mre1974

After pulling fuses and checking everything that I could think of I was at wits end. Turns out that the alternator (looks to be the original) is not working properly so I need to replace it. Looks to be fairly straight forward process but I'm wondering if there's a DIY that can be of some help? Any help would be appreciated.

chevy406

Disconnect battery
Unplug connector on alternator
Remove nut and positive wire from alternator
Unbolt 3 mounting bolts
Repeat in reverse order

cdkcorvette7

the tensioner for the upper drive belt is on the opposite side of the engine bay from the alternator close to the battery compartment. Put a wrench on that and release the tension off the belt so you can remove it. Good luck

lucky131969

No offense, but if you can't figure out how to replace the alternator, how did you troubleshoot isolating it? Are you certain that it's bad?

mre1974

As I've only had the Vette since last November I wasn't sure if there was anything "different" about it. Like I said in my original post it looks fairly straight forward but it just looked "too easy". I guess I'm more used to the overly tight engine bays of my past vehicles.

rboineau

Haven't I read on the Forum that you have to be careful to replace the alternator with a proper one or you can get codes/messages/other problems?

Slow Z06

you MUST go to a dealer to get it done. They have special CORVETTE tools that you must use to do that. DONOT attempt yourself

You have been warned

































LOL

pql-lbc

And to think I almost took it to a mechanic to change out the alternator. Good thing I checked CF.

Thanks for passing on the knowledge!!

RedZMonte

Very easy... its just as easy as it looks.. Be sure to have a Belt routing diagram, that can be the funny part that makes it take more then 10 min. as for the bolts, snug them down, they dont need much snugging to be tight.

Be sure to get a quality alternator, AC Delco/Delphi are my top choices. Rockauto.com is usally reasonable and you can find 5% off cupon codes if you google it.

Belt routing:

racebum

the ac delco 150a would be my go-to for replacement, there is an auto and manual version, make sure to get the right one

pql-lbc

Went with a reman'ed AC Delco 110A alternator that I found locally. Rock Auto had the 150A but I didn't want to wait and have to deal with core charges/returns.

It was down right one of the easiest removal/install process.

Chicago1

It should take about 5 minutes if even that to get the alternator out. Takes me longer to grab a beer and get tool then to pull it.

pql-lbc

wcsinx

Be sure you get the right one for your car. As I recall, the early C5's (97-01 according to RockAuto) had a Valeo unit with a bunch of "special" circuitry.

Also, what exactly makes you think your alternator is bad? Did you pull your codes? Are you seeing a "Charge System Fault" message on your DIC?

3boystoys

What voltage do you see when car is running? What is the voltage of the battery FULLY CHARGED?

pql-lbc

I first saw the "Charge System Fault" error message a few months ago, after which, it appeared more often. I started out a few weeks ago with checking out and replacing the battery outright but the error message still persisted. The voltage when the car was running was rather erratic, anywhere from 11 to 14.5 volts.

racebum

that's bad news. when functioning correctly i have never seen voltage under 13.0v and the alternator self regulates between that and 14.4 or 14.5v

may see what it costs to have yours rebuilt versus the $200-250 of a delco 150a replacement

wcsinx

I would opt for that since you have one of the Valeo units. I believe that is what Bill Curlee (you might even ping him) recommends. You cannot put an 02+ type alternator in your car.

pql-lbc

Already pulled the trigger and installed the AC Delco 110Amp unit yesterday. No faults or error message so far. If things go south again, I may bite the bullet and go for the Billet Tech one.

Chicago1

I been thinking about one but holly crap $$$