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Any tips on Alternator Replacement?

1.3K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  GXPaycheck  
#1 ·
Hey folks, I got the "battery charging system" notification and battery light last friday. I was about 100 miles from home and limped her to an auto parts store. I bought a new batter and got mine charged up. I was able to get the SS home with a battery swap about 2/3s of the way home. The voltage would sit at 12.1 for a while and then slowly trickle down, once it got to 11 it fell pretty fast and at 10 things started to shut off. Anyway, it doesn't seem to matter which battery I try, and considering the warning was charging system failure, I ordered a new alternator.

I ordered the high output version for the police pursuit vehicle. It's supposed to arrive tomorrow and I'll probably allot some time saturday to get this done. It sounds like I just remove the air box and then it should be pretty simple, but I figured I'd ask if there are any tips/tricks/gotchas for this swap. Thank you!
 
#2 ·
May I ask where did you order it from and what was the part number? Last time I looked they were out of stock, so if they’re available now, I also want to get one ordered and have it on my shelf for when mine goes out.
 
#4 ·
That number looks to come back to a 2011-2013 Caprice, with different numbers coming back for the 2014-2017 Caprice. Can't say which is right or wrong, only noting a difference in parts as an FYI.

 
#5 ·
There’s a couple good threads on the G8 forums if you can’t find any in here. YouTube videos too. Probably not too much difference except for the power steering pump. I just put a ‘14-‘17 PPV alternator on my G8.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Whew, well that part worked. That was kind of a pain in the ass, not really HARD... just annoying.

Basically, tips for folks. I was told to remove the airbox, I took out the air filter/MAF tube and thought that was good. NO! Pull the whole air box. 2x15mm on the front, 1x15mm on the back, 1x13mm holding the main, and a clip. I used a 15mm wrench with another wrench under it to hold the tensioner up and that worked out okay.

Getting that thing back in was a wrestling match, just way harder than it feels like it should have been. Maybe some lube would have helped a little. I definitely used a crow bar... what in the world!

Anyway, got everything apart and back together in about 90 minutes. There were a few "Fs" and a couple "what the F's", but generally pretty chill. I did change out the battery since I'd run the old one down so hard (and I'd already bought a 2nd one to limp it home). Buttoned everything and did a test drive, it seems fine. My "parking assist not available" alert came up, I'm not sure what's up with that. I've seen folks say that happens if you don't wait the 15minutes for the light to turn out or whatever when you change the battery. Hopefully that self heals. Seeing 13.9V, I turned everything in the car on, still had 13.8-13.9V, so I guess that's good.

The old one front "clutch" felt really loose, I kind of wonder if it's just that part that failed. I might take it into autozone when I bring my old battery back for the core charge and have them test it.

edit: put in the new battery and I'm getting 14.5V, so I'm thinking it's probably reasonably to keep the new one. It's also a 5 year warranty.
 
#7 ·
Swapped mine out a few months back, removing the airbox definitely gives you the space you need. Make sure you disconnect the battery first, and watch the belt routing so you can put it back exactly the same. The tensioner can be a bit stiff, so a breaker bar helps. Also, double check the connections on the new alternator before bolting it in, easier to fix while it’s loose.
 
#11 ·
I have a 2014 and I think it maybe the alternator draining my battery. Where exactly did you purchase yours. Not sure if they will have it for my 2014. I understand Rock Auto may sell one as well? Did you ever put it in or ?
Whew, well that part worked. That was kind of a pain in the ass, not really HARD... just annoying.

Basically, tips for folks. I was told to remove the airbox, I took out the air filter/MAF tube and thought that was good. NO! Pull the whole air box. 2x15mm on the front, 1x15mm on the back, 1x13mm holding the main, and a clip. I used a 15mm wrench with another wrench under it to hold the tensioner up and that worked out okay.

Getting that thing back in was a wrestling match, just way harder than it feels like it should have been. Maybe some lube would have helped a little. I definitely used a crow bar... what in the world!

Anyway, got everything apart and back together in about 90 minutes. There were a few "Fs" and a couple "what the F's", but generally pretty chill. I did change out the battery since I'd run the old one down so hard (and I'd already bought a 2nd one to limp it home). Buttoned everything and did a test drive, it seems fine. My "parking assist not available" alert came up, I'm not sure what's up with that. I've seen folks say that happens if you don't wait the 15minutes for the light to turn out or whatever when you change the battery. Hopefully that self heals. Seeing 13.9V, I turned everything in the car on, still had 13.8-13.9V, so I guess that's good.

The old one front "clutch" felt really loose, I kind of wonder if it's just that part that failed. I might take it into autozone when I bring my old battery back for the core charge and have them test it.

edit: put in the new battery and I'm getting 14.5V, so I'm thinking it's probably reasonably to keep the new one. It's also a 5 year warranty.
I see post now. Sorry about earlier post.
Whew, well that part worked. That was kind of a pain in the ass, not really HARD... just annoying.

Basically, tips for folks. I was told to remove the airbox, I took out the air filter/MAF tube and thought that was good. NO! Pull the whole air box. 2x15mm on the front, 1x15mm on the back, 1x13mm holding the main, and a clip. I used a 15mm wrench with another wrench under it to hold the tensioner up and that worked out okay.

Getting that thing back in was a wrestling match, just way harder than it feels like it should have been. Maybe some lube would have helped a little. I definitely used a crow bar... what in the world!

Anyway, got everything apart and back together in about 90 minutes. There were a few "Fs" and a couple "what the F's", but generally pretty chill. I did change out the battery since I'd run the old one down so hard (and I'd already bought a 2nd one to limp it home). Buttoned everything and did a test drive, it seems fine. My "parking assist not available" alert came up, I'm not sure what's up with that. I've seen folks say that happens if you don't wait the 15minutes for the light to turn out or whatever when you change the battery. Hopefully that self heals. Seeing 13.9V, I turned everything in the car on, still had 13.8-13.9V, so I guess that's good.

The old one front "clutch" felt really loose, I kind of wonder if it's just that part that failed. I might take it into autozone when I bring my old battery back for the core charge and have them test it.

edit: put in the new battery and I'm getting 14.5V, so I'm thinking it's probably reasonably to keep the new one. It's also a 5 year warranty.
Yeah, the rock auto link is in this thread somewhere. I swapped it out, it was pretty straight forward. I'm on my phone but I can give more tips if you need. Just remove the entire air box and find a way to hold the tension off the belt.
I would have to have someone replace it for me. I am Female that is handicap now, but still love my Car. Not able to fix it on my own, but when I take it in I can certainly give them advice. . I have a Chevy SS 2014. Friend gave me part number but it was for a AC DELCO. he said that it would be better to get the chevy alternator though. The weird thing on here is everyone is saying unhook battery, and remove air box, my battery is in the trunk, but airbox is in the front. I would do it if I could. Now to get it. Just not sure if it is alternator for sure.
 
#12 ·
I have a 2014 and I think it maybe the alternator draining my battery. Where exactly did you purchase yours. Not sure if they will have it for my 2014. I understand Rock Auto may sell one as well? Did you ever put it in or ?

I see post now. Sorry about earlier post.


I would have to have someone replace it for me. I am Female that is handicap now, but still love my Car. Not able to fix it on my own, but when I take it in I can certainly give them advice. . I have a Chevy SS 2014. Friend gave me part number but it was for a AC DELCO. he said that it would be better to get the chevy alternator though. The weird thing on here is everyone is saying unhook battery, and remove air box, my battery is in the trunk, but airbox is in the front. I would do it if I could. Now to get it. Just not sure if it is alternator for sure.
First, you are dealing with the electrical system, so you do indeed want to disconnect the battery in the trunk. Second, you will want to remove the air intake tube or box, in order to get access to the alternator. Third, ask around here for a good mechanic in your area and you may get some good advice for competent help. Make certain that it is the alternator before buying and replacing it. That is an easy check at a parts store or by simply using a multimeter across the battery when the car is running. Finding and fixing problems through proper diagnosis is much more effective and much less expensive than throwing money at parts and hoping that one will work. Good luck!
 
#13 ·
I had a battery drain issue with my 2014 SS a few months ago, and turned out to be the Onstar system. Luckily the fix was pulling the Onstar fuse in the fuse box right next to the battery. Sadly this has happened to a few other owners, so worth a check. Hopefully you can find a friend or mechanic who can find the reason for the drain. Good luck.