The alternator on the Ford Excursion is the main component that keeps the battery fully charged. The alternator also controls the vehicle's entire electrical system. When the motor is running, the crankshaft turns the serpentine belt around the alternator pulley. As the serpentine belt turns around the alternator pulley, it enables the alternator to send the proper amount of voltage to the battery. The battery makes the run. The alternator must be replaced when it quits working.
Park the Excursion in a safe work area. Pull the hood release latch and open the hood.
Pull the negative battery cable off the battery with the adjustable wrench. Place it to the side so that it does not touch the negative battery post.
Insert the square end of the 1/2-inch drive breaker bar into the square hole on the tensioner device. Turn the tensioner device counterclockwise to loosen the serpentine belt. Slide the belt off the alternator pulley. Slowly release the tensioner device so that it comes to a stop.
Remove the 10mm nut that is holding the positive battery cable to the post on the back of the alternator (use the 3/8-inch drive ratchet). Pull the battery cable off the post and set it the side. Push the positive battery cable out of the way so that it does not touch anything metal.
Unplug the wire connector plug from the back of the alternator by squeezing the end of the plug and pulling up at the same time.
Remove the three alternator mounting bolts with the 1/2-inch drive breaker bar and a socket. Pull out the bolts and place them to the side.
Insert the pry bar between the alternator and the alternator bracket. Pry up and down until the alternator is free of the alternator bracket. Pull the alternator out of the bracket and place it on the ground.
Position the new alternator into the bracket. Match up the three mounting bolt holes. Screw the three mounting bolts into the alternator and tighten down with the breaker bar and socket.
Reverse the steps above to reinstall the electrical components on the back of the alternator, the serpentine belt and the negative battery cable. Once everything is hooked up again, crank the Excursion and let it run for about two minutes so that the new alternator can fully charge the battery. Turn off the engine and close the hood.
