How to Replace a 2000 Dodge Intrepid Alternator

A bad alternator can cause stalls, dead batteries or even damage the battery of your car. If your 2000 Dodge Intrepid has the 2.7L engine, expect to spend about an hour replacing the alternator because of the need to work under the car. In 3.2L and 3.5L models, the replacement will only take about half an hour. Many alternator shops can repair your removed alternator or give you a discount on the replacement if you trade in your bad part.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack
  • 3 jack stands (for 2.7L engine)
  • Socket wrench
  • Socket set, metric
  • Torque wrench

2.7L Engine

  • Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery, then remove the positive (red).

  • Raise the front end of the car and place it securely on jack stands. The lift points are very far under the edge--refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for an illustration.

  • Unbolt and remove the plastic cover from the bottom of the engine.

  • Unbolt the transmission cooler and move it to the side, but do not disconnect the hoses. The cooler looks like a small radiator underneath your car, connected by hoses to the transmission.

  • Unbolt and remove the support for the radiator, replacing it with a jack stand.

  • Loosen the T-bolt that adjusts the alternator, then loosen the pivot bolt. Do not remove them. This removes tension from the alternator belt. Remove the belt.

  • Disconnect the electrical connectors. The battery line is held in place with a nut. Remove the pivot bolt and alternator.

  • Install the replacement alternator. Installation is the reverse of removal. Torque the battery cable nut to 90 in-lbs. (7.5 ft-lbs.) and the pivot bolt to 40 ft-lbs.

3.2L and 3.5L Engines

  • Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery, then remove the positive (red). Unbolt and remove the upper support rail for the radiator.

  • Loosen the lower mounting bolt and pivot bolt on the alternator, but do not remove it. This relieves tension from the belt. Remove the belt.

  • Disconnect the electrical connectors. The battery line is connected with a nut.

  • Unbolt and remove the alternator. Install the replacement using the reverse procedure. Torque the battery cable nut to 85 in-lbs. (7 ft-lbs.) and the mounting and pivot bolts to 40 ft-lbs.