QuestionCould you please tell me the proper sequence for removal of the alternator and can I check the alternator before removing to see if it is defective.
Answer Test it before anything else. You need some equipment to test it properly. You probably do not have access to a load tester. A quick cheater test, if you have a DVOM, (Digital volt ohm meter) is with vehicle off. Check battery voltage and record. Start vehicle. Wait 120 seconds, check battery voltage again, it should be equal to or higher than the first reading. If it's lower, let the vehicle run another 5 minutes and recheck, if it's still lower and dropping, turn the headlights on high and the heater on high and recheck. If still dropping, alternator is most likely bad.
Now, if after starting the vehicle and the voltage gets higher or holds, probably not the alternator. If loaded with the lights and heater and it still holds or gains, you can be confident it's not the alternator. Normal charging voltages are 13.8-16volts DC. Both these tests assume good cables throughout and tight clean connections everywhere.
To poroperly test the battery you need a calibrated load tester or carbon pile. Each battery has an Amp/hour rating. You load at 1/2 the rating, calculate for temperature and monitor the voltage to be sure it doesn't drop below a certain point over a certain time period. That is the ONLY reliable way to test a battery. Those little hand held deallies at the parts store are better than nothing, but they will lie. Their algorithims do not take into account broken plates etc.
On the removal, I can not remember for each and every model and motor. I'll just share this. On the six cyl. models, you take the whole mounting bracket and everything off at the block and then remove alt. And share what an old instructer once told me a million years ago: "How tough can the problem be? It's right there in front of you!" VBG
Merry Christmas!
Mark
You're not a prude and no offense taken. If you carefully reread the last paragraph you'll see that I did address NOT remembering every model. I did see it was a 5cyl but tried to offer what I could remember in general. If you would like the simple procedure blow by blow, might I suggest going here www.alldata.com and purchasing the repair procedure? You get a whole years worth of access to all R&R procedures for your vehicle. It's reasonable.
Merry Christmas!
Mark
