How to Replace New Alternator 97-01 Toyota Camry

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 50 min · Toyota Camry

Replace the alternator on a 1997-2001 Toyota Camry.

Steps

1. Release the serpentine belt

   Disconnect the negative battery terminal, loosen the 14mm mounting bolt and the 12mm bolt under the adjusting screw, turn the adjusting screw counterclockwise to drop tension, then pull the belt off the alternator and out by hand.

2. Remove the old alternator

   Pry off the terminal cap, remove the 10mm nut and pull the wiring harness free, remove the 12mm adjuster bolt and 14mm mounting bolt, then work the alternator out of its pivot bracket by hand or with a small pry bar.

3. Install the new alternator

   Transfer the 8mm retaining nut to the new unit if needed, set it in the bracket, hand-tighten the 14mm bolt and 12mm adjusting screw, press the wiring harness onto its bracket and reconnect it, then insert the terminal wire and tighten its 10mm bolt before refitting the cover.

4. Reinstall the serpentine belt

   Loop it around the crank pulley, under the A/C compressor and over the alternator, loosen the adjustor if needed, then tighten the 12mm adjustor bolt and the bolt beneath it clockwise, tighten the 14mm mounting bolt, and reconnect the battery terminal.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.