Before starting this project, make a small investment and buy a "battery maintenance and compute memory keeper". It costs anywhere between $8-$12. You can get them at any local auto part stores.
One end has a plug to attach a 9-volt battery to; the other end has a plug that fits into the cigarette lighter outlet.
I've included a photo of one particular type- there are others, this style will suffice- effective and inexpensive.
After attaching a fresh 9-volt battery to the battery terminal end of this device, plug the other end into the cigarette lighter outlet.
The purpose of this device is to maintain voltage continuity to the car's computer- namely, the Engine Control Module [ECM]; clock and radio's pre-set memory since you will have to disconnect one of the car's battery cable.
NOTE: Please remove any jewelery before working on the car's electrical system or its components to avoid any electrical shorts, shocks, or burns.
1.) Remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal with a wrench or socket and ratchet.
CAUTION: Please use safety glasses and gloves for this procedure...and
NEVER allow metal objects, like the tools you are using, to touch both battery terminals at the same time.
Please wrap the negative battery connector with a shop towel to prevent accidental connection while you work on removing the alternator.
2.) In this step, you only want to loosen the serpentine belt tension bolt from the bracket located on the top of the alternator with a socket and ratchet. Loosen the alternator pivot bolt located on the side of the alternator and then loosen the bottom locking bolt located on the bottom of the alternator. DO NOT REMOVE ANY OF THE BOLTS IN THIS PROCEDURE.
3.) Push the alternator downward. This makes the alternator pivot on the pivot bolt and releases tension on the serpentine belt. Lift the belt off the pulley on the alternator.
4.) Disconnect the wring harness connected to the alternator by pushing in on the locking tab and then by pulling upward on the harness. Remove the bolt that holds the harness clip to the alternator with a socket and ratchet.
5.) Now you can remove the tension bolt, alternator pivot bolt and the lower locking bolt and pull the alternator out of the engine bay.
6.) Place the new alternator in the engine bay and thread the tension bolt, pivot bolt and lower locking bolt in with your fingers. DO NOT TIGHTEN THEM DOWN.
7.) Reconnect the wiring harness to the new alternator and secure the harness with the bolt you previously removed in step 4.
8.) Place the serpentine belt back onto the alternator pulley. Make sure the belt lines up with the rest of the engine's pulleys and are seated properly.
9.) Place a crowbar between the casing of he alternator and the mounting bracket and force the alternator upward to create tension in the serpentine belt.
10.) Place a crowbar between the casing of he alternator and the mounting bracket; with firm and equal pressure, pry the alternator upward to create tension on the serpentine belt.
11.) Tighten the tension bolt [32 ft. lbs.] with a torque wrench while mainlining tension on the belt.
12.) Tighten the pivot bolt [32 ft. lbs.] and the lower locking bolt [32 ft. lbs.] with a torque wrench.
13.) Make sure the alternator belt is not too tight. There should be about a 1/2 centimeter of deflection when pressure is put on it from the side.
14.) Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal.
15.) Before starting your vehicle up, take a voltage reading across the two battery terminals; you want to make sure the battery is fully charged (12+Vdc). If not, place the battery on a charger for about an hour.
16.) Check for a fully charged battery by taking another voltage reading. You should have a reading anywhere between 12.4Vdc or 12.7 Vdc.
17.) Perform a load test using a load tester- take another voltage test- if the battery cannot hold the charge or the load tester read-out tells you the battery is poor; replace the battery.
If you don't you can push the new alternator to run too long and you can end up burning it out.
18.) Start the motor, and check for abnormal noises. If there is any slipping or whining noise coming from the belt, it is too loose. STOP THE ENGINE and then re-tighten the belt.