2010-2015 3.3L V6 KIA Sorento & Hyundai Santa Fe Alternator Replacement

This alternator replacement goes back to FearlessMods' DIY roots. If you're having the electrical issues described at the beginning: Check to see if your alternator is charging the battery, and replace it by following along if necessary. Thanks for watching! Please Like and Suscribe!
Music:
Shawl Paul Norma Rockwell

[@user-rd7yv6uc2v]

Just replaced the alternator in my wife's 14 Kia Sorrento AWD SE. Your video was spot on. Thanks for putting it together. My first thought was to have it done at a shop as I didn't think it was job I could handle but taking out the AC compressor did the trick. Took me about 3.5 hours, taking my time. Thanks again!

[@YankeeDiver]

Thank you. This video saved me about a 1000 dollars. KIA wanted 549 dollars just for the alternator. Plus what ever they would charge me for labor and tax.

[@av92]

Ok, so I followed this tutorial and it was very helpful cutting through the mystery of just digging into the job outright.. Direct labor time (Waiting on the wife to get the new alternator and her battery charged) this removal to full installation was about 2.45.. The wife said she was finding things that weren’t working right and quite a while started working again. Like the sports mode in the steering gotmuch much better and even her headlights which she was getting new bulbs all the time because they didn’t seem bright enough finally got a lot brighter. Never knew when a car depends this much on electronics how much that alternative plays a role into it. Great video…

[@FearlessMods]

Thanks for the feedback @Adam! Glad it helped. That’s why I do these! Hope you’re subscribed now!

[@VirtualVideosChannel]

I cannot thank you enough for this video!! My alternator broke down and I have zero experience but brakes and oil changes. Thanks to you I was able to take on the challenge and it worked wonder!! The use of a screw driver to help pivoting the parts out helped a lot too as mine was fairly tight in there. Thanks again!

[@vwguykee]

Thanks for putting this out there; my 2014 Sorento did the exact same thing yesterday … deader than dead!

[@rickmasseur2008]

Thank you for this vid!! It helped me a great deal to swap out the alternator in my 2016 Sorento V6. Only a few minor differences that were no big deal. I know I watched about 10 times as I was going through the procedure. Very helpful!

[@WalkerOne]

Thanks for making this video. I definitely will be calling around a getting prices for mechanic to replace my alternator. Usually the thought of paying some else a few hundred dollars to do something it am to lazy to do will motivate me to do it myself. This video has told me it will need to be more than a few hundred.

[@jonathanmonahan4464]

Appreciate u taking the time putting this together, I am up and running!!!!!

[@zinku418]

Thank you. This saved me from having to be stranded 8 hours away from home when visiting relatives this Thanksgiving.

[@FearlessMods]

That’s why I do what I do! Glad it was helpful, and happy Thanksgiving!

[@1soggybread]

Thx for making this video. Didn't know how take the bumper off. I wished I'd seen this video cause it woulda saved me hours.

[@DjPorkchop73]

I appreciate your time and effort on this video. I am getting ready to have to do this as well. local mom and pop shops are closer to 500$ for the job and KIA we won't even go there. Between this coming up (I understand alternators go bad on every brand of vehicle), the 3 second timing chain tensioner rattle engine defect, VVT issues and the VVT Solenoid, I absolutely learned to hate this car so much. I will never own another one of these heaps of garbage ever again. Once again, your video was spot on. Thanks so much. I agree with another commenter about your video work and commentating as you went. You made it easy to follow along and I felt as though I could tackle this job no problem at all when I got done with your video. I would give it 2 thumbs up if YT would let me.

[@rogersgrant6430]

Had to replace alternator, great video and audio instructions,,back on the road again as willie nelson would say. Thank you..

[@mally_mal820]

I've watched many diy auto repair videos on many different vehicles. Your camera quality and angles are great. You are also very detailed and showed everything anyone would need to see or know to tackle this job. Though, I'm not new at turning wrenches, I like to check out a video b4 I work on a specific model that I haven't worked on b4. This video is great for non experienced as well as experienced do it yourselfers...💪

[@icosmicswavy]

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[@icosmicswavy]

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[@icosmicswavy]

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[@icosmicswavy]

You should try try a few

[@KK-zm6jb]

Thank you so much for such a quality video and information my Kia needs an alternator and it seems like even experienced people don't even know how to get to the alternator the way you did thank you so so much🎉

[@Rompastompa71]

Bro! Ur a Viking!!! I appreciate this video. My Daughter`s Kia Sorento is having the same problem and she got an attitude to boot. Thanks to you, the mechanical fix wont be a problem.Her attitude is a much bigger issue.

[@FearlessMods]

🤣 Hope it works for you. Apparently it’s not the same for all years…. Good luck!

[@stevend5436]

Remove the IDLER pulley. Loosen/remove alternator bolts. Support the OIL PAN with a jack and a piece of wood. Take off the TOP engine mount, and remove the bolts off the LOWER FRONT MOUNT (nearest the radiator), then RAISE THE ENGINE with a jack as far as it can go (but keep turning the Right-FRONT wheel to be sure axle is still free). From here the alternator is accessible and able to slide UP and OUT of its position

[@MiscMitz]

Well, I'll give this a shot tomorrow. My GFs alternator just went out... Fun times

[@user-qm6xy8vm6t]

Great video, absolutely the best that I watched for this alternator changeout. Mine will get changed tomorrow. Thank You!!

[@cesarcuevas9669]

So far best video I seen about this topic. 🎉 great job.

[@hawnsman]

Best way to do it. blows my mind people working harder and taking it out from the top lol

[@pcallas66]

Thank you for this. I'm not confident I can pull this off myself. I'd be afraid of breaking the compressor line. It was much easier to change on my 1992 Pontiac Bonneville. I had to do it twice on that car. I'm getting older and lying on the ground under the car isn't fun to think about. It seems like the serpentine belt would be more difficult from underneath as well. When i accelerate the battery light goes out but I'm pretty sure it's a matter of time. You did a great job though.

[@mazory1162]

Thank you sir. The Sorento I worked on the engine cradle was in the way of the compressor so I had to do it your way.

[@__tacocat__]

Thanks for the vid, really helped me out. Took about 2.5 hours. Alternator replacement was way cheaper than the towing bill from last night!

[@chadrichards8329]

Thank you so much exactly the same as an 2017 Sedona lx that fourth bolt on the ax pump sucks lol but with your help it’s done thank you

[@donfoust9489]

2014Serento sX , alt. Went dead/ all dash lights came on/ engine died 😢!! Kia dealer wants $1100.00 to repair. I removed alt.with some difficulty,took it to alt/starter shop. 2days later got my rebuilt alt. for 185.00$ installed with some difficulty. Your video is to the point,thanks I will point out after starting and idling charge was only 11.5 vdc , but once I reved the engine over 2000rpm I got 14.5vdc ,, the ECU must control the charging rate by time running and or rpm 😅

[@FearlessMods]

@@donfoust9489 we only take cash or money orders… 🤣🤣 Glad it helped you save 💰!

[@exhurdler]

hey man.... thanks for the detailed video, even the belt slipping....shows what something wrong would sound like.. its the last thing i want to do on christmas eve, but u made it easy to follow.... much appreciated.... Ken - Bullitt Auto

[@FearlessMods]

Thanks, good luck and have a Merry Christmas!

[@CHAN97111]

SUPER helpful video. Thanks for the help :)

[@SSteil]

Bro! Thank you! Spot on step by step. You saved me hours...

[@FearlessMods]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear it helped!!

[@peterpeters1129]

Thanks for the video really helpful!!

[@chrisanderson4961]

I did this today without removing subframe. Pulled the bumper and grill and brought it out on the left side of the car(drivers side) in between the motor and the Crosser. I thought it would have to come out between the rad and the Crosser but there is more room in the engine side. Take the 4 top rad bolts out to give yourself some room to get your arm down there to work. Want that bad, 4 hours out an in with a hoist

[@zebedayoJ]

you made it simple, just alughing at the guy who took the exhaust off😆in one of the videos i watched.

[@normcarguy4571]

Thanks for the video it was spot on it helped me so much have a nice day THANKS AGAIN

[@dennis283]

I dunno, I just attempted this on my son's 2013 Sorento. There is NO WAY I could get the top AC compressor bolts. (you are a better man than I) They can't be reached with any tool I had. However, if you take the top of the radiator loose you can pull it back far enough to barely slide the radiator fans up and out and viola! No need to take the compressor loose, the alternator is out in relative open and can be unbolted and fished up and out on the driver's side of the radiator. Didn't have to take any rad hoses off. Wasted a LOT of time on the AC compressor that I didn't need to unbolt.

[@jamesonlewis3404]

I just replaced the alternator on my nephew’s 2013 Sorento 3.5 2wd. I removed the front bumper and grill then removed the top 2 radiator brackets and leaned it out far enough to remove the electric fan. This gave enough space in front of the engine to remove the alternator. I did not touch the ac compressor or radiator hose. Still had to remove the access panel in passenger front wheel well to get to idler pulley and belt. Took me about 4 hours. Hope this helps someone in the future.

[@jessiegibson9023]

Good video thanks

[@andrewreyes3610]

Thanks buddy you the best 👌

[@michaelrowley8831]

Thanks bud appreciate it so much

[@jordanrussell345]

2013 3.5 AWD. Subframe is in the way; looking at possibly removing radiator and condenser to get alternator out.

[@FearlessMods]

Jordan Russell no fun. I saw another video where they had to remove the subframe. Must’ve been the same as your application. 😕

[@johneddys2351]

Very good. Thanks.

[@charlieblackshire7056]

Perfect thank you for the help

[@hbseth1867]

I believe that scanner has a volt monitor that will show you peaks and valleys when you hit the gas. Pretty cool and saves you from grabbing your multimeter and/or popping the hood.

[@FearlessMods]

The Centex scanner from Harbor Freight? If so, I was not aware of that!

[@hbseth1867]

@@FearlessMods Yes sir! Update your firmware if you don't have the battery voltage option on your menu.

[@rrho170]

It can come out the top, remove the plastic trim from the bumper to radiator support, remove the brckets and air scoop that the plastic retaining clips fastened to, that is 2x brackets and 1 air scoop. Remove safety latch catch. Remove radiator bracket bolts, tilt forward, remove 2x 10 mm faseners for upper fan mount and radiator hose support clip. Disconnect fan and remove wires from shroud clip and tuck wires inside shroud. Lower fan shoud is held in by tabs, clip out then slide out between radiator and core support holding your tongue right, a lil counter clockwise turn as you reach the top slars thr lower pass side fan clip. Remove splash guard to access belt tensioner. NOTE the bottom bolt of alternator on the block is slotted, no need to remove bolt completely. NOTE check your rebuilt unit as the slidenus maynot have been reset, there is a tab idicating if they are out far enough.

[@ImDJVA]

so am I the only one who thinks he looks like steve kerr? btw thanks for the info

[@FearlessMods]

Nope. I’ve heard that one before 🤣 - signed, Johnny Knoxville

[@samuelwoods9850]

That's why I only drive Toyota or Honda. Something as simple as an alternator should not be this hard to replace. The alternator should be sitting towards the top of the engine for easy access. On top of that it seems like the alternator should've last longer perhaps?

[@MrScottStory]

I can confirm working from the bottom does not work on a 2012 Santa Fe. As he says in the video, the frame is in the way preventing it from dropping. I gave up and am taking it to a professional :(

[@YuckFou0x0FFFF]

Wow in the Hyundai service manual it recommended taking it out thru the top and I KNEW that was ridiculous.

[@damiengotti7803]

Awesome skills. I’m currently reapplying this exact process to replace an Oriely’s reman. Again 😩 Those suck 😢 hopefully yours will work longer

[@FearlessMods]

Got rid of that vehicle over 2 years ago. Good luck man!

[@damiengotti7803]

@@FearlessMods customers car 😎

[@FearlessMods]

Wife’s car but she traded to a Highlander!

[@zarrajin]

Whelp now i'm just having a panic attack waiting to see if this is what happened to my vehicle. Was driving, battery light had been flashing on and off for months but was told it was just a phantom drain. Battery was great, taking a charge. Nothing to worry about. Then yesterday, driving and all the warning lights few on, abs, power steering etc. I was in the middle of a turn when the power steering went out. Managed to avoid an accident barely and get pulled over to the sign. I am pretty sure thats the alternator but ugh.

[@LousWRX]

Good thing you were able to make it back before the battery ran out of power. And yeah with today's cars with more technology, they certainly pull a lot of voltage, and cause a lot of the safety stuff to go haywire. And also the location of that alternator certainly not the easiest place for most DIY people expecting to be able to access it with under the hood. But you took it on pretty well. I see see your also in Illinois now. I'm in Plainfield, which is about 30 miles south of Chicago. How is the Subaru WRX STI doing?

[@FearlessMods]

Hey Lou, don’t know how I ever missed this message, but glad we are in the same time zone! STi is doing great and I’ve driven it over 30,000 miles now!

[@LousWRX]

@@FearlessMods Very nice, glad to hear you are still enjoying it. And yeah I have the same issue with youtube comments not ever appearing in my notifications. Seems to be some kind of bug, but it happens from time to time. So no worries. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@FearlessMods]

@@LousWRX not to mention I wasn’t expecting your comment on the Kia 😂. Thanks for the insight!

[@theconstitutionalist3353]

I am hoping to just change out my alternator charging cord on my 2012 Kia Sorrento (along with the engine ground and battery ground) with thicker gauge cables to improve the efficiency of my alternator to run a high watt sound system. Do you have any advice on how to just remove the old cable and attach a new one?

[@FearlessMods]

No longer have the car so I can’t even give an educated guess. However I’d think it would at least help you get access to the areas you’ll need to work around. Good luck!

[@mikelkruse7049]

About how long did this take real time

[@jamesharrington5952]

Not for 2012 Sante Fe there is cross member by air conditioner cannot drop Ac compressor out of way

[@wayne8001]

What was the part # on your drive belt? I'm having trouble finding the right one.

[@FearlessMods]

Wayne I don't recall. I just got the one at the part store that it called for. Probably Autozone or O'Reilly.

[@thtguyeli]

That seems like its very easy to do without a pesky suffrage in your way.

[@FearlessMods]

Not sure what you're referring to

[@welchtina]

2013 has a frame blocking the compressor and alternator. Cant get around it

[@FearlessMods]

This was a 2014. The vid I watched made it seem like you always had to drop the subframe. Clearly there are differences and that isn’t always true, which is why I put this vid out there. Sorry to hear about your 2013...

[@dawsgwinn7177]

I got a 2011 same as this and subframe is in the way did you remove yours

[@FearlessMods]

Nope.

[@kellyfarmer2132]

Just had the alternator replaced on my 2014 kia sorento. Now brake lights don't work. Interior back light doesn't work. Cannot open back hatch. It's manual with fob. Fob opens other doors but when you press hatch unlock button on fob, you can hear latch click but does not open. Help?

[@FearlessMods]

Take it back to them!

[@brwnjohnnysvage7251]

How long did it take from start to turn over?

[@FearlessMods]

I did it in an afternoon

[@av92]

So all in all, roughly how long did this job take to do? From start to finish that is?

[@FearlessMods]

Been a minute but I’d estimate it took 6 hours and it always takes longer when filming!

[@av92]

@@FearlessMods And if it was not being filmed?? Kia says three hours in the shop.. Yours was in a garage.

[@jimmiewilson5340]

Like

[@Carlitosway211]

Bet that discharge line has been replaced since this video.

[@FearlessMods]

Not by me. However, we traded that car in a couple years ago!

[@BozoMPC420]

My belt will not go back on around the tensioner pulley

[@FearlessMods]

Make sure you have it routed the correct way. Putting it on the wrong side of one of the pulleys can mess the whole thing up.

[@BozoMPC420]

Have it routed right. I'm almost there @FearlessMods...The tensioner pulley is not giving me a lot of slack even after losing the 17m.

[@FearlessMods]

Good luck!!

[@kevyythemechanic]

What year is yours?

[@FearlessMods]

0:30 2014 😂

[@kevyythemechanic]

@@FearlessMods my bad 😂 ears didn’t turn on until 1 min into the video

[@matthewgood4673]

I tried this on my 2016 Sedona (3.3L V6) and it didn’t work out. The pipes coming from the AC Compressor were in the way of the back top bolt. I couldn’t get it out without taking off the tubes going into the compressor unfortunately. Just took it to the garage.

[@FearlessMods]

Sorry to hear

[@zxeng6064]

if your have a 2012 your screwed might as well pull the motor.

[@1234krb5678]

This method will not work on a 2013 AWD V-6. Only way is out the top...and it's a royal pain...

[@FearlessMods]

Unfortunately doesn’t work for all models. I feel your pain!

[@Wlrdzz]

Lol

[@jufro19]

Those guys from Kia dealers are BIG RATS!! They charged my friend 1300 dlls because they said is so hard to change it give me a fricking break

[@FearlessMods]

Ouch! That’s why I do KZbin!

[@cathygambill1554]

Bullshit! Ac compressor will not come down on 2011 sorento!

[@FearlessMods]

Sorry about your troubles Cathy. I watched a video on the 4-cylinder version that required dropping the subframe. Apparently all of these vehicles aren't created equal. Hope you managed your way through it!

[@bobr3300]

@@FearlessMods Same with a 2011 Santa Fe. You either have to drop the subframe, or maneuver it up past the radiator fan and finagle it out. Good video though.