Replacing the alternator on your Dodge Stealth requires lifting the vehicle. Several other components must be removed to obtain access to the mounting bracket bolts. Although it's not exactly an easy task to remove and replace the alternator on your car, do-it-yourself mechanics can do this with a few basic tools.
Make sure your Dodge Stealth is parked (or pushed) onto a flat paved surface. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal, then isolate it so it will not accidentally recontact the terminal post.
Crack the lug nuts on the left front (driver's side) wheel 1/8 of a turn with the tire iron. Place wheel blocks in front and behind of one of the rear tires. Lift the car with the jack, then place it onto jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and then the wheel.
Remove the bolts and pop-out clips holding the splash shield to the car's undercarriage. Use the ratchet and a socket for the bolts and a Phillips-head screwdriver for the clips. Remove the driver's-side engine cover through the wheel well. Disconnect the lower clips with the screwdriver, and remove the upper bolts with the ratchet and socket.
Remove the retaining bolts on the air conditioner vacuum/suction line on the top driver's side of the engine. Lift the line up, and secure it to the hood with a bungee cord. For turbo-equipped models, you must also disconnect the intercooler lines to access the alternator.
Loosen the center bolt of the tensioner pulley by turning it counterclockwise. Do not remove the bolt. Loosen it enough so that the pulley wiggles slightly. Turn the tensioner bolt at the top of the pulley counterclockwise to relieve tension on the belt. Once enough tension is relieved, you can slide the belt off the wiggling tensioner pulley.
Remove the A/C condenser fan on the dual overhead cam models. This makes removing the lower alternator bracket bolt attached to the bracket easier. On single overhead cam vehicles, consider removing the radiator--although separating the alternator from the bracket may allow you to remove the alternator without having to pull out the radiator.
Remove the B terminal cover, then remove the retaining nut beneath it. Remove the remaining electrical connections to the alternator.
In the upper engine compartment area, remove the retaining bolt to the oxygen sensor connector attached to the alternator bracket. Pull out the two alternator bracket bolts on the driver's side above the tensioner pulley. Remove the remaining two bracket bolts on the other side, supporting the alternator with your hands so it does not drop down and damage the radiator fins. Lift out the alternator from up above the engine compartment.
