Where is the Alternator located?

Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 217,000 MILES
I am trying to replace my alternator on my vehicle listed above GLS and I am having trouble locating it.
Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 AT 10:47 AM

25 Replies

Tiny
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Hello,

The alternator is located toward the bottom of the engine. It is right next to the crankshaft pulley.
In order to replace the alternator, you will have to access it from under the vehicle. Which means removing the skid plate. Also, the A/C compressor will need to be removed to get the alternator out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

I have attached a diagram for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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My car has been sitting for a while and I just was able to get the battery charged at AutoZone if it doesn't start up this time how will I know if it's the alternator or starter?
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Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 AT 11:40 AM
Tiny
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Keep in mind if it is the alternator then it will start but will not stay running. Usually, the engine will stall as soon as the battery gets discharged by the alternator.
You can also do the alternator test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

And of course, if the starter is bad then you might just get some clicks.

Let me know how it goes.
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Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
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Okay, so, I am still troubleshooting so far, I have a new battery and gas in the car and it's still not trying to start, but it's making the attempt to start by going through the motions.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 6:49 AM
Tiny
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So, the engine is cranking over but not starting?

Generally speaking, an engine will need spark, fuel and compression to start.
So, if it is cranking over, it tells you that the starter is good.

Now you will have to check and see if you have spark to the plugs.
Also, can you hear the fuel pump come on, when the key is turned to the on position?

Take a look at this guide, it covers the typical issues when the engine cranks but does not start:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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What is the sound or noise need to listen for to tell if my fuel pump turns on? Because there is 1 gallon of gas in there and it's not registering that there is any gas in there when I turn the key to start the car.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 8:00 AM
Tiny
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It is a distinctive buzzing or humming noise. If you are in a quite area, it is reasonably easy to hear. It will turn on when the key goes to the on position (not start) for few seconds and then shut off.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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Here is a little video of the car trying to start:
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
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Hard to tell from the video if the fuel pump is turning on.
But does the engine actually cranks over? It was difficult to tell from the video. I can see the lights flicker on the dash, but the noise did not sound like it was cranking.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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I don't know if you could hear the sounds of the video in the last one, so I had to do it again, is it the alternator.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
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It's almost like there is not enough power.
Did you try to jump start it?
When it is the alternator the engine will stall when the jumper cable gets removed.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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No, I have not tried that since I put the new battery in. I will try that tomorrow and let you.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
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That sounds good.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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What is a good price range for a used, remanufactured and new alternator?
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
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Typical remanufactured alternator runs around $130.00 to $140.00, new ones can run about $250.00. That is the price you will see from parts stores like AutoZone or O'reillys.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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I am going to go back to the troubleshooting process, so I am going to try using a jumper box it has 600amp the portable ones.
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 2:07 PM
Tiny
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600-amp jump box should be strong enough, as long it is fully charged.
You will at least get a few cranks out of it even if for some reason it does not start.
If it cranks over strong but does not start, then it could be an issue other than an alternator. If it starts but stalls after you remove the jump box, then it is probably the alternator.
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-1
Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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Okay, thanks, I will let you.
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
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Sounds good.
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
JUDIE_SIMMONS
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I'm not too sure if the jump starter is working correctly so I'm not sure that I can rule out the alternator from this video what is it sounding like to you.
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 3:45 PM

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