How to Replace Alternator 00-04 Ford Focus
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Ford Focus
Replace the alternator, including moving the coolant and power steering reservoirs for access, on a 2000-2004 Ford Focus.
Tools you will need
- Pipe for leverage
- 15mm wrench
- Socket extensions
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Jack stands
- 7mm socket
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- Swivel
Parts and supplies
- Alternator
Steps
- Access the alternator
Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket, remove the 10mm bolt in front of the coolant bottle, unclip it and lift it out of the way, lift the power steering reservoir aside, remove the two 10mm bolts on the under-car dust and rock shield and remove it, turn the belt tensioner's bolt clockwise with a 15mm wrench and a pipe for leverage to loosen the belt, slip the belt off the alternator pulley and push it aside, free the wiring harness bolt near the alternator, then remove the 7mm bolts holding the solenoid-shaped object on the firewall over the alternator and push it toward the center of the car.
- Remove the old alternator
Remove the 10mm bolt on the front of the alternator and the opposite 10mm bolt with a flexible ratchet, pull the alternator up and out, disconnect its rear connector, remove the 10mm nut from the power wire and pull it free, disconnect the green clip on the line above the alternator and push everything else out of the way, then lift the alternator out.
- Install the new alternator
Fit it down into the engine bay, line it up and reconnect the wires and harnesses, reposition the tubes you moved aside, replace all its bolts, reconnect the green clip, refit the object on the firewall, then reconnect the harness clip.
- Reinstall the belt if it was removed
Check the belt diagram to confirm each pulley's routing, loosen the tensioner with the 15mm wrench and pipe to pull the belt into place, then tighten the tensioner once everything lines up.
- Reinstall the bottles and covers
Refit the dust and rock shield over the tensioner, push the power steering reservoir back into place, push the coolant bottle back in and reinstall its bolt, then reconnect the negative battery cable.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.