The alternator on the Kia Sorento is responsible for generating and distributing electricity to the accessories, such as the heater and the lights. When it goes bad, the vehicle will not run. Many people believe that the battery powers the accessories, but that is true only when the engine is not running. If the vehicle is running and the alternator malfunctions, you don't have much time before the accessories completely drain the battery. At the first indication that the alternator is going bad, you need to replace it.
Lift the hood of the Kia Sorento and prop it open. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery using a wrench to loosen the nut.
Loosen the generator tensioner with a wrench and remove the accessory belt.
Remove the alternator mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet. Pull the alternator out of the Sorento.
Put the new alternator on the engine and tighten the mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet.
Position the accessory belt on the alternator. Tighten the belt by tightening the tensioner bolt with a wrench.
Reconnect the battery terminal and tighten the nut with the wrench.
