Do you need to replace the alternator on a Chevy Silverado?

The alternator is charging the battery that allows them to keep running. So if you need to replace your alternator, keep reading as this article will help you through the process. This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT800 (1999-2006).

How do you replace an alternator in a car?

Disconnect the alternator’s main electrical connector. Remove the alternator’s mounting bolts and remove the alternator. Install the replacement alternator with its mounting bolts. Connect the electrical connector and battery cable to the alternator and cap the B+ terminal with the weather boot.

How can you tell if your alternator is bad?

The battery stores enough voltage to be able to start the engine without the assistance of an alternator. It is turned by a serpentine belt. It’s worth noting that a bad serpentine belt can cause the alternator to stop charging effectively. It’s pretty easy to tell if one is bad. It’ll look dry rotted.

Do you need an alternator for a 12 volt car?

If you got 14.2 or more volts, the alternator is charging fine. If it’s still showing in the 12’s, it’s time to replace the alternator. If it’s producing a voltage level in the 13’s, go ahead and take it into a parts store and have it tested. It’s probably bad.

How can I tell if my alternator needs to be replaced?

Most auto parts stores have the equipment to perform this test, and will do it free of charge. Another way to check the alternator’s condition is by using a voltmeter to read the power output on the battery while the engine is running. If you notice the that the reading is dropping, inconsistent, or fluctuating, the alternator should be replaced.

Can a bad alternator cause a car to go nowhere?

The ones that fail completely are easy to diagnose. The battery drains and you are stuck with a vehicle that goes nowhere. The challenge is diagnosing an alternator that is just not quite charging like it needs to be. You can easily diagnose it with almost any multimeter. Here’s what to do.

What kind of alternator does a 1995 Chevy truck have?

Every 1988 1995 ck truck ive seen with a v8 has had the same alternator. The alternator converts the engines mechanical rotations into an electrical current using a pulley and belt system. Please use this video as a guide on hooking up a 3 wire gm alternator.

How does an alternator work on a 1995 CK truck?

Simply put the regulator restricts the amount of voltage being sent to the battery. Every 1988 1995 ck truck ive seen with a v8 has had the same alternator. The alternator converts the engines mechanical rotations into an electrical current using a pulley and belt system.

How is the alternator connected to the battery?

This current is fed to the car’s battery, charging it for later use. In newer models, the alternator is internally regulated and can be connected with only one wire linked to the car’s battery. Disconnect the car’s battery before beginning any work to avoid the risk of electric shock while wiring your alternator.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator in a Chevy Silverado?

Outside of the battery warning light, a dead battery is the most common symptom of a bad alternator. As the alternator can no longer supply your Silverado with an adequate power supply, it will begin to feed off of the reserve in the battery.

What to do if your alternator is over charging the battery?

Ask an assistant to start the engine and hold engine speed at about 1500 RPM. Measure voltage across the battery with your DMM. You should get 0.5 to 2 volts higher than base voltage. If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty.

Why does my alternator get higher than base voltage?

You should get 0.5 to 2 volts higher than base voltage. If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty. Other potential problems are a faulty voltage regulator or a problem in the charging system wiring.

How do you remove an alternator from a truck?

Full view of serpentine belt. Remove the two mounting bolts on the bottom of the alternator, and pry it loose from its mount. Unplug the connector on the top and unbolt the connector on the back. Once these two connectors are removed, you can pull the alternator easily from the truck. Figure 3. Remove the alternator.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

In rare occasions the service engine soon light may light up. Also, some vehicles have an “alt” light that specifically tells you there is a problem with the charging system, and not the battery itself. Outside of the battery warning light, a dead battery is the most common symptom of a bad alternator.

Why does my Chevy Silverado have a bad battery?

by Chris Moore. A bad battery in your Chevy Silverado truck may not be the problem in of itself. The problem can lie in the alternator, which is responsible for recharging the battery through the engine’s own mechanical motion. Replacing a bad alternator will prevent you from having to change the battery — repeatedly.

Where was the 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD purchased?

No accident or damage reported to CARFAX. 1st owner purchased on 04/02/05 and owned in IL until 09/26/07 • 2nd owner purchased on 11/03/07 and owned in WI until 03/01/08 • 3rd owner purchased on 03/01/08 and owned in MN until .

What kind of battery does a Chevy Silverado have?

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS 5.3L V8 FlexFuel Extended Cab Pickup (4 Door) Clean the gunk off of your battery If your battery has green or white cruddy deposits, it is probably not getting enough juice from and will likely wear out sooner 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS 5.3L V8 FlexFuel Extended Cab Pickup (4 Door)

How do you change the battery in a Chevy Silverado?

Replacing the battery in your Silverado 1500 involves removing the terminals. When you reconnect the terminals, your radio presets are likely to be cleared out. In some Silverado 1500s, you may need to re-enter a security code to get your radio to work again.

Do you need a security code for a Chevy Silverado?

In some Silverado 1500s, you may need to re-enter a security code to get your radio to work again. Check for this code in your owners manual – it will usually be either a sticker or small card in the booklet.

What kind of transmission does a Chevy Silverado have?

A mountain rescue volunteer explains why the capability of Silverado is essential every day. 8-speed automatic transmission (LT Trail Boss and High Country 4×4 include 10-speed automatic transmission)

Can a Chevy Silverado be used as a trailer?

You know Silverado has the legendary power to handle heavy loads. But towing isn’t about power alone. Silverado also offers advanced trailering technology that provides confidence for the long haul. A stable owner explains why the trailering capability and towing tech in Silverado can make her days easier.

How do you set the voltmeter on a Silverado?

Set it to read voltage. Specifically, you’ll need to set it to 20V DC. With your Silverado turned off, you’ll connect the negative side of the meter to the negative battery post or wire. You’ll then touch the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive battery wire.

What kind of alternator does a 2004 Chevy Silverado have?

I am trying to order an engine belt, tension pulley & idler pulley from RockAuto.com for my 2004 Silverado, extended cab Z71 offroad with 5300 engine. It has two listings for the parts, one for a 105 Amp alternator & different parts for a 145 Amp.

Is the 47 alternator a generator or an alternator?

The 47 is not on the list I have but the K68 is, but it is listed as a Generator, not an Alternator.I’ll tr to post that list that I have. Click to expand… the standard alternator is the K68 105Amps .. then the optional for optional equipment is KG8 130amps. the code for 140 amp is KG9 .

What’s the best way to loosen an alternator belt?

Use a breaker bar or socket wrench to loosen the auto-tensioner. Many newer model vehicles come equipped with an auto-tensioner pulley. The pulley presses upward as the belt wraps around it so the belt remains under constant, steady tension.

Where is the a / C belt on a Chevy Silverado?

The Vortec 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0 liter engines have a main accessory drive belt for the water pump, power steering, and alternator. The air conditioning compressor is driven by a separate belt that is mounted low on the engine and behind the accessory belt.

How do you replace a / C belt tensioner on a Chevy Silverado?

Rotate the tensioner clockwise against the spring, and hold it. Then slip the belt off the tensioner pulley. Release the tensioner slowly back to the spring stop. Slip the belt off the crank pulley and let it hang. Figure 4. Accessory drive belt removal. Examine the belt for cracked ribs or fraying, and consider replacing it.

How do you remove an alternator from a Chevy Silverado?

Remove the belt by inserting a 3/8 inch ratchet or breaker bar into the square hole on the front of the belt tensioner, pulling against the spring tension then remove the belt. Remove the two bolts on the front of the alternator using a 15mm socket. Remove the 10mm nut holding the main power wire.

How do you remove the belt on a Chevy Silverado?

Belt noise begins when the spring weakens or the pulley bearing begins to wobble. The engine crank pulley drives both belts. To remove the A/C belt, the accessory belt must first be loosened and slipped off the engine crank pulley.

Can a belt be too tight for an alternator?

Last edited by Alphatonic on Feb 22 2011, 8:02pm, edited 1 time in total. Belt could be too tight, too. Or alternator could be just a touch misaligned

Can a bad a / C belt tensioner be replaced?

Both noises point to a bad A/C belt tensioner. With basic tools and little time, you can replace the tensioner in your Silverado quickly in the comfort of your own garage. This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT800 (1999-2006).

What’s the best way to remove and replace an alternator?

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions for removing and installing an automobile alternator with common tools. Includes advice on the correct wiring as well as testing and troubleshooting tips. Sponsored by BBB Industries – makers of premium alternators and starters that meet or exceed OE form, fit and function. http://www.BBBind.com

Can a battery be connected to an alternator?

In newer models, the alternator is internally regulated and can be connected with only one wire linked to the car’s battery. Step 1 Disconnect the car’s battery before beginning any work to avoid the risk of electric shock while wiring your alternator. Step 2

What happens when the alternator is left disconnected?

When left disconnected, regulation will be left to the alternator’s internal regulator. Hailed as one of his native Baltimore’s emerging writers in Urbanite Magazine, for the past five years Kevin Krause has been writing everything from advertising copy to prose and poetry.

Do you need to replace the alternator on a Chevy Silverado?