How to Change the Alternator on a 2000 Ford Ranger

The alternator supplies the electrical needs of your 2000 Ranger; without a fully functioning alternator your Ranger will leave you stranded pretty quickly. The alternator contains the generator, which creates electricity as the alternator pulley rotates; and the voltage regulator, to make sure the alternator’s output is consistent with the electrical needs of the Ranger. Anyone with basic auto repair experience can change the alternator on a 2000 Ford Ranger in less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Battery wrench
• Serpentine belt tool
• Pocket screwdriver
• Socket set

Instructions

1. Lift the hood and support it with the prop rod. Disconnect the negative battery cable end from the negative battery post with the battery wrench.

2. Plug the end of the serpentine belt tool into the belt tensioner, located on the front of the engine, and move the tensioner off the belt with the tool. Slip the belt out of the way with your free hand, and slowly allow the belt tensioner to move back to its normal position.

3. Slip the belt off the alternator pulley. Remove the wiring harness from the alternator; use the pocket screwdriver to unclip the retaining tab before pulling the harness connector off the alternator by hand.

4. Unbolt the ground wire from the alternator using the socket set.

5. Remove the alternator mounting bolts with the socket set. Lift the alternator out of the engine well and insert the new one by hand.

6. Thread the alternator mounting bolts in, through the alternator mounts and into the Ranger’s alternator bracket. Tighten the alternator mounting bolts down with the socket set.

7. Connect the wiring harness by hand, and bolt the ground strap to the new alternator using the socket set.

8. Move the belt tensioner aside using the serpentine belt tool, and put the belt over the alternator pulley first, then the tensioner pulley with your other hand. Slowly let the tensioner move back into place, holding the belt in position until the tensioner holds it. Remove the serpentine belt tool.

9. Reconnect the negative battery cable in reverse of removal and close the hood.

References

• "Ford Ranger 1993 thru 2008 (Haynes Repair Manual)"; Ken Freund; 2008