Chevy sonic alternator replacement (2012-2016 1.8L)

[@bigcman8131973]

Very good and detailed video but, i know it's been awhile ago when you made this vid, but you can actually slide the alternator right out the opening in the wheel-well. It's actually super easy that way.

[@michaelnorris6365]

Fantastic video. A few things, though. The tensioner has a hold-open feature. There is a small hole below the center bolt that lines up with one on the plate underneath. With the belt off, check all pulleys for free spinning bearings. I dropped the alternator out the fender well and didn't have to move anything. It slipped out in less than a minute.

[@michaelnorris6365]

Due to a design flaw, the throttle body heater pipes and rubber hose are straight above the alternator. Google it and it will show the position and replacement parts. So, a $15 (retail) part can cause a $150 alternator to die.

[@michaelnorris6365]

Another thing. The Throttle Body Heater outlet pipe is located right above the alternator. Under operating conditions, there is coolant running through it. The lower end of the hose (Part number 55579102) is a strange connector that tends to start leaking. Replacement isn't that hard, just awkward. The other end hooks to the coolant overflow tank and through that, into the radiator. The whole system is under 20 PSI and mine wasn't leaking unless it was under pressure.

[@michaelnorris6365]

Finished my project. Replaced alternator and serpentine belt by myself. Next project - timing belt and water pump - this time with help. Your videos have just saved this old man about $250. Thank you.

[@michaelnorris6365]

Finished the timing belt, tensioner, idler and water pump. It was a major chore. Next time, in another 100,000 miles or so, I'm going to pay a mechanic to do it.

[@dakotarunyan9962]

This will be my second video of yours I use for reference on my car. Thank you for taking your time to explain everything, it's really appreciated.

[@RspecNick]

I'm glad it could help honestly.

[@MMAsFather]

You take the alternator out and put it back in through the wheel well.. thats the easiest way to do it. Just a heads up top everyone

[@danielcoronado1757]

Wow the starter is back there too.

[@RspecNick]

Yes sir it is

[@dkcocopun]

our daughter's car (2014 Sonic HB) runs loud. yesterday, it kind of stalled on her. the battery wouldn't charge. I suspect it's the alternator. I didn't know an alternator problem makes the car run noisy!? the car only has 52,000 miles on it. shouldn't an alternator last more than 50,000 miles? Thanks for the awesome video!

[@RspecNick]

Alternator can make nooses of they go bad like a whining noise. But there's really no miles guaranteed on parts some can last year's and others can die the next day I'd take it somewhere and have a auto parts place test the charging system to see if it is the alternator

[@johnavila7942]

Great video, it helped me

[@RspecNick]

John Avila I'm glad it helped

[@joeolivito9197]

Any idea how much is have a mechanic to install? Because i want to swap out higher amperage for bass system..

[@RspecNick]

Last time I talked to Chevy they told me 356 for the alternator and 290 for labor I said yea right

[@joeolivito9197]

@@RspecNick holy fock! Lol.. Thax for reply..

[@RspecNick]

@@joeolivito9197 exactly man nutty as hell lol but your very welcome

[@saramccoleman6110]

Getting mine done tomorrow for 150$ canadian at a mechanic. 108,500km been bad for a bit though. Dealer wanted way to much. Bought the alternator for 229 plus tax

[@RspecNick]

@@saramccoleman6110 that's not too bad price wise do you get a core charge off the alternator

[@janetthompson5249]

I have a 2015 chevy spark and this video is to closest to what looks like the same. I can not find anything on alternator replacement video for the 2015 spark ,,, but this looks like the same except for how bolts are placed... do you have anything on the 2015 chevy spark video on alternator replacement

[@RspecNick]

I do not the sparks should have a smaller engine which would make is slightly different

[@janetthompson5249]

thank you.. that is what it looks like to me.. the alternator is in same place.. the hoses are the same ,, only difference was were how it was bolted in.... your video was very helpful....

[@ramonvizcaino845]

Busco informacion de como trabaja o como funsiona el regulador de un chevrolet cruze, si con la luz del tablero q indica dibujo de la bateria o si trabaja por la computadora ( pcm ) gracias al q pueda mostrar este video y explicar como funciona el regulador de un alternador Cruze

[@spoookyghost96]

You sir just saved my ass haha

[@RspecNick]

Lol how's that

[@spoookyghost96]

Rspec Nick I just did a 2013 Chevy Cruze alt instead of takeing it out the bottom like you did all I had to do was take it from the side but every video I watched every one removed the motor mount and everything but I said fuck that hahaha becuse there has to be a way to just do it simple haha well thank you good sir

[@RspecNick]

@@spoookyghost96 nice man yea they might have extra room everyone was telling me I had to remove a lot of the muffler to get the alt out in mine which I don't so people are just making it more difficult there's always easier ways to do stuff lol

[@123takeapic]

Very helpful my chevy cruze is having charging fault lights so Im putting a new one in. I believe there is a leak from the water pump or something that has gradually caused it to fail. Great video. One question: You say 'put the bolt in before you put it up' you mean just tightening it or should it be in the alternator as we squeeze it up into place?

[@RspecNick]

Thank you and no I mean once you have got the alternator in place slide the bolt threw to hold one side in place it makes it a lot easier

[@123takeapic]

Wow thank you for the quick reply! Really helps because im doing it tomorrow keep up the awesomeness!

[@RspecNick]

@@123takeapic I try to get back to the comments as quick as I can cause I know how it feels waiting. It's easy tho worse part is dirt falling down from the car when your under it so watch out for that. Hope you get it in tho ✌

[@lkjyuiop1987]

I’m trying to find a way to put a high output one on my car I like car stereo shit

[@travisabrahamson5092]

There are aftermarket alternators that put out up to 3 times the amperage. Same process .

[@MMAsFather]

You telling us what to do doesn't actually show it being done?Maybe you should have recorded you doing the tensioner.And all these things that are very important instead of just telling us what to do it's way easier to tell us showing us what it made it actually understandable and made it where we could see if it's possible

[@chrisrichardson9707]

The tensioner is pretty self explanatory as is the top bolt and the plug in the back... I think he explained it very well, actually had to fast forward in some parts because I thought it was unnecessary explanation

[@MMAsFather]

@chrisrichardson9707 I wanted to see how hard it was to get the tensioner to release is my point. And there's actually two ways to release the tension not just one...