How to Change An Alternator on a Saturn Vue 3.5 liter

So I was asked today to change an alternator on a friend's Saturn Vue. It's a 2004 with a 3.5 liter engine. Now this placement is a little tricky. The placement will be more visable in later pictures.

First thing first, disconnect the battery. Next remove the air box, or where the air filter is stored. I removed it all the way to the intake just to get it all out of the way. It's just a few hose clamps and 1 bolt.

Once that's out of your way it's time to remove the belt.

This is your tensioner pulley. Use a 14 millimeter wrench on the bolt and push toward the cab of the vehicle, which will release the tension, and the belt will come off. While you have the pulley pushed forward insert a bolt, it doesn't matter as long as it fits in the hole to hold the tensioner forward.

The reason you use the bolt to hold position is because there is a bolt for the alternator directly behind that pulley. It's a horrible design lol.

There is a wire on the back side, squeeze it to release. The plug goes in here..

Also use a 14 millimeter socket to disconnect the power source from the too of the alternator.

Next take out the two bolts holding in the alternator. This will allow the alternator to float around freely. A couple thing I did extra were,
take the bracket off the top bolt is bolted to. It's small but gives a little extra room. Also too the bolt holding the A/C lone in place so it moves.

BE EXTRA CAREFUL not to break the sensor sitting directly under the alternator. Take your bolt out of the tentioner so it goes back into its original spot.

Last step, use a Jack, I positioned it under the oil pan, and take out the motor mount.

IMG_20180329_205059.jpgount.

Now you can Jack up the motor high enough to slip the alternator out.

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Now you are ready to put everything back in. Slide your alternator back into place. Put you power wire and sensor clip back in. Put your bracket back on and 2 bolts in your alternator. Tighten it the bolt on the A/C line. Once everything is back on with the alternator, slowly drop the Jack til your motor mount bolt is lined up then tighten it up.

Next put your air box and filter back in. Once all this is in, reroute your belt. It's a short belt so nothing too major if you don't have a diagram. Once the tensioner is released, and the belt has the tension back on it, hook up your battery.

I recommend bumping the ignition before starting it all the way. Just to make sure belt is on properly, and that nothing seems to rattle or fall. It should start and keep charge once you are finished. I hope you find this walk through helpful. Thanks everyone for your time.

-Bran