1999 Ford Explorer Alternator Replacement Fix

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RONGSAYS
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  • 2 POSTS
1999 ford explorer 4.0 sohc v6 auto 4x4 120k

the alternator in my explorer is bad, i got a quote from a local mechanic for 487$ i am unable to afford this so i am going to replace the alternator myself. is there a special tool i will need for the serpentine tensioner?? also i have never replaced a alternator on a vehicle with a serpentine belt so i would like step by step instructions emailed to me, i realize i can just buy the repair manual but i am so strapped for cash i can prolly just afford the remanufactured alternator and a serpentine belt tool... any and all help in this matter will be greatly appreciated, if anyone has the haynes maual for my vehicle please be so kind as to scan the pages i need and email them to Rongsays@aol.com... thank you so much
Feb 25, 2007 at 5:54 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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hi ,
you dont need any special tools for this operation, first always remove the neg battery terminal , next take a good look at the tensioner and belt routing so you dont forget where it goes , most of the time i just take off the portion i need and leave the rest in place , anyway the tensioner will either hav a spot on it for a 3/8 drive ratchet or a bolt , it may take a few tries a s most tensioners have inches of movement , once there is enough tension off of the belt slip it off the alt pully , remove all wiring from the alt then remove bolts , whalah its out and reverse for install , piece of cake you can do it
if you need any other info let me know

jim

oh and leave some feedback if you were happy with your help , we all donate our time here helping others free of charge
Feb 25, 2007 at 6:13 AM
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RONGSAYS
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thanks so much your quick reply and instruction really saved the day... i will definately recommend this site to others... now for my next question lol... the literature which came with my new alternator suggested that i check the 2 fuses that go with the alternator... i have no idea where they are so i can replace them... any help with this will again, be greatly appreciated, thanks so much!
Mar 1, 2007 at 2:36 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,375 POSTS
they are talking about in the fuse box and under hood fuse box is a diagram on the boxes good luck, wasnt scary at all was it

thanks , jim

oh and if you are happy with the info please leave some feedback we all donate out time here helping people for free
Mar 1, 2007 at 3:38 AM

Suggested Repair

No special tool is required. Disconnect the negative battery cable, note the belt routing, and release the tensioner with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet or the tensioner bolt. Slip the belt off the alternator pulley, disconnect the wiring, and remove the mounting bolts. Install the replacement in reverse. Check the related fuses using the diagrams on the interior and under-hood fuse boxes.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 SOHC V6 planned to replace a failed alternator and asked whether a special serpentine-belt tool and step-by-step instructions were needed. The expert said no special tools were required and outlined disconnecting the battery, releasing the tensioner, removing the belt from the alternator, and unbolting the unit. When the owner later asked about the two alternator-related fuses, the expert directed them to the diagrams on the interior and under-hood fuse boxes.

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