The Kia Sportage has two engine options, a 2.0-liter and a 2.7-liter. Depending on the engine, there are different alternator mounting locations and belt drives. The 2.0-liter tightens the alternator belt by pivoting the alternator against the belt. The 2.7-liter mounts the alternator in a stationary position and has a belt tensioner that keeps a constant tension applied to the belt. The 2.0-liter mounts the alternator on the lower right side of the engine while the 2.7-liter is on the lower left.
Raise the hood on the Kia Sportage and remove the negative battery cable with a wrench. Locate the alternator either on the lower right or lower left side. Disconnect the main alternator output wire on the back of the alternator by removing the retaining nut. Pull the wire off of the stud. Unplug the alternator control connector. Press down on the snap-lock clip and pull the connector directly out.
Loosen the alternator belt by levering the belt tensioner back and slipping the belt off of the alternator pulley or loosening the upper bracket bolt and lower pivot bolt and pushing the alternator inward. This will loosen the belt for easy removal.
Remove the alternator by unscrewing the upper and lower bolts and pulling the alternator out of its mounting location. Both alternator mounting styles are held in place by only two fasteners.
Install the replacement alternator in its respective location and install the lower mounting bolt. Do not tighten the bolt. Install the upper bolt hand-tight. Install the output wire and plug the control connector into its socket. On the 2.7-liter, tighten the alternator's mounting bolts, lever the belt tensioner back and reinstall the belt. Gently release the belt tensioner against the belt. For the 2.0-liter, reinstall the belt onto the alternator and with a pry bar, pry the alternator back to place tension on the belt. Tighten the upper adjustment bolt followed by the lower bolt.
Reattach the battery cable back onto the negative battery post. Start the Sportage and verify the alternator's output by watching the alternator gauge on the dash. Rev the engine slightly to make sure the reading on the gauge increases. Lower the hood.
