alternator replacement 2002 yukon

[chanfish]

My engine panel light went on today and yes the power died indicating battery + - red light.

I did replace my battery two years ago at Sears and I have been hearing squeaking sound at startup in the general vicinity of alternator.

Can I do myself or just take in. I got an estimate of i am thinking 300 depending on what type of alternator i have.

I used to do all my own mechanic stuff but that ended with my 77 firebird and two kids. looks like the part is easy to get to. are their any instructions i could access? thanks as i was looking to icefish next week...

[Macgyver55]

It is still relatively simple to change an alternator, at least on your particular vehicle.

Disconnect the battery cable.

Release the belt tensioner and remove the belt.

Remove the two bolts holding the alternator, disconnect the plug and the terminal on the back side of the alternator.

Thats it...once it is out, tap the two sleeves in the bracket back a bit to ease in the installation of the new one. Hook up the connectors, install the bolts, put on the belt, connect the battery and GO FISHING.

[Whoaru99]

What Macgyver55 said, but I'll add that I've not had good luck with some reman alternators. After going through a few from a well-known aftermarket parts store, I finally got sick of changing them and got one from the dealer. Yeah, it cost a fair bit more but I've not had to mess with it since.

The other place stood behind their parts warranty but I got sick of replacing it twice a year.

[Hookmaster]

I also replaced an alternator on a Chevy truck with a remanufactured and it failed in 1 1/2 years. Got the next one from a dealer and it ran several years until I sold it.

[jwhjr]

Macgyver55 gave you excellent instructions. It's a very quick job on your truck. Swap it out and get out fishing!

[chanfish]

thanks alot!! i may as well replace the belt while i am at it?? mine has never been replaced...

[Whoaru99]

I would if for no other reason that you have to take it off anyway.

Just be sure to pay careful attention to the routing and getting the belt lined up in the pulleys.

[chanfish]

thanks everyone. i had the alternator replaced and two belts...just no time to do it myself right now.

i did notice last night that when i started my vehicle the lights seem to surge alittle bit (brighter then stable)..this morning i detected a bit of a "surge" in the heater fan running. i seen the earlier post about reconditioned alternators..

do you think i need to have this checked into? or not a big deal?

[Scott K]

If you had someone else install it, bring it back in and tell them about it, they will check it out. It shouldnt surge like that, it is possible your battery is weak now.

[deadeye]

Give it a couple weeks and if its still doing it then take it back in. I haven't seen too much trouble with rebuilts but they are just like everything else, a few lemons do slip through the cracks.

It could be as simple as the belts slipping a little bit too, when its pretty cold out they get hard and once they warm up are a little more sticky.

[Shack]

Pretty much what was said above, I would do. If it does not go away, could be a faulty voltage regulator in the Alternator.

Good luck!

[chanfish]

bingo deadeye.. my truck sat all day and half the night outside at my sons bb tournament. new belts and cold weather. thanks everyone and good fishing. now maybe i will sneak into my basement and find my buried vexilar!!