The Buick Skylark is equipped with an alternator to ensure the battery holds a constant charge, especially after start-up. Start-up drains the battery the most and needs to be charged to power all the electrical components that are standard with the Buick Skylark. Changing the alternator should only take a matter of minutes as the part is easily accessible at the top of the engine.
Open the hood for access to the alternator. Unbolt the negative and positive wires on the battery.
Loosen the tensioner pulley to free the belt. The tensioner will be located under the alternator. Slide the belt off the alternator pulley.
Pull the wires at the back of the alternator. There will be two sets of wires to pull off. The first set will pull from the alternator. The second set requires loosening a small nut with a socket wrench and pulling the lead off by hand.
Loosen the bolts holding the alternator in place. There will be two bolts to loosen and remove.
Pull the alternator off the bracket. Replace with the new alternator.
Bolt the alternator to the bracket with a socket wrench. Ensure both bolts are tight.
Install the two sets of wires. The positive harness will lock in place once pushed down far enough. The other will require loosening the nut, placing the negative lead on the stud and tightening the small nut with a socket wrench.
Install the belt over the alternator pulley. Tighten the tensioner with a socket wrench to ensure the belt stays tight.
Connect the battery to provide electrical power. Ensure the positive cables are attached to the terminal labeled "+".
Allow the car to idle for five minutes. Turn the car off for at least an hour. Attempt to crank it again. The car should start. This will determine if the battery is taking a charge from the alternator.
