Alternator replacement DIY??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 331
From: Ocala FL
Alternator replacement DIY??
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. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
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
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,115
Likes: 1,038
From: Dyer, IN
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.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 331
From: Ocala FL
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.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 5
From: Loveland CO
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:
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:
Last edited by RedZMonte; Sep 30, 2013 at 07:20 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 82
From: Fort Worth, TX
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.
It was down right one of the easiest removal/install process.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
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?
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?
Last edited by wcsinx; Oct 1, 2013 at 10:04 AM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 82
From: Fort Worth, TX
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.
Last edited by pql-lbc; Oct 1, 2013 at 05:15 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 169
From: oregon
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
may see what it costs to have yours rebuilt versus the $200-250 of a delco 150a replacement
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
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.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Rio Rancho NM