How To Replace Alternator 00-05 Buick LeSabre 3.8L

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 50 min · Buick Lesabre

Replace the alternator on a 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre with the 3.8L engine.

Steps

1. Disconnect the battery

   Fold the rear seat up to reach it, then disconnect the negative cable with an 8mm socket.

2. Release the serpentine belt

   Hook a 15mm wrench on the tensioner, pull to slacken it, slip the belt off the alternator, then release the tensioner and pull the belt free.

3. Remove the old alternator

   Pull the oil fill cap and engine cover, unplug the wiring harness, disconnect the battery lead with a 10mm socket, remove the brace's 10mm bolt and 15mm nut and swing it aside, then remove the alternator's front and back 15mm bolts and lift it out.

4. Install the new alternator

   Set it on its mounting bolt, start the front and rear 15mm bolts and torque all three to about 35 ft-lb, refit the brace and its nut and bolt, then reconnect the battery lead and wiring harness.

5. Reinstall the serpentine belt

   Route it around the crank, A/C, water pump, tensioner and power steering pulleys, use the 15mm wrench on the tensioner to walk it onto the alternator pulley, then refit the engine cover and oil cap.

6. Reconnect the battery

   Reconnect the cable, tighten its nut, then fold the rear seat back down.

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