Part 1/2: Grand Caravan and Town and Country 3.6 liter alternator removal with shortcut

[@JonEhBee]

First, a warning to anyone about to take this alternator on using this method. On the a/c compressor, there are SIX 13mm nuts total and you DO NOT want to touch the two that have pipes attached to them. If you loosen either of these two, pressurized coolant will spray out all over you. MAKE DOUBLY SURE you only go after the bottom-most two and top most two 13mm nuts on the a/c compressor! Okay, it must be said... thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you again. Your shortcut worked perfectly for me on my 2013 Grand Caravan SXT after the alternator's internal voltage regulator failed and left my girlfriend stranded on the side of the road. Geico gave us a free tow up to 20 miles so we dropped the van in a friend's driveway. It was 9pm so no mechanics were available here in Gainesville. That's kind of a good thing because you easily saved me $300 to $500 by showing me how to do it myself. It wasn't easy, but if you go slow, it's much easier than the sliding door lock actuator. I only had a bulky socket wrench that doesnt ratchet with 10mm, 13mm and 5mm sockets, a 13mm closed end wrench and some large adjustable pliers. The harder parts included the connectors, the torx ended studs on the top two a/c compressor nuts, and the top two bolts of the alternator itself. It took me two hours of 1/8th and sometimes 1/16th turns since swinging space is so limited, and then another hour to put it all back together. I removed (broke off) the clamp holding the coolant hose between the engine and top of the radiator so I could pull up on it enough to get more wrench room. Be patient with the connectors, don't force anything. The compressor's red tab is showed but the part you have to squeeze to remove it after that is furthest away from the compressor facing you. For the alternator connector, you have to slide the red locking piece toward away from the alternator before you can squeeze under it to release and remove. The torx studs were impossible to reach with my socket because of the pipes blocking, so I had to be slow and careful with an adjustable set of large pliers until I could use just a 5mm socket without the socket wrench to remove it the rest of the way with just my fingers. Lastly, many times I had to move from the engine compartment to under the bumper and back to try to get a better angle on the bolts and nuts, especially for the battery cable, but that was very easy after just one 1/4 turn. This was my first alternator and it kicked my ass, but your method and the thoroughness in which you demonstrated it gave me the confidence needed to get this done. It's about $250 for the alternator after the core charge refunded and a $10 rebate from Advance Auto Parts.

[@LumberStash]

Thank you! I used this 3 years ago and that alternator just died. So I’m using this video and your shortcut again today.

[@alexzagabrielle1]

I changed our 2012 grand caravan with just crocodile jack and a pair of jack stands because i don't wanna pay for a an expensive shop rate. So i did it on my own. This procedures works like a charm even though i don't have the luxury of using a hoist and working on my feet. I'm done in an hour and a half working on my back on a piece of cardboard. Recharged my battery while working on the alternator. Fire up the engine & recheck charging system & all working good. Thanks a lot for this video for saving me a lot of money. I highly recommend this procedure. Cheers!!!!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Awesome....glad that the video helped. Not everyone has a lift so a jack and jack stand will give enough room for sure. Thanks for taking the time to comment about the video. Make sure to subscribe and share the videos.

[@joannv7486]

Worked so well. Used my brother's inverted socket a 1/4" ratchet and a 13mm ratcheting wrench and voila. Was a bit hard getting things back together trying to hold the heavy a$$ alternator to align the bolts to their respective holes while your arms are scratched and scraped by every metal and plastic surface you have them twisted around or squeezed through. Ah this is the life!

[@wking6494]

Thank you so much for this detailed video and for part 2/2 of the process MotorCity Mechanic. I was dreading replacing the alternator on my 2011 T&C Limited especially after watching several videos of the "Go in from the top" method. After seeing this video it made the most sense and helped me tremendously. TO ANYONE READING THIS, If everything goes right this can be around an hour job. LIST OF TOOLS I USED: E8 inverted torx - for the A/C compressor studs(advance auto about $5). 3/8" socket wrench/ breaker bar- for the belt tensioner. 10mm socket- for the battery terminals / wheel well area plastic shield removal. 13mm socket / wrench w/ extensions(you may or may not need extentions, they did help me in a few places)- for all other bolts I believe. Flat head screwdriver - for plastic tab removal on under shield and to help release the tabs on the wiring harnesses. 19mm deep socket- for wheel lug nuts. Of course for me me, everthing going smoothly never happens so it was a three hour job but nothing too difficult. The added time was spent struggling with the wiring harnesses as mine were not as easy to press/pull out carefully, one of my A/C compressor studs did not want to go back in properly and just taking time to rewatch parts and steps of this video to ensure I was getting everything correct. If I were to do it again, I could have it knocked out in an hour. This was performed on my back in my driveway with the front passenger side jacked and tire removed. So thanks again for making this MotorCity Mechanic! Saved me a lot of money and only cost me a little time!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks for using my video to help with that job. The first time can be tricky for sure but hopefully you never need to ever again. Appreciate the comment and advice to other viewers as well

[@MB-dl5lx]

E7 inverted torx

[@gregorygallo5854]

MotorCity Mechanic: Thank you for your video. It was spot on. I did this job yesterday after watching the video. Here’s a couple of things that might also help or that you should know: I used a 7/32” socket to remove the compressor studs. I used the following methods to remove the electrical connectors: Compressor - disconnect the compressor connector by sliding the red tang and then squeezing the connector and pulling it away. Alternator - disconnect the alternator connector by pulling up the red tab and then squeezing and pulling away the connector at the same time. Working without a lift: I found that I needed to get my upper body underneath so that I could exert enough torque with a normal 3/8” ratchet to move the belt tensioner, and to reach the upper alternator bolts, the bat cable and the connector. Reinstalling the compressor: I inserted the left-side stud into the compressor earhole before remounting the compressor and then tightened the stud into the engine. If I tried to first mount the compressor, I found that the A/C lines interfered with inserting the stud into the earhole. Access is tight, and visibility is limited, unlike from what it appears to be in the video. You might find it easier to loosen the upper alternator bolts from above. Take your time. It took me longer than 1 - 1 /2 hours. Be patient so as not to strip the compressor studs or damage any wiring underneath.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks for the added info and for watching. Glad to see viewers helping each other out. Make sure to subscribe

[@SilverMt.]

Thank you. was able to do it on my 2013 dodge caravan. I took my time and it was a struggle at times. Removed the upper radiator hose to make it a bit easier for me and my big hands were hard to get in places. The inverse torx studs were hard to get off for me with a socket so picked up a set of E-torx sockets from Harbor freight for $10. working good for over a month now. thanks again.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Great job! Glad it all went well. Goes to show you that if you take your time....you can save money and learn something new about your vehicle. Thanks again and make sure to subscribe.

[@steve_does]

Thank you for this video series! It really helped me to change the alternator in my wife’s 2014 Grand Caravan.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe

[@gazanpino3176]

This video saved me a lot of time and money! Never have i ever changed an alternator in a car before, yet i did it efficiently like a pro with your help. Looking forward to doing more work on my "12" Chrysler Town and Country with help from your videos. Stay blessed and keep up the great work. Peace

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+Gazan Pino Thanks for the kind words. Glad the video gave you the confidence to do the repair. Don't forget to subscribe!

[@goofi78]

I did my alternator yesterday using your method. Thanks a bunch for your video. Made if a lot easier for me. 👍🏼

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Glad it worked out! Thanks for finding my channel and for checking the video out. Make sure to subscribe.

[@WilliamRushing1]

I just wanted to say thanks for the info. The alternator went out in my wife's van. I did a Google search and found your video. I must have watched both part 1 & 2 hundred times. I am not a mechanic by any sense of the word, but got the job done fairly easy. Thanks again!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks William! I appreciate the comment and glad to see that the video gave you the confidence to take it on. Now you have an understanding of your vehicle and don't need to be afraid to take on other repairs if need be. I have plenty more videos on both that vehicle and that engine so make sure to subscribe!

[@WilliamRushing1]

Since first paying someone to replace my alternator three years ago and then attempting it for myself two years ago, I have since had to replace it two more times. The most recent replacement was four months ago in April. I am pretty sure it has gone out again today. Any suggestions as to what may be causing the failures? I have replaced it with an alternator from O'reilly's and they have been gracious about giving me a free replacement each time. I am just getting tired of having to spend the few hours to do the work.

[@frosty1smith764]

Thanks my friend it took a bit but it worked a few problems for big hands lol Merry Christmas

[@jermainegayden6175]

I just worked on my friends can. Very easy and quick repair. I appreciate your help in this repair. Hopefully you can have more tutorials.

[@ef5208]

Saved me some time yesterday man. Big ups.

[@asdfghj123410]

battery charging light just came on went had a test done found out it was my alternator ordered the alternator just picked it up got all the right sockets including the B8 XR going to go home and bust it out great video

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Hope all goes well. Take your time and you should be okay. Let me know how it turns out.

[@asdfghj123410]

+MotorCity Mechanic so I've been hearing a kind of a high-pitch whining noise coming from that area of the motor I'm hoping that once I replace this alternator it will stop the noise has anybody ever said that they were experiencing a high pitch whining noise from their alternator

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+asdfghj123410 I have heard bearing whine as well in some and not to mention the not charging

[@asdfghj123410]

+MotorCity Mechanic yeah it doesn't seem like the whining increases that much it just stays pretty much the same kind of whining but as soon as my light came on I lost power within an hour my van wouldn't even downshift and couldn't get enough charge all of my light sensors came on saying that they were getting no power I hope that the whining noise was the alternator

[@joedwyer2178]

just finished the swap out. took me about 4 hours total only because of the studs, couldn't find a reverse torx socket. 5mm six point worked perfectly. very satisfying repair and a lot of money saved.

[@davidl.7292]

Nice walk thru. Just completed the job and it was easy

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks David! Appreciate the feedback. Make sure to subscribe.

[@billy-hp4garganis243]

Thank you buddy I just did a 2011 Dodge Caravan 3.6 awesome video buddy.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks alot Bill. Glad that I could help with the repair....even if it was just by means of the video. Feel free to check out my other videos and make sure to subscribe!

[@fezkhodor]

How did it go?

[@nickfritz8302]

This helped out quite a bit. Had to borrow a reversed torx socket to remove the studs but 1 1/2 hrs later it’s completed. The only pain in the ass thing was the belt

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Glad it worked out in the end. Just imagine the money you saved! I appreciate the feedback about how it went. Make sure to subscribe.

[@MB-dl5lx]

Worked great, thanks for the tip

[@davemyette5236]

I watched a couple of videos, removal from top and bottom. I actually have a hoist in my shop and could have done it from below like you, but I decided since I didnt have a torx socket I went from above. I had the job complete in 90 minutes and am sure that a second time I could be done in an hour.

[@mikeheard2339]

Thabk you very much for the video. Having relatively large hands and forearms does not make this process any easier. That being said your explanation was almost perfectly spot on, but I did need to remove the upper radiator hose to access the two top bolts on the alternator (couldn't quite reach from the bottom).

[@MotorCityMechanic]

The size of the hands is the variable for sure lol. I forget that not everyone has my sized hands. Thanks for the comment and for watching. Make sure to subscribe

[@mattthomas1369]

It was a tight fit even with dropping the ac but it did come out thanks

[@Sankeyite]

Just watched the video... 2011 t&c gonna go do it now! We'll see!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Take your time Tom and you should be fine. Appreciate you watching. Make sure to subscribe

[@wolves2008111]

I removed it from the top. It wasn't easy, but I think the bottom way would have been harder. I dont have a lift so I didn't want to be under the van the whole time. This video was still helpful, thanks.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

joe mamma Thanks for the feedback. As you see....there is more then one way to skin a cat. Feel free to check out my other videos and make sure to subscribe

[@zroos3655]

To do everything from the top 1. Remove the air box to get to the belt tensioner. 2. Loosen the bolts for the top frame holding the radiator. 3. Drain the coolant. 4. Remove upper radiator hose. 5. Unclip the plug for the fan and the one next to the radiator fill cap. Pull the radiator forward and lift up the fan (requires some wiggling) 6. Unbolt the alternator (all 13mm bolts). I feel this way involves less risk of messing up the A/C or in my case twisting off the bolts holding the splash guard in place.

[@thomascostello8301]

This video helped immensely!! I managed to get my new one in and running within three hours and I am no mechanic. I did it on jack stands as some others have done and I would take off the wheel on that side for more room to work. I will definitely use MoterCity Mechanic for all my future jobs. Thanks a lot and keep up the great work.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Great job on the repair. Appreciate the comment about how it went including the tips. Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Make sure to subscribe!

[@juanacisneros9293]

Thomas Costello i

[@comm2531]

Very tough job but doable so far. I just dropped the alternator on my Dodge Grand Caravan. Very tight getting alternator out. Struggled for a good 5 minutes. I'm sure will be tough getting it mounted. The torx threads on compressor removal quite tedious. Had to use 3/8 drive breaker bar for tight squeeze of the lines to remove studed bolt since it had a thinner base. Doing this job on my back on a foam pad. Alternator quite high. Tough reaching upper bolts. Doable but very tough. (Aircraft Mechanic here.) Manual method looks way harder. Thanks for sharing video.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your welcome and thanks for the info. Subscribe and share the videos.

[@comm2531]

MotorCity Mechanic I was able to lower compressor further, eased installation of alternator. I'm not charging. I strongly suspect field wire connector. Was kind of loose coming off and going into new alternator, not a good snug fit. Maybe have to check wiring, splice in new connector. Just my strongest suspicion but accessibility sucks. Any advice there?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Sometimes you can hook up a multimeter while the engine is running and wiggle the connector and push on the wires and see if any change. I have seen a few connectors go bad on these alternators.

[@comm2531]

MotorCity Mechanic thank you sir, I will try this.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your welcome

[@leahbarnacle6956]

2014 dodge Caravan. Yesterday it took me 2.5 hrs to remove and install new Alt. Problems - the electrical connectors were hard to get apart and the lift I used was a ramp type so its was not as open as your video. Got it done though. Thanks

[@267779]

Watched your video and did the swap from start to cleanup in an hour!!!! Thank you very much for the shortcut. The local dealership wanted right at $400. Again thank you

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your welcome. As you saw.......it doesnt take much to replace. Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe

[@trevytrev6052]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Trevy Trev Thanks! Appreciate the comments. Don't forget to subscribe

[@SmileyFee5]

Been struggling take out because A.C. need off don't want mess up systems

[@timliphardt5125]

Thank you I replaced like you showed worked great excellent video you ROCK

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+Tim Liphardt thanks Tim. Cool to see that it went well. Make sure to subscribe

[@cravinbob]

Remember the Donner party took a shortcut. Remember them?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Everyone remembers them for it…..just sayin.

[@jameskeele8466]

thanks for the short cut can you do the same on 2013 dodge avenger with the 3.6

[@JonEhBee]

I just did it on my '13 GC no problems!

[@Ray-cv6kg]

If I’m not mistaken, this will work for the Promasters also.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

It should and you might even have more room. Thanks for watching and for the comment. Make sure to subscribe.

[@mohamedal.gebore1679]

Great job....but I have dodge avenger 2012 v6....I want some video to learn me how I removal the transmission...

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe

[@Beemanshooter]

can you do a video how to unplug Chrysler pos connectors

[@hongkonguser3951]

Hi I got a battery light issue where the dash light blinks (with all dials going to zero and come back) and dings while driving when driving. It does not always blink the dash lights with dinging all the time. It does it about every other time or 3rd time while driving. The alternator just been rebuilt again with new slipping rings replaced, brushes and repacked bearings with grease. The battery reads 14.6V while engine is running and battery reads 12.6V after engine turned off 30 mins later at 10 degrees C and battery at 12.2V over night at 3 degrees C. I have replaced the engine ground cooper strap to chassis thinking of a bad grounding issue, made no difference. Been tracking this issue for about 3 weeks since the alternator was replaced. Sometimes it will turn off the dash lights and dings once and other times it will keep dinging a few more times while driving. Turn engine off and turn it back on, it will normal for awhile until it dings and lights the battery light up again and stays on all the time until engine turns off.

[@johnwayneherman]

I have a 2012 Grand Caravan. So many problems. Lately, May 2021, PCM module shut car down while running, out and about. Only 1 day driving, the battery light came on. Advance Auto tested as no voltage from alternator. This will be the third alternator ( I watched your video about 3 years ago to replace original). Did the PCM replacement and programming by dealer damage the alternator? You mentioned in a comment the voltage regulator was in the PCM.

[@neonzombiez5837]

Omg thankkkkkkk u!!!! Thought i could just get it out the bottom nope lmao! Thank u southern man 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Jstricks87]

This doesn't save any time. Going from the top is faster, you just lose a cup of radiator fluid. Removing the fan makes getting the alternator bolts come out faster too.

[@anthonyleone9605]

My 2016 T&C 3.6 did not have a lower belt splash shield, do you have a parts number I can look for one. Thank you

[@cepedafamily3893]

Will removing the ac compressor, require you to empty all freon out first.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

If you are unbolting the lines from the compressor then all the freon will need to be removed. Otherwise if you only unbolting the compressor from the block and moving it to the side with the lines still attached....no freon needs to be removed. Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe

[@remnant.rising]

Do you have to remove the tire nearest to the alternator for access?

[@JonEhBee]

I removed my front passenger tire. It made a lot more space for me and was totally worth it.

[@cruisinlalimoservices2847]

Where is part 2. I can’t find it

[@kellytouchine5151]

Hi there, I seen your first video on the alternator from under the van. I cant seem find the second video on your try on taking alternator out from bottom. Need the 2/2...

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Sorry about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnellGWagaqBac0

[@mikezimmerman5756]

What year range does this work on? My is 15 GC

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Nothing has changed on the Grand Caravans with that engine in the last 7 years. Follow the steps and all should go fine. Thanks for asking and make sure to subscribe.

[@scott473]

Your video is great and helps a lot but if you just remove the cam sensor it comes out the top.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+scott473 Thanks for watching....The cam sensor on the 3.6 which there are actually 2, are on top of the valve covers closer to the transmission. Maybe there is a mix up on the engines that we are speaking of.

[@scott473]

+MotorCity Mechanic on the 2012 3.6 the sensor closest to the radiator. The plug gets in the way. Remove the three torch screws and pop the sensor out and the alternator comes out the top. You do still have to remove the upper coolant hose.

[@scott473]

+scott473 torx

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+scott473 I assume your speaking of the oil control solenoids....there are 2 on the front of each valve cover. If that is what your speaking of then cool. I will have to try that next time and see if faster. There are always more then one way to skin a cat haha. Thanks for the info.

[@scott473]

+MotorCity Mechanic yes, lol those are them.

[@maymo5]

Why is it so complicated to mess with the antifreeze?

[@myviews469]

Where the heck it part 2????

[@alucard6353]

Where’s part 2

[@hongkonguser3951]

Also do you where the voltage regulater in a 2011 caravan? I can't seem to find it to test it.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

It’s internal to the PCM

[@hongkonguser3951]

@@MotorCityMechanic Do you know if I can just install an external Voltage regulator like an ACDELCO C603Z bypass on the 2011 Caravan without additional driver electronics? I don't want to spend $500 to buy a used PCM + the cost of reprogramming it. Dealership wants over $1000 in their shop. Confirmed I have a voltage regulator problem today. Taped my digital meter to my window will driving and watched it hit 16.87Volts from 14.6Volts off the battery terminals. Borrowed an ELM with Torque and it would only measured upto 15.8Volt max from the PCM.

[@cjinge983]

I can't find part 2 of the video. Can you repost it?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Not sure the issue but here’s the link: Part 2/2: Grand Caravan and Town and Country 3.6 liter alternator removal with shortcut

[@MotorCityMechanic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnellGWagaqBac0

[@cjinge983]

@@MotorCityMechanic , Thank you! Your videos are really helpful!

[@funkyfamilyfun4324]

I can't get that nut to bulge on the pulley. Is there another way to loosen it?

[@JonEhBee]

If you're talking about the tensioner, I used a socket wrench with a cheater bar. If you're removing the alternator pulley... ehh, spray the hell out of it with wd40 and strap/clamp it to a bench.

[@grnfsh]

Great video! Getting ready to do an accessory belt job on my T&C. I noticed you didnt pull the belt all the way off. Was there something else significant that was keeping it in there? Also do you recommend replacing the tensioner when doing a belt?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

grnfsh Being that all I was taking no off was the alternator I just left the belt in place as much as possible so that it would be one les item is have to reinstall when done. Otherwise it's comes off the easily and nothing is in the way. Personally I would replace any thing unless there is something wrong. It's not normal/common for it to need a tensioner or to replace one just incase. Thanks for watching. Make sure to check out my other videos and subscribe as well.

[@grnfsh]

Great! Thanks for the advice

[@MotorCityMechanic]

grnfsh Your welcome!

[@JonEhBee]

Great point. I didnt even need a diagram to put the belt back on because only moved it as much as necessary to get the job done.

[@jimmymolinaro7554]

The loud background noise is so distracting. But good video.

[@j.j.springer1099]

Music to my ears! Better then the crap people play on videos! No music please! Sounded good to me, machines working

[@jimmymolinaro7554]

What years does this shortcut cover?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

As far as I know all minivans with the 3.6 (Dodge Caravan and the older Chrysler Town and Country)

[@jimmymolinaro7554]

@@MotorCityMechanic thanks

[@MotorCityMechanic]

@@jimmymolinaro7554 Your welcome

[@petermcintyre9561]

Look this guy has a lift and all the specialty tools. Do your self a favor and go in from the top. I did it in 2 hours and I’m not a mechanic. Don’t do it on jack stands and have to get up 8 million times to get this or that. Take your time and be carful with the lock clips on the wiring harness.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

There are about 4 different ways you can take on this repair.....I showed one. I had the lift and sure as hell was going to use it lol. I will try to film it in the parking lot next time to give that real world driveway experience lol. Thanks for your input and advice.

[@JonEhBee]

I just used the jack that came with the van and pulled the tire. Its much less complicated than removing all the crap from the top.

[@dwightsmith6012]

how to pull a motor out of 105 Town and Country

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Hello. What year is the van? You said 105 and I got confused. Let me know. Thanks

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+Dwight Smith The method I use on the vans is to lower both the transmission and the engine out the bottom. I leave them bolted together and separate them once on the ground. To me its easier that way. You just need to have the vehicle jacked up high enough so that the engine and trans can be slid out from under the vehicle once removed....I actually lower it down on a dolly I have so that it can be rolled out.

[@dwightsmith6012]

Thank you I'll try that

[@dwightsmith6012]

And it was an 05

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Dwight Smith That would be the same way on the 2005 that I would do the repair. Out the bottom with the trans is my preferred method.

[@santiagomartinezjr300]

take it out of to 20 min job

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks for the comment Santiago. Make sure to subscribe.