This is the best way to do it! Thank you for the video. I just replace my 2011 Caravan alternator today during my lunch break, less than 1 hour in a parking lot and I was done. I was able to keep the radiator hose attached and remove the fan assembly, but it took a lot of wiggling. The other TH-cam videos show more complicated ways that aren't necessary. Only tools used were 3/8" flex handle ratchet with 13mm deep socket, 10mm and 13mm open end wrench. If I did it again, I think next time it would only take 20 minutes. Good video!
@@khaledakm If you remove the front bolts near the radiator and then the nut, just grab the alternator with both hands and wiggle the alternator towards the frame but be careful to not bind or strip the threads if you don't have the tool. It is much easier if you used the E7 tool. Just do the opposite to put it back on. If you have shorter arms or the alternator is a little heavy to move, you can do it from the underneath but it is more work around the AC compressor and lines which means recharging the coolant and it isn't good for the environment or body parts near it. Wear safety glasses for eyes if you have to do that and gloves in case you can't get away body parts fast enough. You could disconnect AC lines from your radiator and it is a little safer in my opinion! This video saves a lot of work if are able to do most of the work from the top. Standing on a block or something similar structure that won't move easily and allow you to bend over at the waist, the top of the radiator makes it easier to get to all the bolts, nuts, alternator and wires. This video shows a lot of time savings, and effort. This keeps you from having to remove the airbox or out of the way, wires, possibly damaging the engine knock sensor/wires, remove the power steering pump resivor, upper radiator hose and thermostat at a minimum. I wished I seen this video before replacing mine. God bless you Sir who did this video and those that is watching this.
Found your video after seeing other methods that seemed more compicated. Your method made it possible for me, who is not a car guy, to replace an alternator. Thank you!
You have the patience of a Saint and are very good at instructing. Thank you so much for this video. I have confidence I can get this job done the easiest way now!
Yes thank you so much, the other video I saw they took the ac lines off instead of Removing the fan. This was most helpful thanks for taking the time to make it
This is the best method. I replaced the alternator in my 2017 caravan today and this method works like a charm. Way easier than removing the AC pump. By removing the fan assembly it gives you easy access to the electrical connectors and the two side bolts. I just put the van on drive on ramps and it gives plenty of access to remove the belt. I replaced the belt, and the noisy idler and tensioner pulleys while the belt was off. This was a very helpful video. Good job.
Awesome video! Had to change out the alternator on our 2014 Grand Caravan. Have never had to do the job before. The method you demo here worked great! It won out over three others. Getting the new serpentine belt on was a pain, but doing this at home and having the alternator rebuilt definitely saved me money! Just came back from my drive around working in the belt, and everything checks good! Tomorrow I top up the coolant. Thanks again!
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience, I do appreciate it. I am glad that the video helped you to save time and money. Keep up the good work and God bless you 🙏
Man this help me verify the whine I was having in my Town & Country, I was about 80% certain it was the alternator and confirmed it by unplugging while running. thanks man.
Very glad I watched this video before I unnecessarily discharged my A/C system like shown in other videos. Maybe a little more work with this method, but saves a ton of money on a recharge.
Hello 👋 thank you for posting your comment. I do appreciate it. I am glad that the video helped you to save money. Have a great weekend and God bless you 🙏
This is how I've done my last 3 swaps (Thanks for the crap parts CarQuest) The only difference is I don't fully disconnect the fan, just pull it up and rest it on the battery, plenty of wire for that. Yes you lose some coolant pulling the top hose, but I have the clip-on funnel to burp it easily. Don't have to remove any studs this way and the alternator is very accessible via the front.
Thanks for the video, it was very practical, we are doing very well with the alternator change until I compared it with the new one and it was not the case that they made a mistake in the store. thank you very much for your channel
Just swapped out mine on a 2014 caravan. Had to remove cooling fan assy like you. Much more room. Same with the lower bolt/nut. Used a 5.5 socket on it. Worked. Part alone was almost $400. Local shop wanted another $400 labor. $800 total! I saved $400 today doing it myself! F dodge also! Junk vehicle design/cheap parts
If you are a good mechanic you would never do such things but breaks as in bolts usually only happen if the bolts are just to old and rusty or improper torquing
Looks like that van needs a new motor mount too. Hydraulic fluid leaking all over the place on the splash shields. Passenger side motor mount is hydraulic fluid filled.
Thanks for the video, but it would be better if you have someone else holding the camera and having all the tools handy so that the video could be much shorter.I just the other day replaced my alternator on my 2013 Grand Caravan and I did it from the bottom. Each way has advantages and disadvantages, and either way is not as easy as working on the older models with the rear wheel drive!!
Hello! Thank you for posting your comment. I agree, it would be better if I had someone that could help with the camera. Unfortunately, making videos is not my full time job so I film when I can and when I feel that the video may help others. Good job fixing your vehicle. Have a great day and God bless you 🙏
My 07 i had made a winding nose alot in the winter but that was bc the bearing in my alternator was bad and my alt was bad as well. Change it nose went away and fixed my alt as well.
@@GearHead83 Hello, I am sorry to hear that you are having the same problem with a different vehicle. Keep me posted. Have a great day and God bless you 🙏
What was the socket you used to take the bottom off with? It's a star shaped socket. I got the old part without removing it, whatta fanagle. But I ain't wanting to put the new one on in same fashion. Thanks in advance!
Hello! Thank you for posting your question. In some vehicles the idler and the tensioner pulley are the same. When you go to the auto part store they will ask you if the pulley is smooth or have groves in it. Most of the time you can change the tensioner pulley. Keep me posted. Have a blessed day 🙏
@@myviews469 I understand you concern, take the alternator to get tested at your local auto parts store and if all internal components are ok, replace the pulley
You may need to spray WD40 around the connections really well to the engine and use a hammer on the alternator, but tapping the alternator from the handle and not the hammer head unless you need too. If you still can't move it, use the E7 tool and remove the long bolt looking towards the frame.
Can I tear you in your video? It seems like you're experimenting on the best way to take it out. You're not the only one though. It seems like everybody is experimenting on the best way to remove it. If you know what you're doing, then you need to have some sort of Mike. Plug in to your phone so that you can talk
![[안방1열 풀캠4K] 베이비몬스터 'FOREVER' (BABYMONSTER FullCam)│@SBS Inkigayo 240707](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_2HL-ogzzBU/mqdefault.jpg)
This is the best way to do it! Thank you for the video. I just replace my 2011 Caravan alternator today during my lunch break, less than 1 hour in a parking lot and I was done. I was able to keep the radiator hose attached and remove the fan assembly, but it took a lot of wiggling. The other TH-cam videos show more complicated ways that aren't necessary. Only tools used were 3/8" flex handle ratchet with 13mm deep socket, 10mm and 13mm open end wrench. If I did it again, I think next time it would only take 20 minutes. Good video!
Thank you so much for posting your comment!! I am glad that you where able of fixing your car. Well done!!!
Did not require the E7 or E8 ?
I just replaced mine after watching the video and also the thermostat. It was easy, thanks.
@@khaledakm If you remove the front bolts near the radiator and then the nut, just grab the alternator with both hands and wiggle the alternator towards the frame but be careful to not bind or strip the threads if you don't have the tool. It is much easier if you used the E7 tool. Just do the opposite to put it back on. If you have shorter arms or the alternator is a little heavy to move, you can do it from the underneath but it is more work around the AC compressor and lines which means recharging the coolant and it isn't good for the environment or body parts near it. Wear safety glasses for eyes if you have to do that and gloves in case you can't get away body parts fast enough. You could disconnect AC lines from your radiator and it is a little safer in my opinion! This video saves a lot of work if are able to do most of the work from the top. Standing on a block or something similar structure that won't move easily and allow you to bend over at the waist, the top of the radiator makes it easier to get to all the bolts, nuts, alternator and wires. This video shows a lot of time savings, and effort. This keeps you from having to remove the airbox or out of the way, wires, possibly damaging the engine knock sensor/wires, remove the power steering pump resivor, upper radiator hose and thermostat at a minimum. I wished I seen this video before replacing mine. God bless you Sir who did this video and those that is watching this.
@@AmericaVoice Thanks. I was able to replace the alternator :)
Found your video after seeing other methods that seemed more compicated. Your method made it possible for me, who is not a car guy, to replace an alternator. Thank you!
Hello! Congratulations on replacing your alternator!! Well-done. Have a great day and God Bless you!
Thank you for removing the fear of trying this project! Incredible step by step instructions, very thorough!
You have the patience of a Saint and are very good at instructing. Thank you so much for this video. I have confidence I can get this job done the easiest way now!
Amigo! I tried 2 other ways from two other youtubers and yours is the best/fastest/easiest. Works on VW Routan! Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for posting your comment 🙏 God bless you
Yes thank you so much, the other video I saw they took the ac lines off instead of Removing the fan. This was most helpful thanks for taking the time to make it
This is the best method. I replaced the alternator in my 2017 caravan today and this method works like a charm. Way easier than removing the AC pump. By removing the fan assembly it gives you easy access to the electrical connectors and the two side bolts. I just put the van on drive on ramps and it gives plenty of access to remove the belt. I replaced the belt, and the noisy idler and tensioner pulleys while the belt was off. This was a very helpful video. Good job.
Awesome video! Had to change out the alternator on our 2014 Grand Caravan. Have never had to do the job before. The method you demo here worked great! It won out over three others.
Getting the new serpentine belt on was a pain, but doing this at home and having the alternator rebuilt definitely saved me money!
Just came back from my drive around working in the belt, and everything checks good! Tomorrow I top up the coolant. Thanks again!
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience, I do appreciate it. I am glad that the video helped you to save time and money. Keep up the good work and God bless you 🙏
Man this help me verify the whine I was having in my Town & Country, I was about 80% certain it was the alternator and confirmed it by unplugging while running. thanks man.
Incredible narration while at work. Great video and the sound is great as well. Excellent instructions! Thank you so much!
Very glad I watched this video before I unnecessarily discharged my A/C system like shown in other videos. Maybe a little more work with this method, but saves a ton of money on a recharge.
Hello 👋 thank you for posting your comment. I do appreciate it. I am glad that the video helped you to save money. Have a great weekend and God bless you 🙏
@@gqautodiagnostics May God bless you as well. Happy Easter!
This is how I've done my last 3 swaps (Thanks for the crap parts CarQuest) The only difference is I don't fully disconnect the fan, just pull it up and rest it on the battery, plenty of wire for that. Yes you lose some coolant pulling the top hose, but I have the clip-on funnel to burp it easily. Don't have to remove any studs this way and the alternator is very accessible via the front.
Hello and thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
Thanks for the video, it was very practical, we are doing very well with the alternator change until I compared it with the new one and it was not the case that they made a mistake in the store. thank you very much for your channel
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to post your comment! Keep up the good work, keep me posted and God bless you 🙏
Wow, compare to other video, you are the best one. Wimple ,Good mechanic
Thank you for the comment I do appreciate it. Keep up the good work and have a great weekend and God bless you.
@@gqautodiagnostics thank you
Hi there, need your help. Ford escape 2012 lower ball joint would you have a vidéo on how to remove
This worked. So glad for you sharing your experience and expertise. Thank you!!
Thank you for posting your comment! Please, take a moment to subscribe to the channel and God bless you 🙏
Just swapped out mine on a 2014 caravan. Had to remove cooling fan assy like you. Much more room. Same with the lower bolt/nut. Used a 5.5 socket on it. Worked. Part alone was almost $400. Local shop wanted another $400 labor. $800 total! I saved $400 today doing it myself! F dodge also! Junk vehicle design/cheap parts
Nice work!
Great informative video .. takes the fear of taking on the job away ,,Thank you 👍👍👍
Hello! Thank you for the comment, keep me posted and God bless you 🙏
Solid video, saved me a pile of time!!
thank you for teaching us all.
Excellent job!
Glad you like it!
Great video
I like the way you checked the alternator. Were you testing the bearings or what? Nice video.
Thank you for the great video? How oftens do mechanics break or puncture parts in the engine compartment?
If you are a good mechanic you would never do such things but breaks as in bolts usually only happen if the bolts are just to old and rusty or improper torquing
Looks like that van needs a new motor mount too. Hydraulic fluid leaking all over the place on the splash shields. Passenger side motor mount is hydraulic fluid filled.
Good eye. However, that was from the old engine mount. Thank you for posting your comment 👍 have a great weekend
should I put everything back before checking new alternator is working
Thank you!
How many miles on this van?...family has a 2013 town & country van with 275k on original alternator.
Thanks for the video, but it would be better if you have someone else holding the camera and having all the tools handy so that the video could be much shorter.I just the other day replaced my alternator on my 2013 Grand Caravan and I did it from the bottom. Each way has advantages and disadvantages, and either way is not as easy as working on the older models with the rear wheel drive!!
Hello! Thank you for posting your comment. I agree, it would be better if I had someone that could help with the camera. Unfortunately, making videos is not my full time job so I film when I can and when I feel that the video may help others. Good job fixing your vehicle. Have a great day and God bless you 🙏
Good content brother GOD bless
Hello, thank you for the comment I do appreciate it. Have a great day and God bless you 🙏
Thank You Sir!
You are welcome! Keep me posted and God bless you 🙏
I think has a tire 🛞 in your nail 😂
My 07 i had made a winding nose alot in the winter but that was bc the bearing in my alternator was bad and my alt was bad as well. Change it nose went away and fixed my alt as well.
i have a 2017 now. Sucks Dodge didnt fix that issuie
@@GearHead83 Hello, I am sorry to hear that you are having the same problem with a different vehicle. Keep me posted. Have a great day and God bless you 🙏
@@gqautodiagnostics my 2017 dodge van I just got a year ago with no problem but my old van 07 had the same problem with the alt and bearing.
What was the socket you used to take the bottom off with? It's a star shaped socket. I got the old part without removing it, whatta fanagle. But I ain't wanting to put the new one on in same fashion. Thanks in advance!
E7
I used a 7/32 to remove bottom bolt as I did not have an E7, worked fine
can i bypass alternator field wires to see if alternator works
Hello. That is a good question. Do you have an auto parts store so you can have the charging system tested?
Not too easy compared to other cars but great job!
Can anyone recommend a specific brand alternator? Thanks.
The best you can afford New, I like Remy for the money
@@RustyZipper Thanks.
Isn't the idler pulley the same as tensioner pulley? Because I can replace the one on the tensioner right?
Hello! Thank you for posting your question. In some vehicles the idler and the tensioner pulley are the same. When you go to the auto part store they will ask you if the pulley is smooth or have groves in it. Most of the time you can change the tensioner pulley. Keep me posted. Have a blessed day 🙏
@@gqautodiagnostics I meant could I just replace pulley on the tensioner instead of buying whole tensioner?
@@myviews469 yes you can
@@gqautodiagnostics But is there a way to check the clutch is bad because i hate to pay $170 on Alternator when I can replace pulley for $20
@@myviews469 I understand you concern, take the alternator to get tested at your local auto parts store and if all internal components are ok, replace the pulley
I found a refurbished one for 58.00 do rebuilt work?
Hello. Thank you for posting your question. Some refurbished part works well. Make sure that they come with warranty.
1.6 hours book time to re and re.
I am confused on 2011 the AC unit is above the alternator did they change location in 2016?
After remove all bolts it’s not move at all
Remove 2 big bolts , 3 nuts
You may need to spray WD40 around the connections really well to the engine and use a hammer on the alternator, but tapping the alternator from the handle and not the hammer head unless you need too. If you still can't move it, use the E7 tool and remove the long bolt looking towards the frame.
Did you know you only had to change the ATP pulley instead of whole alternator!
Yes, I did.
Yes, I do.
I can’t so easy remove it like you lol
Like
Can I tear you in your video? It seems like you're experimenting on the best way to take it out. You're not the only one though. It seems like everybody is experimenting on the best way to remove it. If you know what you're doing, then you need to have some sort of Mike. Plug in to your phone so that you can talk