When you open the hood on your 2002 Volkswagen Beetle, all you will see is a black plastic engine cover. The cover is designed to keep the engine clean. When you remove the cover, you will notice that the engine looks just like most side mounted engines. The alternator runs via the serpentine belt just like every other alternator on the market. The process for removing the alternator, once you remove the cover and locate the alternator, is straightforward.
Remove the bolts that secure the engine cover to the top of the engine with a socket and ratchet. Lift the engine cover off the engine. This will expose the alternator on the left front of the engine.
Disconnect the VW's negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket.
Loosen the tension bolt and the alternator pivot bolt with a socket and ratchet. Locate the alternator to the left to loosen tension on the serpentine belt. Pull the serpentine belt off the alternator.
Remove the bolts and pull the alternator upward.
Disconnect the wire looms secured to the top of the alternator and place the alternator on its face so you can see the wires connected to the back.
Remove the jam nuts that secure the wires to the backside of the alternator with a socket and ratchet.
