A Mazda Tribute is designed to haul people and/or cargo to and from destinations, but if the alternator breaks, the SUV isn't going anywhere. That's because the alternator produces power for the electrical accessories and when it stops functioning, the SUV will, too. Fixing the problem means replacing the alternator, but first you have to remove the old one.
Pop the hood. Locate the tensioner on the front of the engine, just below the alternator and slightly above the crankshaft pulley. Place the 3/8-inch breaker bar and a socket onto the bolt on the tensioner and turn it clockwise. With the tension off the belt, pull the belt off of the alternator using your hands.
Take the negative battery connection off of the battery using an open-end wrench and repeat this process with the positive battery connection.
Remove the battery connection on the alternator using an open-end wrench. Unplug the wiring harness to the alternator using your hands.
Unbolt the alternator from the engine block using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the alternator with both hands and carry it away from the engine.
