How to Replace the Alternator on a Chevrolet S-10

The alternator on your S-10 is responsible for charging the battery. As you drive down the road, the pulley on the alternator turns, creating an electrical charge that is transferred to the battery. When the alternator is weak, you may notice issues with the lights dimming. Once the alternator completely fails, you will not be able to start the vehicle without a jump start; and once the charge to the battery from the jump start runs out, the engine will stop running.

Instructions

1

Remove the air intake duct by loosening the clamp on the side of the black hose and removing it from the top of the engine compartment.

2

Use a socket to turn the retaining nut on the back of the alternator counterclockwise to remove it from the radiator assembly.

3

Unplug the electrical connection from the back of the alternator assembly. Make sure you are pulling on the plug and not on the individual wires leading to the alternator.

4

Unscrew the three bolts mounting the alternator to the engine. These bolts are easy to identify as the alternator is round except where the mounting bolts are placed. The metal is machined so the mounting bolts are on the parts of the alternator that stick out from the round area.

5

Remove the belt from the alternator and rest it on the remaining pulleys.

6

Pull the alternator from the engine compartment and install the new alternator in its place.

7

Replace the belt on the alternator pulley.

8

Tighten the three alternator mounting bolts by turning them clockwise with the socket and ratchet.

9

Reattach the electrical connection to the back of the alternator.

10

Replace the retaining bolt onto the bottom of the alternator and tighten it by turning it clockwise.