How to Replace the Alternator in a 1997 Nissan Altima
by John RoseIf the alternator goes dead in your car, you're not going to get anywhere. Luckily, replacing it is easy so you have no need of wasting your money at the repair garage. For someone with no experience working on automobiles, this project will take about an hour to complete.
Step 1
Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a wrench to loosen the nut. Remove the upper radiator hose using a screwdriver to remove the clamps.
Step 2
Loosen the adjusting bolt on the alternator with a socket and ratchet and push it toward the back of the car far enough that the belt loosens. Pull the belt off of the engine.
Step 3
Disconnect the wires from the alternator. There is a wiring harness that needs to be unplugged, and then remove the others by using a wrench to remove the nuts.
Step 4
Remove the alternator mounting bolts using the socket and ratchet. Pull the alternator out of the car. You may have to wiggle a little to free it from the bracket.
Step 5
Put the new alternator in place and loosely install the mounting bolts. Plug the wiring harness in and then connect the other wires and tighten the nuts with a wrench. Put the alternator belt back on the engine and pull the alternator toward the front of the car to tighten the belt.
Step 6
Tighten the alternator mounting bolts with a socket and ratchet. Put the upper radiator hose back on and tighten the clamps with the screwdriver. Reconnect the battery terminal and tighten the nut with a wrench.
Things You'll Need
- Metric socket set
- Metric wrench set
- Screwdriver
Warnings
- Working on your automobile when it is hot is dangerous and could result in serious burns. Always work on your vehicle when it is cool.
Writer Bio
John Rose has been writing professionally since 1981. Now contributing to various online publications, he specializes in auto repair, home maintenance and similar topics. Rose studied English at Frostburg State University.
