Okay, so today I had to replace the factory Generator/Alternator as it had failed.

This "How-to" contains specifics for the SRT6 setup. Tensioner release for the base and limited models are a bit different. Please refer to the serpentine belt replacement thread for more information for these models.

1. Disconnect the Battery Ground and remove the engine cover (if you have one in place).

2. Remove the passenger side (left side when facing the engine from the front) air box or CAI.

3. Remove the two clips and disconnect the radiator fan assembly. Remove the assembly.

4. Use a 15mm socket and breaker bar or LONG torque wrench to relieve the tension on the serpentine belt. If the 15mm nut breaks loose, then torque it back down and try again. Slow pressure will not break the nut loose as easily as a quick motion.



5. Once the belt is disengaged from the Generator/Alternator, you can tuck it up in the super charger idler pulley area to keep it out of the way without having to completely uninstall it.

6. Using a T50 driver on a socket wrench, loosen and remove the upper Generator/Alternator mounting bolt.

TIP: Take note of the factory paint swatches on the bolt heads if present. These make re-torquing the bolts easier later on, just match the marks up as the bolts get tight.



7. Using an 11mm socket (12 point) on a socket wrench, loosen and remove the lower Generator/Alternator mounting bolt.





8. Now you will find out if your Generator/Alternator is 'stuck'. If it can not be moved easily, take a small block of wood and a ball peen hammer. Place the wood against the upper mount and strike the wood a few times. Now take a socket that will fit over the sleeve of the lower mount and strike the socket a few times. This should shift the sleeves so you can wiggle and remove the Generator/Alternator from it's mounts.

9. Puzzle time! Turn the Generator/Alternator after it is shifted away from it's mounts until the rear is facing upward. Use a 13mm socket with a long extension (or two) on a socket wrench. Loosen and remove the nut holding the primary battery cable to the unit.



10. Squeeze the clip on the connector on the back of the Generator/Alternator to release it and wiggle it out. (You may have to use a pair of channel locks to get enough pressure on the clip. Be careful you do not break it.)

11. Puzzle time, again! You will need to turn and move and turn and move the Generator/Alternator until it comes past it's mount points towards the front of the vehicle. You will probably need to shift some of the hoses aside as well to get it to come free.

12. Success! The old Generator/Alternator is removed! Now simply reverse these steps to re-install the unit.

 

I have to disagree with the use of a torque wrench to loosen any bolts.
That is not a wise thing, especially jerking on it. These are precision instruments and should be treated as such.

Can I assume the light went out?

I have turned this into a PDF file for my post on Problems and repairs.

Cheekily I have removed the reference to the torque wrench.

 

It's ok to do it on BLACK Crossfires.
DON'T do it on that pretty blue one though!

 

The point was NOT to loosen that nut. Slow pressure to release the tension on the belt. NOT quick jerking motions.

The torque wrench I have is longer than my breaker bar and allowed easy movement without stressing the wrench. A breaker bar or long 1/2 inch ratchet wrench would do fine.

 

THANKS , I'm always happier when there are Pictures to go with a HOW TO post very nice...

 

I'm sorry to have used the same word that you used, I saw a torque wrench destroyed when someone decided to heave against a seized nut and yanked on it past the torque set point quickly numerous times. A nice Snap On wrench destroyed in five minutes and the nut was still seized.

My original question remains unanswered, did the light go out?

 

Thanks for the write-up w/pics.

I have read that there are TWO different alternators for our cars. Did you encounter any problems with getting the proper one the first time? Just curious.

James

 

I've been working with tools since I was 4 years old. Both my Grandfather and my Father taught me to treat and use tools properly. No tool destroyer here.

And, yes, the light went out upon the first restart. GTG!

The one I received from O'Reilly was indeed different. I had to swap the pulleys and the back plastic housing needed to be slightly modified to accept the OEM cable end. I've attached a picture of the original and the new, damaged unit. I informed O'Reilly and showed him the picture of the unit, he said if it fails, they WILL replace it. The plastic is just cosmetic, so I'll leave it in.

Cheers!

 

lol @ generator.. I can tell you've been wrenching since the age of 4. Nice writeup

 

Why are you not using the 17mm boss on the idler assemble to loosen the serpentine belt as God and Mercedes intended ?

 

The SRT-6 does not have that boss on it's idler assembly, a different design.

 

OK, thanks - good to know.

 

Yeah, I keep looking for it, but I still can't seem to locate it.

 

just to add to this

The Tire iron in the trunk works really well.( perfect fit on Non SRT Vehicles.)