How to Change an Alternator on a Dodge Neon

An alternator is what provides electrical power for your vehicle and recharges the battery. A volt meter (if you have one) may begin to give seeming erratic readings, these readings are the true output of the charging system. A faulty alternator will not normally cause a "Check Engine Light" to turn on. It will however allow the battery to be drained completely and you will not be able to start the vehicle without a jump. Changing your alternator is actually a rather simple task, the most difficult part is removing the serpentine belt and putting it back on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrenches
• Socket Set
• New alternator (Or rebuilt)
• Pry bar
• Tube of anti-seize

1. Disconnect the battery and ECU connections.

2. Locate the alternator and Serpentine belt. They should be facing the passenger side wheel well. Once located, remove the electrical clips connecting to it. One should have 1 wire, and the second should have 2. (These numbers may vary by model year)

3. Looking down, you should see the engine belt "looping" around various pulleys. Look for the pulley with the spring and swing arm located roughly in the middle.
   
   Insert the pry bar against this pulley and pull it back against the spring (The direction it would swing) until there is enough slack to slide the serpentine belt off the alternator.

4. Remove the alternator by loosening the 3-5 bolts (depending on model year) securing it to the engine. Simply pull it off in a strait motion, it should not be stuck. If you cannot remove it, check and see if you left a bolt in. Do not pry.

5. Place the new alternator onto the engine and secure with the old alternator bolts. Place a small amount of anti-seize on each bolt.

6. Using the pry bar, pull the tensioner back again. Place the belt onto the alternator and ensure that it is on all pulleys securely.

7. Connect the power and signal wires back to the alternator. (2 wire and 1 wire connectors depending on model year, respectively.)

8. Reconnect the battery and ECU.

Tips & Warnings

• The bolts securing the alternator on your Dodge Neon are steel, not an alloy. Excessive force can bend them. If you need a large amount of force to remove them, use some WD-40 on the area or heat the area using a propane torch. Impact guns are a great tool for this job, while you still can do it without one easily. If a bolt becomes stuck, there hammering motion can often free the seize without breaking the bolt.

References

• Haynes Manual
• Some info on changing alternators

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