How hard is changing an alternator on a '97 Ford Ranger?

Question

Is this something the mechanically challenged could do? What's a fair price to pay for an alternator?

Answer 1

Its easy Disconnect battery remove belt, Disconnect alternator wires, remove 2 bolts, replace alternator replace belt plug up, replace belt simple, cost 35-40 rebuilt OK, about 75 new, I would recommend a re built , They do a good job , However if it goes bad they will replace it for free. good luck

Answer 2

97 Ford Ranger Alternator

Answer 3

Usually your local auto shop will have the alternator you are looking for and calling around to 3 or more shops will find you the best price. YOu will likely have to return the old alternator for a 'core return' which means, they give you money back for the old one, usually barely worth the trip back.
If this is a vehicle you plan on keeping for a bit, I would pickup a CHILTON book on it. It will show you , pretty much, how to replace the alternator.
But basically, once you locate the alternator, you will have to unbolt it from the engine and replace it with the new one, and plug her in. Keep in mind however that belts that go around the alternator, on many vehichles also go around other items on the vehichle like the fan, air conditioner etc. If you do not pull this tight enough, you will get SQUEELING. If you pull it too tight you are liable to break the belt in a few weeks.
Inspect the belt to make sure it is not worn too bad and that you do not have to replace this also. I would suggest this.
THis is probably one of the easiest things a mechanic can do to a car honestly, that the average guy chooses not to do.
All told I could do it in an hour but have been working on cars for a few years, usually because something breaks.
I learned just like you, by just doing it.
Sometimes you have to remove 'other stuff' to get to the stuff you need to fix. Be sure to document (write down) what bolts etc go where. Make drawings if it helps you.
The easiest way to make sure the belt is tight enough, is to see that there is an adjustment you can use on the alternator that allows you to pull the slack out from the belt and then tighten the alternator down with a bolt or two, usually on some sort of slider. You'll know what I mean when you see it. Just pull it as tight as you can, and then tighten the bolt down. Don't try to SUPER pull the alternator tight, just enough muscle that you are straining yourself. If you are a weakling, then pull tight, if you are a big guy that is actually strong - then be gentle. I told one guy this and he said it was dead on: Pull the alternator hard enough away from the pulleys and belts, tightening the belts hard enough that if you suddenly let go and hit yourself in the stomach, you would definetely feel it and not like it. :)
Btw get the chilton book...go on ebay. Usually about $25 bucks.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How hard is changing an alternator on a '97 Ford Ranger?
Is this something the mechanically challenged could do? What's a fair price to pay for an alternator?

Answer 5

What size engine does the truck have (2.3L, 3.0L, or 4.0L)? Advance Auto Parts usually has an alternator for around $130. You'll have to take your old one in though, or else you'll have a core charge added on. You can return it later and get the refund if you need to. Their usually not too hard if its on the top of the engine. I've got a 1994 4.0L and its not that difficult. You can usually do it with just a couple of hand tools.

Be sure to check out the warranty on the alternator. Those $49 dollar one usually only have a warranty for about a year, which they tend to only last that long. The Advance alternators have a lifetime warranty. Also, they'll price match anywhere else with a lifetime warranty. Check out their website for more information about how to install it.

www.advanceautoparts.com

Answer 6

If the alternator is right up near the top of the engine, it should be an easy job, but you have to disconnect the battery cables before you start the job, and you may need a helping hand when you tighten the fan belt. Make sure you get the right part number for your engine, because some alternators are computer controlled and some are not, even for the same model vehicle sometimes. Also make sure your battery is good and charged up before using the new alternator.

Answer 7

I don't think that I'd attempt it because of the electronics in cars these days. If you're mechanically challenged, don't even attempt it. If you have a friend who does know how to deal with car electronics and knows what they're doing, go ahead. If you take the car to a mechanic, plan on spending between $200 - $400, depending on mechanic and price of alternator (new or used alternator? How much does mechanic charge for labor per hour?).

Answer 8

Alternators don't tend to be too difficult to change out.

Instructions with photos can be found here:

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0e/31/d8/0900823d800e31d8/repairInfoPages.htm

Answer 9

It should cost about 49 dollars at checker and it is as easy as putting on chap stick to replace.

Answer 10

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