Alternator Replacement

Hello Everyone,

I recently replaced the alternator on my TRD Sport Tacoma. I was searching through youtube and a few forums but didn't find a good thorough guide, so I made one up!

I hope this helps someone out!

-Karl

https://youtu.be/Q9iIucCk0So

 

Great DIY! Thanks for posting!

 

Excellent! Great editing and descriptions.

 

Great write up. Only one correction; the wire that is connected on the alternator with the protective cap is positive 12v that goes directly to the battery.

 

At what mileage did you need to replace?

 

I replaced my alternator last september it had 198000 on it.

 

It can go directly to the battery, if fused properly. Otherwise, OEM routing is alt to the fuse box where it is fused then it goes to the battery.

Edit: after viewing the video, I see that you meant to correct the OP in that he misidentified the alt lead cable as a ground cable. It is a positive cable.

To OP: Torque on the alt bolts is 43lbs, not 16; the alt nut for the positive wire is 9.8 ft lbs. There is a good thread here for the alt installation. A good auto diy video should, imo, include torque specs for all bolts/nuts re-installed.

I replaced my alt last year and I didnt have to remove the bottom tray. But, it is a good idea to check play in the idler pulley bearings while you are down there.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-change-the-alternator-on-a-2nd-gen-tacoma.175116/

 

Awesome write up! Short video that gets to the point!

I'm at 196k so I know mine is coming up. I check the voltage routinely and it's still putting out 14.2

 

Karl, thanks for taking the time to put together the video. It was very helpful. Judging by the number of stores that have Tacoma alternators in stock, they aren't lasting all that long. Mine failed at 95,000. At least it failed when it was parked next to my house.

There seem to be some differences through the years on where things are mounted. So for those who have '11's, here's what I did. I left the fan shroud and fan in place. Pulled the bottom "skid plate" to get at the tensioner and the bottom bolt on the alternator. I used a small screwdriver to pin the tensioner. I took the alternator out through the gap between the fender and frame. That was pretty easy, just remember to turn the wheels all the way left when you park it. The bracket that is bolted to the alternator was easier to access from the gap than from above. There was no way the alternator would come straight up on mine. Maybe if the fan shroud were removed it would.

The most frustrating part was trying to get the little grey plastic cover off the alternator. The one that covers the nut for the positive lead. I broke mine. The green terminal does have a release lever that must be squeezed to get it off. Not too hard. Several small bungees came in handy to hold wiring back out off the way. The other handy thing to have are the little plastic fasteners that hold the flexible fender liner in place. (They break.) I got a kit from Amazon a couple years ago.

$24 SWORDFISH 60070 146pc Auto Body Retainer Fastener Clip Assortment for Toyota Lexus

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V05LSZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . Also, for those who watched the video and are wondering, there are no nuts on the long bolts that mount the alternator.

I was surprised that it failed at 95k. In hindsight, it had been charging at 13.7-13.9v which is a little low. Now it's at 14.1-14.2v. Also surprising is that my scan gauge did not pick up any codes at all, even though the battery light was on, and the alternator was bad.

Hope this helps someone someday.

(The link for scan gauge is not the same scan gauge that I have. I didn't put the link in. Either TW put it in, or Amazon did. Weird.)

 

My 2010 with 66k miles went out Sat. Heard loud whinning .Thought was power steering .Pulled on side to check fluid was good . Went to start noticed bat weak .Went napa to buy battery (was 4 years old) tried starting was dead . Replaced battery and noticed not charging so picked up and replaced alternator .
Battery light did not come on so was kind of surprised happened so fast . And at 66k miles...

 

2006 Tacoma
I replaced my alternator June it had 272000 on it. Great post! Thanks

 

I like the tensioner part where the drill bit is stuck in there

 

Hmmm I always forget about this. I just put the belt on till I get to the tensioner then grab it with a wrench.

 

Did anyone just use the Napa alternators or did you buy oem ones? Im going to replace mine, and I’ve figured out it’s the non tow package, could I install a 130a without upgrading wiring or fuses?

 

I too had mine just go out battery isn’t very old at all,I never saw a battery light come on. The alternator started whining two days later truck wouldn’t start.

 

One of the best videos I've seen, very efficient. I love how the filming was on a fast speed, very respectful of the viewer's time!

 

Just changed my alternator out. Good video. You might also check the bearings on the pulleys. You now have access to the tensioner bracket when the alternator is out, you only have one item to drop to install it.

 

I've never purchased a NAPA alt. so I can't say one way or another. I will say whatever you do, DO NOT ever buy alternators or starters from Auto Zone.

This may not work for people with one vehicle, but I always pull either starter or alt. when dead and take to a local electric rebuilder I've been using for 40+ years.

 

I changed my alternator, your video was a big help!

 

While you have the alternator out it would be a good time to replace the VVT filters. The driver's side one requires the alternator to be moved aside.