How to Replace Alternator 00-04 Ford Focus

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@jonathanslessor1602]

I've removed two of these (my one and the one at the wreckers) and installed one today. I wouldn't have been able to do it without this video so thank you. It is more difficult to remove compared to most cars, but very possible to remove/install in under an hour. I severely struggled with the back bolt today because I didn't realise you do not have to take the bolt out completely! I had to buy a longer spanner to reach the tensioner bolt, in able to remove the belt. Not sure why people are commenting about removing the alternator from underneath the car as there is no access under the car, at least not on mine. You definitely do not have to lift the engine from underneath. Once you remove the mounting bolts from the top, you can move the engine across quite far. There is a 10mm ground bolt you have to remove because it is in the way. Once you have moved the engine as far as you can, there is plenty of room to remove/install the alternator.

[@phillipzx3754]

Just to add a bit more info...You didn't need to take out the rear bolt completely. Once loose (and the forward bolt removed) the alternator will slide backwards (towards the firewall) and come out. Once the alternator is out you can remove the bolt and place it in the new alternator. That way you don't have to wrestle with it as much.

[@1AAuto]

+PhillipZX3 Thanks for the feedback!

[@ohblockaye8306]

Soooo why tf are you watching the video

[@nicktorres9743]

Great video! took me about 4 hours but got the job done. not much of a mechanic but was able to save my daughter about $400 in labor the shops where charging. the rear bolt was a real pain to take off and of course moving the engine forward . Thank again for making this

[@griselda708]

The mechanic charged me $600 😮

[@Watts378]

Great vid guys! But for me, a couple of things: 1 - My tentioner was a 15mm not a 14mm. Weird.... 2. I didn't have to take off the engine mount. The alternator came straight out with a little easy manoeuvring. 3. Don't have to take out the rear bolt completely. Just loosen it. 4. Change your engine mount if you're going in. I bought one beforehand because this vid said to take the bolts off. My car drives like a brand new one now even though the one I replaced looked almost new.

[@alwayslearning8365]

TIP - do not tighten up the alternator mounting bolts until you are sure all connections to the alternator are correct. I had tightened down the front bolt and found I had to readjust one of the connections. However when I loosened off the front bolt to shift the alternator for a bit of clearance the sliding nuts on the alternator were now so tight it was extremely difficult to move the new alternator. The sliding nuts on the alternator are very difficult to reset without pulling the new alternator out of the engine bay. This was the most difficult alternator swap I have done. The engineer who designed this alternator layout needs a good swift kick in the (where ever you feel is appropriate)....... This video was very helpful. I did move the engine up and forward to get enough clearance, however there were mounting points on the intake manifold that are not used but are in the way. Just bad engineering overall.

[@johnnymac1580]

Always look for A1Auto videos when I have a problem ⚡️

[@nicholairunnels6895]

Got me through it, appreciate the video. Wrasslin that thing outta there wasnt fun, but never is. I did notice the rear bolt can slide, but all in all didnt hurt to take it out. Thanks :)

[@richb5478]

I cannot get this fuggin thing out and I followed this to a tee

[@jumpingjo3689]

Doing one now how did you get it out

[@AlecRawls]

I was able to get the alternator out of my 2003 Focus Wagon without loosening the motor mount by rotating the alternator to the easiest orientation. You have to get the pully side up with the mounting bolt holes toward the front of the car, with hole that is towards the center of the car moved more towards the windshield. The pully side of the alternator is not as wide as the opposite side, so if you orient it pully-side up then you can get the alternator a third of the way out before you get to the hardest part. Having it part way out allows you at that point to tip the alternator side-to-side and front-to-back to work your way around the various obstructions. One bit of preparation to do first: in addition to undoing the electrical connections, take off the removable post. In the video the nuts on the old post are hard to undo, but I used a little DeWalt impact driver and it unfroze them easily. The new alternator can be dropped back in the same way the old one came out (pully side up). Do this with the removable post off too, then remember when you put the post back on to put it back on the right way! I put mine back on backwards at first and had to redo it, so learn from my mistake, haha. If you make sure to put the little weather cap over the nut at the base, that will stop you from making a mistake, because if you have the post backwards, the cap won't snap on. It will be too big. One last trick: I used a cut off wheel in my angle grinder to take 1/8" off of the lead-in to the threads on the rear mounting bolt. There is about 1/4" of reduced diameter lead-in at the end of the bolt, before the threads start, like a centering guide, but it makes the overall length of the bolt slightly too long to get in and out of the through-hole without needing to force it. Taking just 1/8th inch off, lets it slip back in freely.

[@polite_cat64]

Very helpful video, changed my alternator successfully

[@ninelcruzdiaz4520]

Thank you very much! Best video I've found so far.

[@bcdseiler]

Except for the terrible advice to re-use the rusted up battery connection on the old battery post. Nothing like using a rusted main battery connection to cause more resistance and lead to a premature failure. And he didn't bother to unhook and clean the ground cable the was right there.

[@wpksilene]

I need help on 26:55 I have new alternator in place but the belt fell off of all of the reels on the pulley so now I have a loose belt 😅😅😅hanging out with my 2002 Ford focus SE

[@joehyundaitech7961]

would it be better to remove the ALT from the bottom instead of the top?

[@tonyjohnson684]

I know this is late but me and mate did that and it saved us a lot of time but it was tricky to get the screws to hold the alternator. I reckon the video shows a much more safer way.

[@mecdj]

Great video , very human and no patronising just perfect for normal home wanting to save garage bills !

[@gabo0610]

Excelente video!! Muchas gracias por compartir, saludos 👏🏻 ✋🏻🇦🇷

[@1AAuto]

+Gabriel Suàrez Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@frankrodas7405]

Your video was very helpful thanks for sharing 👍 you are a great mechanical man

[@griselda708]

Excellent Job handsome!

[@markdresden3698]

Excellent job with video instruction! Thank You, Huge Help!!!

[@skip741x3]

I was wondering When you were going realise the motor mount needed to be undone to shift the motor. LOL thereas no way its gonna come out without doing that.. I replaced these many times on the focus 2003 zetec...the 1st time I ever did it was like a laurel and hardy movie where ur struggling to get something out of an opening thats just to small to allow you to remove it! For me, shifting the motor Alot, many inches, allows me clearance without removing all the connectors and stuff on the firewall..either way is fine, you gave urself a good but of free access room by removing as much as you did...ALWAYS replace alternator with a new built one, Never remanufactured.. this job is a pain and you dont want to be doing it often, I sure dont so use only New built alternators made with all new parts...Duralast Gold is an example... reman ones can go south in a few months... been there done that ...alot

[@czkkte93]

Very helpful thank you very much.🖤

[@stephenhardin2548]

This video was very helpful.thank you

[@rpstokesjr]

30 minute video, wish it only took 30 to do this. this is my current project.

[@wpksilene]

Who has tips for a 2002 Ford focus SE alternator replacement. I'm working on it right now . 😅

[@SicarioEsco]

Replaced mine and now it's not charging at all. Any suggestions battery is Working fine just got it few months ago cranks Everytime just not charging

[@1AAuto]

+Evard Whitfield We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@phillipzx3754]

Either you have a faulty alternator, bad harness connecting to the alternator (I had mine go bad a few years back), a bad/loose +12 volt battery connection to the alternator or a bad connection at the battery. This is assuming you have no blown fuses. The +12 goes from the battery down to the starter and on to the alternator (the big red wire on the alternator). Also, make sure your grounds are good.

[@ptyptypty3]

what year was that Focus?.. I realize the video applies to 01 to 04. GREAT VIDEO!! as USUAL!! 1A Auto has the best videos!! Thank you..

[@haizi7179]

It's a 2001

[@brandonsabo3025]

I put my new alternator in but when I tightened the bolts the alternator was loose... Any suggestions.

[@anthonyturninggreen4736]

Yikes did you get it fixed?

[@miodragmarkovica4467]

I have the same USA Focus with AT gearbox. What is the type and designation of the alternator and voltage regulator that was taken down in the video?

[@ase-asksomeoneelse5584]

The 04 focus I'm working on has a different alternator. Had to remove from the bottom.

[@ryanhayward5910]

Is yours an LX? Mine is and I’m bout to tackle this tmr

[@silviaarredondo3438]

Good work mechanic !!!

[@boerdumb]

What happens if you break that neck looking piece? I can't get the terminal loose from the piece.

[@crisXblue12]

Just use alot of penetrating oil little torch lighter could work to. Your new alternator should have one if your gonna re use your old alternator use the second bolt , and if you break it im pretty sure your screwed 👍🏻 just be careful

[@RutherfordNJDrywallRepair]

thanks for the great vids!

[@ruben85374]

My difficulty is mounting it in the slot. It's like if the intake manifold gets in the way. Any tips.

[@crisXblue12]

Move the engine forward , and use a pry bar , pry from the bottom of the base of the alternator up to break it lose then pry the alternator back but from like a low point angle , dnt pry directly up

[@roberthullihen7363]

The piece on the intake I cut off because it's not being used for anything on this vehicle. Made it much easier to get the old alternator out and the new one in

[@MrOhnospam]

Comment: When fitting the old alternator stud at kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4fLkJqhZtyImNU it looks like fitting the old or new red plastic cover over the stud was omitted in this video. No big deal. Watch your knuckles if you forget and try and doing it later when the alternator is in the final position. 2. The genuine Ford workshop manual for this model shows this is the only way to remove the alternator (it calls it a 'generator') - it won't come out from the bottom. This video follows the Ford workshop manual procedure fairly closely, but adds the little hints to 'snug it up', use a pry lever, move the engine, etc that isn't in the workshop manual. This is invaluable. 3. I would install a new serpentine belt as a routine procedure while you have the old belt off. Cheap insurance. I see you had a diagram on top of the engine of where it goes even though you didn't reference it in the video. Taking photos of your working area before you start can make it easier if you get confused putting it all back. 4. 'Easy peasy' is right! It will probably take you around 45 minutes if this is your first one and you watched the video carefully and followed everything exactly and didn't miss any steps. Labor costs can easily double the final expense of the parts. The satisfaction of doing it yourself is far greater than the savings on your wallet. 5. That engine mount seems to have had a very rough life. A common issue with these models. Recommend replacement if in such poor condition as will fix a lot of engine vibration issues too. Well done!

[@skip741x3]

as far as that tall stud that tends to snap off.. if it Does, you can stll just connect the wire to the stubby post without the tall riser.. no big deal.

[@utube5361]

Hi @1A Auto , If u use Keep Alive Memory while changing the alternator is it safe ? Is the current from the KAM only flowing to the ECU to avoid all the computer settings gone, or is it also flowing to the whole system just like the battery and musn't use the KAM while replacing an alternator ?

[@javiermelendez4512]

Thanks bro thumbs up

[@javiermelendez4512]

I had trouble until I saw how you didn't thumbs up

[@emaleahdz3757]

6:44 mine has a lot of play after putting the alternator in, would you all know why?

[@ptyptypty3]

how can the engine move foward if the Motor mount on the OTHER Side is still screwed in?.. I did see the Motor lift up and Push Forward.... GREAT VIDEO!! :)

[@dinhle9238]

Thanks brother.

[@romanval69]

All was well until I tried to mount the new alternator. It wouldn't go back on! Took it out and measured the mounting brackets with a caliper-- 61mm wide. The new alt was 1 mm too narrow (60mm). Use a metal file to grind 1mm off the alt and it goes on fine. Also when putting the belt back on, take it off the idler and loop it around the alternator before pulling the tensioner loose. It's a lot easier to nudge that belt over the idler since there's no lip on it.

[@MacAutoDiag]

What engine is this

[@willhudson6220]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@1AAuto]

+Will Hudson Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@ilc-nl3yy]

Is an 05 Focus the same as this?

[@tianxie7839]

Thank you so much! It’s great!

[@1AAuto]

+tian xie Thank you for your order! We'd love to hear about your experience. Here's a link to leave us a review on Google: goo.gl/i5JFNY

[@jasonsantamaria1672]

My friend, please give me concrete information about the ford focus 1.8 TDCi diesel, how much alternator amps capacity of your ford focus? i have the same model as your car,,, My car is i don't know because i have this OWNER MANUAL, I ALWAYS have A PROBLEM BATTERY DISCHARGES. I ALREADY BUY NEW BATTERY AND I USE IT 6 MONTHS AND DISCHARGES.. PLEASE GIVE ME ADVICE.. THANK YOU.

[@ranger1244]

I see you snuck a new engine mount in there. I saw the old one was falling apart.

[@1AAuto]

+Ranger1 Thanks for checking us out! Yes, we use the same vehicle for several repairs while we have it in the shop. 1aauto.com

[@andreamaag39]

The part where I pull the wrench towards the front of the car, to loosen up the belt off the alternator, well my is might be stripped whenever I pull towards the car it's not even tight enough to loosen? Any other way to do this or any suggestions?? Thanks

[@jeffsmith4600]

Just check your crappy Auto parts and make sure the set nut on the back of that alternator has been pressed. Or the alternator will not fit back over the brackets. And the alternator will come through the top without undoing the motor mounts. It's a pain in the ass

[@LifeisGood762]

14mm won't fit on my tensioner pulley what do I do?

[@grecco_buckliano]

You left out the "Bend The Tab Bracket" step, but I could see you did it in one of your cuts.

[@dondeeman]

How much does this cost and where are you guys located?

[@mitchlesinski7803]

Hahaha thank you Ford engineers

[@1AAuto]

+mitch lesinski Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@r6f09]

Nice job but not that easy, disappointed that you did not remove the rusted bolt, clean up that connection and install the new plastic extender since you went so far it was a small step in the process. Still good job and thanks for the videos and all the help still a fan...

[@1AAuto]

+R6F0 Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@martinpoole1451]

Yes I thought exactly the same it is an electrical component after all and may have been the problem with the old alternator.

[@haizi7179]

May i ask what plastic extender you're referring to? I'm changing my alternator soon and would love to go the extra mile

[@gonzaloperdomo9111]

Buen video pero necesito de su ayuda con un ford focus 2006 duratec automático tenia un alternador genérico y le puse el original pero no se sabe donde están los cables que vienen de la computadora solo esta el cable de corriente de la batería y el que va a la fusilera

[@hemzferg7459]

Bro that back bolt is so hard to get out help any ideas

[@ninelcruzdiaz4520]

The part that may break off, is it possible to just attach the power cable to the other stud?

[@skip741x3]

Yes

[@denzellersdxn2145]

Should do a starter replace video

[@sonofsteve566]

how did you Not throw a wrench across the shop? mandatory to use swear words and throw wrenches 😂

[@tonyjohnson684]

I don’t understand why Ford would put the alternator in that area. Everything with Ford and Holden’s engine parts are so complex where as Toyota it’s really easy and simple.

[@Jwake]

15mm for tension belt on 03 ford focus zts

[@haizi7179]

Thanks

[@ptyptypty3]

I noticed that the Engine did not move that much as you pushed it forward. Is it possible that you have to Loosen or remove the Engine Mount on the OTHER SIDE of the car so that there's no Resistance to the engine moving?

[@1AAuto]

+Philip Y Thanks for watching! It is possible you would have to do that if you do not get enough clearance, but usually not the case.

[@ptyptypty3]

@@1AAuto wow, thank YOU for responding!! I love all your VIDEOS!! I have a 2003 Ford Focus and you had so many Videos regarding MY CAR!! :) Thank you...

[@ApaulloYGO]

I have an 01 zx3. You wouldn't have to remove the tranny side mount, if you don't have enough clearance even with the mount out just lift the engine up or lower it (depending on your situation) but I wouldn't take both mounts out

[@thouxanbangum9498]

I dont know what to do my alternator doesn’t want to mount even though I don’t have at an angle and I’m going as straight as I can and it’s the exact same part

[@1AAuto]

+Bruh Momentum We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@DustinOuterSanctum]

My tensioner pulley bolt was a 15mm... had to drive 30 miles to buy a $2 wrench. Booooooooo!! Still can't get this $*%^@%#% thing out!!!

[@danielarochin8737]

El cable rojo de donde sale Asia el alternador

[@leoh1191]

The 2005 version has a plastic shield vent on the backside

[@joehyundaitech7961]

while the motor mount is out I would change that

[@1AAuto]

+JOE FORD DIY Thanks for checking us out. 1AAuto.com

[@luisbeltran937]

Good job. I need to do this , and it occurred to me that it might be a good opportunity to replace the oil filter , since the one on the focus i have is under neath the alternator somewhere. And also the mount.👍👍

[@ApaulloYGO]

Ummm, you can just replace the oil filteralong with every oil change like any other car lmao

[@Juanelloooo]

I had to cut a pice of plastic from the manifold, to remplace mine.

[@wpksilene]

17:48

[@joehyundaitech7961]

that motor mount looks shot

[@Adilthepickle]

Typical on the focuses

[@daffy9707]

This is what a online degree looks like smh

[@DanieĺTindall-y6h]

01 focus

[@1AAuto]

+@user-ld7tk2vh1s This is listed for the 2000-04 Ford Focus.

[@1mexikaner]

Talk about someone that doesn't know what he is doing... 🤔

[@wpksilene]

Belt diagram ugh

[@achtunpanzerkrauskrieg]

Terrible task of that stupid alternator removal.

[@supra6t9]

Take it out from the bottom and save hours

[@1AAuto]

+@supra6t9 Thanks for the tip!