 10

Lower the Contour.

Step 11

Remove the retaining bolt and nut from the power steering hose bracket, then remove the bracket from the engine lifting eye.

Step 12

Remove the upper alternator bolt, then remove the alternator. To replace, reverse the procedure.

2.5 Liter Ford Contour Alternator

Step 1

Align the Contour between the car lift posts, but do not lift yet. Release the hood latch and open the hood.

Step 2

Disconnect the negative battery terminal and isolate it so that it does not come into contact with the battery.

Step 3

Step 4

Lift the Ford Contour to waist level and remove the front passenger side hub cap, then the lug nuts from the wheel using the impact gun and an impact socket. Remove the wheel.

Step 5

Remove the wheel well splash shield assembly to gain access to the alternator using a screwdriver to remove the retaining clips.

Step 6

Disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle assembly, then remove the hub nut from the hub.

Step 7

Tap on the outer spline of the half shaft to make sure it is separated from the hub. Use a hammer and a block of wood so you do not damage the spline by directly hammering it.

Step 8

Lift the Contour all the way up to remove the front exhaust Y-pipe from the exhaust system. Use a torch to heat up the flange nuts and bolts before separating the rear flange connection of the pipe and the front flange to manifold studs connection.

Step 9

Unplug all the wires and connectors attached to the alternator.

Step 10

Remove the retaining bolts from the alternator brace and then remove the brace.

Step 11

Remove the halfshaft by pushing out on the knuckle to separate it from the hub and then prying it out of the transaxle with a large pry bar. Be sure to set a drain bucket beneath the transaxle to catch the fluid that will drizzle out.