Expert: Rob Painter - 11/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: I would like to replace the alternator on my 1995 cad Seville sts but don't know the location or have a diagram.

ANSWER: Hello,

Alternators are attached to the engine and since the engine is transverse, the front of the engine is faces the passenger front fender.
The alternator is bolted to the engine and is fixed. The alternator, air pump, water pump and air conditioning compressor all are driven off of one belt known as a surpentine belt. To remove the belt there is a 1/2 square hole that a breaker bar or a ratchet can fit into on the idler pulley and the idler pulley can be moved to release belt tention to remove. Other idler pullys vary in the method use to release tension and are set up to be loosened by a wrench or a pry bar, but the concept is the same.

To identify the alternator, it will have a thick (usually #10 gauge) red wire attached to the rear.

My concern is why would you want to replace it? This is not something you do on a whim. Alternator, starter and battery issues are commonly misdiagnosed by parts changers calling themselves technicians.
Some alternators can run as high as $500, which is a lot of money to waste to change the wrong part. Charging, starting and checking the battery either for performance or a parasitic draw are some of the easiest things to diagnose with minimal equipment, yet some shade tree mechanic or parts store emplyees change everything at the owners expense, just in hopes of repairing the original complaint.

I.have commonly diagnosed or assisted in the diagnoses of such problems successfully, right over the Internet.

Don't be fooled. There are good techs out there, but far too many bad ones as well.

I am curious as to why you want to change the alternator.


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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I checked the battery and conducted a load test and the message board in the car still stated no charge to the battery.  So is the alternator located under the car on the passenger side and how do you get to it.

Answer
Hello,

I have described how to determine which piece is the alternator by looking for the power wire, however, this car is too old for me to have any available information to determine the exact location of the alternator in this year make and model.

I do however have information that can eliminate any doubt and is very common in the field as well as making the most sense. You need to get the replacement alternator first (preferably new and not junk yard) because you may have to match the mounting up anyway. Once it is in your hand, you can compare it to the location of the one in your car. You always get the parts first!

By the way-get an alternator from a parts store, not from Cadillac.

You better make sure yoi change the belt, because if original, it definately has to be changed as well.

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