2005 SE Ford Focus 2.0 ZX4 Alternator change...Without all the pain....sort of...You can do it!!

[@qualityrenov]

the best video on this Job on KZbin, hands down ! thank you for taking the time to post this video. nice of you.

[@bluemoon4361]

You might be deal with female's trying to fix there alternator themself so we need the complete video.

[@jamesgonzales5165]

Bro, I literally could not have fixed my car if it wasn't for your video. I want you to know that this means more than I can explain. This was my Grandmother's car. I learned how to drive in this car. And then I learned how to race in it. I've built a lot of memories in this car, a few of which I'm glad my Mother and Grandmother don't know about. But at this point in my life I depend on it to get between two jobs and to be reliable enough to teach my niece and nephew to drive in a safe environment. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to show this.

[@bierwagen1]

Swapped out my alternator this evening thanks to this video! After removing the plastic extension you mention @ 12:40 in the video, I ended up pulling the alternator out through the top side. Greatly appreciate you mentioning the size of each bolt as well.

[@billprice3344]

I really like this video. In order to get the alternator out of the bottom of the motor, I found that by removing the bottom motor mount that is in the center of the back of the motor you can gain an inch or so of space so the alternator will come out more easily. There are two bolts connecting the motor mount. Remove the horizontal bolt closest to the motor, then use a bar so as to move the motor ahead to the edge of the circular part of the mount, screw the bolt back in and it will hold the motor ahead until you finish installing your new alternator. The other addition to the video is that you only have to remove the long stud bolt on the lower side on the alternator. If it does not come out by unscrewing the nut, you can easily remove it by taking the nut from the top stud and put both nuts on the stud, so you can tighten back nut against the front. Put a wrench on the front nut to hold it and put another wrench on the back nut turning it counter clockwise to remove it. By leaving the top stud on, the new alternator will slip on that stud and will be in place for putting in the bottom stud and bolt. Of course, there is enough room gained to slip the alternator in because you have pushed the motor ahead by removing the front horizontal bolt of the bottom motor mount and held the motor ahead by screwing the bolt in to hold it. The last thing I found that may be helpful is in holding the belt tightener in its release position by using a coat hanger wire around the rack and pinion shaft to hold the wrench, one person can put the belt back on. I was able to complete the removal and installation of the new alternator by myself.

[@andrewtheobald85]

I just had to do this job on my sister's car and there's no way in hell I could have done it without this video thank you very much

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!~

[@miloaaron8388]

thank god for putting up this video. My sis has the exact same car. i got all the way to dropping the alternator out and could not get it out the bottom. thank you so much for that last little step. what a pain in the ass of an alternator job.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Word! Have a Great day!~

[@gearheadfred50]

I had to remove the bolt to the transmission "dog bone" and use a pry bar to move the engine towards the front to get the alternator out. There just wasn't enough room between the rack and drive axle to get it out. It added about 5 minutes of time and made it a lot easier. You have some great tricks to get this alternator out! Thanks for the video.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Glad you fixed it! Thanks!

[@dancook6322]

gearheadfred50 I just realized your method is what I’ll need to do. It’s either that or pulling the axle (which I’ve never done before)... total pain in the ass...

[@efyrts]

I did this three years ago and it was a PITA with directions from a Haines. pulled the alternator in about an hour this time thanks to this video. thanks!

[@rezidentura]

Great video ! I'll add my experience, first off the tension pully has both a bolt through the pulley and a 15mm bolt towards the bottom this is where you take the belt off ( I eroneously used a wrench on the latter which worked but was harder). I found I needed to take the top bolt out, what worked was a 6mm ratchet in the end. I pulled the alternator out the bottom it didn't slide out had to do some pulling. The reverse processes was a breeze new alternator slid right in, put the two bottom bolts in first. I never did need to remove the reservoir or the power steering part just used a long pair of angled pliers to work the belt around. My old alternator was overvolting as well, first place I took it to passed the machines test, I wisely tried another parts place that had a newer machine which showed the issue. This is a job a normal person can do , I know because I'm a moron.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Ha ha. We've all been there! Thanks for sharing!~

[@russellupchurch8406]

I am so appreciative of your video Nathan. You don't know how much you helped, out of all the videos I watched, yours ACTUALLY helped, and was the simplest way to do this! Thank you so much brother!👍👍👍I will add that if you take the lower motor mount loose, it helps a lot, and is easy to take loose and back together.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!~~~

[@FixingWithPassion]

Note: I'm blocking people who are trolls. If you have nothing nice to say, then leave my channel! Thanks, now enjoy the video.

[@timklein3962]

I totally agree; what is wrong with people anyway; thanks for taking your time to make this video and trying to help the next guy !!!!

[@trumann33]

Great video. Helps a lot to take the lower mount loose so you can pry the engine forward about an inch.

[@clydelindsay6657]

I just finished changing my alternator, your video was a great help. Thanks a lot.

[@lovesupreme6154]

I absolutely agree!!! I often play the role of a dark humored militant troll. However, on videos like this that have actual real world value trolling is pointless. At the end of the day we all bleed red and want our cars in good working order. Thanks for the video. Great job, we appreciate it.

[@williamjones9614]

Thank you for ever taking the time to make this video, helped me out alot today working on my sister's car.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@flair552]

Just did this and didn’t have to take the trans mount off and move the engine. Good video, very quick install.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Good to know!~

[@murftasticav8241]

Haven’t ever “shocked” my back wheels. 😂 looks like it worked well. 🤙🏻

[@FixingWithPassion]

Right! It was a hot day!

[@Adhd_fairyy]

First of all, thank you so much for making this video. My fiancé changed our alternator out twice by using this video. Took him nearly 4 hrs the first time but it's okay for someone who's never worked on a car before. While the alternator was bad, we had to go get it checked out after changing it for the 2nd time. Turns out the wiring was burnt out and caused us so much trouble. Cost about $500 to get that done but was worth it.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Glad you got it fixed!!

[@bryonmurray9691]

I concur, awesome video! Watched 5 videos and gave it a shot: denied! Watched your video the next day and wallah! You ought to get a trophy or medal, thanks a million

[@nicholastm3149]

Good video and walkthrough. However, I do not believe completely removing the belt is necessary. I removed it only from the alternator and everything went smoothly. Thank for the video.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yes true!

[@OHioyungsta]

For sure

[@spoonstein1]

Great job, I couldn't have done it without your video

[@Charles-ne1zl]

Thanks TVXWMAN32 I compared several videos, yours had the best instruction and camera work by far.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks man!

[@garnellwalls3721]

Thank you man great video.

[@haileyshields4217]

Thanks so much for this video. We had to use jack to raise the motor up and it dropped underneath we put the other one on from underneath. We only had to take TOP starbolt off the other one was fine where it was. I am so thankful for your belt diagram lol.

[@hollywilkerson5180]

This was sooooo much easier than having to loosen the motor mount thank you this video was a BIG help

[@FixingWithPassion]

Glad it helped

[@GeahkBurchill]

This is a REALLY good walkthrough! Thanks. Very clear and super helpful!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Word!

[@estlhm805]

Great video and information! Nothing on these cars is an easy fix. It's a struggle because most of these parts were assembled with the subframe out of the car. For those of us who don't have the lifts etc, we will struggle but find a way to repair our cars despite.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Right on!

[@mhaseth]

Thank you very much! I was able to use this on an 06, the only difference I noticed is the 06 has the power steering resivor on the pump so I didn't have to worry about that. Not sure if it was just my car or what, but no matter how I turned the alternator it was at least 5mm to big even after removing the electrical hookup. I ended up getting a pry bar between the alternator and the driveshaft and was able to flex the driveshaft back just enough to get the it out while not damaging anything. Then I just pried the new one in the same way but in reverse. Not sure if that would help anyone else or not but I figured I'd share

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!!

[@MetalcorePiper]

About to do this on my 06, so yes! I do appreciate the heads up my dude. I'll be replacing mine tomorrow.

[@luisperdomo5469]

Nice video, I was looking for a video like this because I'm gonna change mine, hope everything is fine. Thanks.

[@jacobr2530]

Thanks mate. First time under a car and i got that sucker replaced. It was a pain squeezing it out. And worst putting it back, but the Ford f***us sound just as it did before. Minus the mysterious squeeking that came when starting her up. Great experiance

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea I hate the ford focus!

[@robertlogan3421]

Awesome video man. Thanks so much for posting it, what a huge help it was

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@ericfrost614]

thankyou for the detailed info about what size tools you used,fantastic help!

[@luisponce1472]

Thanks for your Video, I had to put a jack under the Motor and i took the Top Motor Mount off and Move the Motor to the right side

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@sigfridbernal480]

Thanks for a nice vídeo. I did almost everything You did, except that I pulled the alternator upwards . Considering that the bracket of the power steering fluid reservoir la not structural, I unwelded the spotweld, and made additional room. When I reinstalled it just used self screwing bolt to put the bracket in placer again. Best regards, Sigfrid Bernahl

[@boxfox2945]

One thing you could mention to take half bracket holding shaft off, it gives enough room to pull alternator out. Otherwise the heat shield gets in way. Other than that it works. Replaced mine yesterday.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yes!

[@stephenvikla6926]

thanks for making the video. in process removing mine right now, she’s loose but hung up (just like yours) had to take a lunch break but thanks so much to you. 0 thanks to ford motor company

[@sammyhooligan803]

Yea, that was a job to remove with limited room to work in. Im planning to purchase a 2006 or older focus and basically going over videos to show what and how regular maintenance and replacement parts are done. I currently have a Ford explorer 2005 and the alternator on my engine is easy to get out, maybe 20 minutes and serpantin belt also. And yea, when I need to do on focus I get, I'll definitely review your video, thanks.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Work hard save money!

[@TheSeb0713]

Thanks for this video, man. I'm using it to change out my daughter-in-law's 05 Focus alternator... Will comment again when Im done

[@FixingWithPassion]

Cool let us know how it worked out.

[@TheSeb0713]

What is the size of that torque bit again? I tried the 15 mm deep-socket and it pulled the nut off, mine isn't a full bolt.

[@FixingWithPassion]

E 8 size I think.

[@markroach2000]

got a few pointers for you ,the special 8mm star socket ,1/4 inch 6 point works like a charm ,also removing the coolant bottle is not a must ,I just laid mine up onto the radiator support ,I did not remove the Belt completely ,one last thing when the alternator is free and ready to come out remove the bottom transmission I support that will allow you to pry forward enough to get the alternator out and back in with plenty for Room ,

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice....!

[@roadrunnertowingandrecover1350]

Thank you for a great video really help me out get this Ford focus done thank you so much you showed me exactly how to get the alternator out of the

[@FixingWithPassion]

Way Cool!

[@riccas59]

Thanks for sharing this video. Along with one shared by 43autocar, I felt confident enough to take this on.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Just don't do it in the hot summer sunshine like I did....lol ugh....

[@KitKatMineCraft-s9d]

This video totally helped me! I replaced mine with your help. thanks so much.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks!

[@denisebishop7532]

How did you remove the heat cover I'm pushing and pulling but it won't come out

[@bradlewkowicz7294]

Try a gear wrench on that top bolt .Break it first with a six point box wench.Clean tread with wire wheel and anti-seize .The bolt and nuts.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Great tip!!

[@jamiemccort8388]

Thanks for this mate, very helpful and very clear instruction. Regards from Scotland 👍👌

[@FixingWithPassion]

Cool~!!~~!~!~

[@TheMrFlyBoy18]

Thank you for this great video man! You rock! Ready to do my alternator job now.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea!!!!!!

[@travelandwork]

TIP: I placed a jack under the engine to lift it a little... then I took off the motor mount and then ran a ratcheting strap around the metal beam near the headlight and put it around the "posts" that the engine mount went to...put a nut on the post to keep the ratcheting strap from sliding off...then ratcheted it tight so it pulled the engine forward, away from the firewall... this allowed me to release the belt and remove the alternator from up top... really was not too bad. I also ground off the little "stud" that was in my way that's welded on the strut tower..

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@michaelpleva4452]

If no one mentioned it. You can put a second nut, behind the first nut, if you don’t have a star socket.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Good tip!~

[@Bublitledude]

Thanks man...I was in a fix but now thanks to u im not....good vid

[@papismurf980]

My next big to do list on paycheck. Thanks for vid.

[@hollywilkerson5180]

Hey I was wondering if you had a metal plate that you had to take off before you was able to take off the blower

[@carissaj253]

Thank you so much for this video. We could see and hear everything so clearly. Thank you.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Glad I could help!

[@leoh1191]

Nathan great video..but noone wants to include the part 2 video..putting it back in. My ff05 sx3 is very tight on the heat shield and it is a bear removing the plastic cover on the back. So its gonna be fun putting it back in

[@chrisb.3722]

Thanks a bunch for this video! Was instrumental in me getting this done today. I would probably have given up on finagling the alternator out of that gap had I not seen it was possible. It did take me significantly longer than two hours, alas (stuck bolts, bolts dropped into the nether regions of the chassis needing to be found and fished out, etc.), but I think I could do the next one, God forbid, in about that time.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Cool! Glad you did it!!

[@alonsoamezcua2386]

Can I remove the stud with the nut on?? Using the e torx? I'm having problems remove the nut on top 😪 all my tools just keep moving but not the stud its just stripping

[@Jedi_Luke]

Stuff like this is why I only work on Ford's, but will never own one.

[@donthur6460]

You must have been a better man than me. Lol i have an 06 and i don't know if the alternator that i took out or mine was an 8th of an inch bigger or what but I could not get it out through the bottom. I had to take everything off the fire wall and it then came out not to bad. But other wise very helpful thanks

[@FixingWithPassion]

It was tough. But I won!

[@jadestickwood7493]

Cannot for the life of me fit it through there!! Kudos for you managing to do this. Gonna try a few more times but otherwise, engine mount is coming off

[@mroakridgeboy9559]

thanks bro i have to do mine this weekend

[@FixingWithPassion]

keep- a cool head! you can do it!

[@anthonytrent2747]

Thanks man I appreciate it good job 👍

[@titodenino]

Thank you

[@eduardoledezma3971]

muchas gracias buen video no hablo ingles pero con las imagenes logre aser el cambio del alternador y de la banda muy facil

[@FixingWithPassion]

Gracias por ver!

[@trogers35]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't say enough about this video!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Sweet!!

[@joshuasuarez4838]

Wait how did you pull the alternator off I tried and I had so much trouble cause of the fuel lines where in the way

[@mehgusta]

the pry technique saved my life holy shit NEVER AGAIN PLEASE..

[@FixingWithPassion]

Right!!

[@qualityrenov]

and the best part is that you didn't have to remove the transmission mount to push the transmission. mine is all too rusty! the less bolts I would have to unscrew, the better.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Ha ha....I was worried that I might have to do that!

[@gterry180]

Thanks, this helped a lot. I just gotta pull it through now.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks!!

[@austincline8455]

Did this on an 06 and for the life of me could not get it out the bottom. Was able to shimmy it out the top though. Fuel line kept me from sliding it off the top star stud- if you drop your e10 socket like I did, a 1/4" socket should work.

[@FixingWithPassion]

@@austincline8455 Nice job!!

[@pablovaldes1992]

This was so painful to take it out. I almost cried out of frustration

[@lukelahk7333]

You're awesome man. Perfect and helpful video

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks!

[@pgarza2]

fantastic tutorial

[@robertlewis7810]

What is the name of the part by the power steering its the one thats grounded with the box and piece of metal what is that's

[@samk1584]

I can't believe you got it out without disconnecting mounts. I did this job a year ago...of course my after market part is squeaking now so I am rebuilding the old motor craft one. I am kinda hoping it's just the shaft. I changed out all three mounts, power steering pump, belt, tensioner cause rocks destroyed it all. Be careful how far u move the engine if you do because the creams cooling line can get pinched and I used one of 25 in the country lol.

[@jeremyrichardson24]

There is a bolt that you can remove that allows the motor to swing forward allowing you to open up the space to get the alternator in and out trying to fight with getting it in and out otherwise is hell.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Good to know!!

[@nick196642]

thanks for the video

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks man!

[@smittyndfan]

i didnt watch but the book says to unbolt the motor mount same side and use a pry bar and pry the engine towards the radiator and the alternator can be removed same to replace

[@kakarroto007]

That is such an intimidating job.

[@FixingWithPassion]

No being with my X was intimidating...lol

[@creekwalker62]

A ' ratcheting wrench ' would come in handy for the top bolt on alternator.

[@FixingWithPassion]

True! I just bought a set last week.!

[@bogdanspineanu]

I got the alternator out on the top side. Still can't believe I had to shift the engine out of the way.

[@adanzamoracadena646]

I have one question, is necesary replace the alternator or only the regulator? My car is overcharging too.. Thanks 4 ut help

[@FixingWithPassion]

Its all built together. If you can find a place that rebuilds them then yea, But its just better to get a new one or used one as one alt.

[@nunyabuziness8421]

You don't have to disconnect the overflow tank you can just move it out of the way like the power steering reservoir

[@s.r.inc.4796]

It will be alot easier if you loosen the 2 15mm bolts that hold down the steering rack. Loosen driver side just a little and take out the passenger side completely out and simply move the rack out of the way 😉

[@blackliver08]

I have an 05 focus zx3. Would mines have the same approach that you did with yours?

[@Camd2V]

Thanks boss very helpful!

[@FixingWithPassion]

;D

[@ladyluck7481]

Thank you so much for this!!!!!

[@brandon7139]

Also unbolt the motor mount and jack up the motor for more room 😎

[@gavinbrewer8097]

What’s a list of all the tools that will need

[@Amanecer72]

I have a grey just like yours except it's a two door instead of a four door. This was just like you had changed my alternator for me. I'm hoping that Ford didn't set up some surprise when I change mine.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Ha ha....Lets hope ;)

[@nikolatesla5553]

Isn't the diagram for the serpentine belt on the front crossbar in front of the engine? Most manufacturers put the diagram for the belt there. Every Ford and Dodge I have worked on has it there.

[@DESPYS1LOSTCITY]

What type of alternator is that one cuss i need to buy one but it dont look like the one in my car focus 2000 DOHC??

[@joefarkasinlandempirereale7711]

Is this a manual or automatic focus?

[@AllanJ...Batmo365]

Great vid . How long did this take all in all?

[@TheSeb0713]

I got it off. Thanks so much for the video. Probably could not have done it without this helpful insight and yes, getting the alternator completely out really was the bitchy part. lol

[@brandonhenchey5322]

Will you make a video connecting wires on the ac compressor on a 07 Hyundai Azera limited 3.8v6 ?

[@FixingWithPassion]

ok

[@pattpatt6098]

Thanks for the great video. I have to do this job on 2005 Ford Focus as well. Some of the other Focus alternator change videos mention removing the metal exhaust heat shield and some do not. Is it worth the additional effort of removing it ( breaking frozen bolts etc) to gain better access ?

[@pammyedmonstone616]

Thankyou I have the same car even same color

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!!

[@crazyvermonter]

love the video. but you should note on California emissions car, different alternator, you can't get the alternator down and out without removing the axle shaft. I've changed two of these alternators on California missions cars 2005's ZX4 & ZXW. and both cars were purchased new in Vermont, go figure.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Good Info. Thanks!

[@timothywest6060]

See my comment above; you don't need to pull the axle. Watch this for a trick !!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpCVo5qsh71ob8k

[@FuShendo]

Thanks so much for the video. I just changed out my alternator and everything went fine until the end. Looks like I may have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Question: Around 2:30 you remove a ground wire. Any idea what it's for, and what might happen if you forget to put it back on when you start up the car? Yup. That's what I did. Car actually started and ran for a minute until I turned it off. Only odd thing was that the speedometer bobbled a bit then settled down right after I turned it to the on position. Now, when I turn the key to the on position, all the dash lights come on as usual, but the speedo bobbles. When I try to start the car, I hear a click and all the lights go off. The battery light faintly blinks a bit. Nothing moves, no starter whirring, no turnover, no nothing. Trying to figure out what I may have fried. Thanks again.

[@FixingWithPassion]

That wire was a noise supresser for the radio I think. Make sure the ground is tight and make sure the battery is ok. Did you get the hot wire tight on the alt?

[@FuShendo]

Hmmm. I think the wires are all nice and tight. I can check the battery again. I wonder about the wiring harness for the alternator, though. During removal, the alternator fell and was hanging from the wires. No overt damage, but I worry a bit about that. I actually got the car to start up last night, and thought it was OK; but I had the same problem this morning. If I leave the key in the on position, I hear a clicking like a relay, and the dash lights go on and off. If I turn on the headlights, the power sometimes goes out.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Click and all the lights go off...THAT'S a bad connection on the starter, or bad starter or a dirty/loose battery cable somewhere.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Also try this.....Put a fully charged battery on the car....start the car then un-hook the hot or ground cable....and see if the car runs for a few minnets...if so the alt could be bad and shorting out the system causing it to die.

[@FuShendo]

Taking your advice and my research into account, I went after it as a bad connection. I reconnected the alternator hot cable and then reconnected the battery. Early results say it was a bad battery connection. It was nice and tight, but the connections were pretty crusty. I cleaned them up, filed off the crust and corrosion, snugged them up, and tightened the bolts but good. So far, it's fired up a few times without incident and made it around the neighborhood. So far so good, but time will tell. Thanks again for the help. Have a like and a sub.

[@christianmosso9774]

Thank you sooo much

[@FixingWithPassion]

No problem

[@dawnbradbury7520]

Great Video thank you

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks!

[@omax1023]

Can the voltage regulator be remove and replaced on this alternator? My car battery light come on shortly after starting car, however the alternator is putting out 14.5 volts unloaded, and the battery holds a static charge of 12.6 volts on it own, leading me to believe the VR has a fried diode or just going bad altogether! Any advise is appreciated

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea but....by the time you do that you may as well just replace the entire Alt. I seem to always found out that there is a chance of the bearing are getting bad only to fail again. If you do this....replace the bearings as a hole.

[@omax1023]

Thanks, given the amount of effort to remove and install, replacing the unit entirely would be a wise decision! Great video and sound advise!

[@genarogarcia6719]

question i have an 07 ford focus and my alternator is giving up. will a altenator from a 2000 ford windstar they are identical the same but different part number will it fit or what can be the difference between it hope someone can answer my question? thank u in advance. by the way good video on the removal of the alternator 👍

[@josemartinez-ex5kg]

remove the bolts from the passenger side motor mount and the bottom center mount then you can move the engine, it gives you an extra inch of clearence

[@FixingWithPassion]

I almost did that...but next time i might;)

[@dspivey4284]

Last time I did the job (3 years or so ago) I found a video where the person did this, disconnected the motor mount. MAN! SOOOO much easier than trying to get at it from above! Gotta love youtube! I'm mechanically inclined, but typically need the manual to do bigger jobs like this. And if you try to replace the alt using the MANUAL, you're gonna be busy for AT LEAST 5-6 hours!

[@brandon7139]

Don't haft to disconnect the hoses btw for pain and suffering reasons