Replacing the Alternator in a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
- 1). Turn off the engine and place the transmission in park (automatic) or first gear (manual). Engage the parking brake and open the hood. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery terminal using the battery terminal wrench.
- 2). Remove the serpentine belt by inserting the end of the serpentine belt tool into the square hole on the belt tensioner and rotating the removal tool clockwise. Unplug the alternator's electrical connector. Remove the bolt holding the positive voltage cable to the alternator using a 3/8-inch ratchet and a metric socket. Remove the positive voltage cable from the alternator.
- 3). Remove the alternator bracket bolts using a metric socket connected to a 3/8-inch ratchet. Remove the alternator from the car. Place the new alternator in the mounting brackets and reinstall the mounting bolts using a 3/8-inch ratchet connected to a metric socket.
- 4). Reinstall the positive voltage cable on the alternator and tighten the retaining nut using a 3/8-inch ratchet and a metric socket. Plug in the alternator's electrical connector. Compress the serpentine belt tensioner using the serpentine belt tool. Reinstall the serpentine belt according to the belt-routing diagram located under the hood.
- 5). Reconnect the negative cable to the battery using the battery terminal wrench. Start the engine and verify that the alternator works.
