I've been a Ford mechanic for over 15 years. I started trying to find a video to show a friend the proper way to do an alternator. Out of all the videos i could find yours is the ONLY one i could find that is exactly how i would do it. Good job bro! Way to keep it classy and the hacks away.
I gotta say, I just tackled this job this morning. No lift just on the ground with jacks but your video was a massive help. It seems like an intimidating job but I really didn’t find it to bad. No plastic shields on mine so I’m sure that helped make it quicker! Thanks !👍🏻👍🏻💪🏻
Thank you sir. I just did this on my wife's 2005 Escape. My goodness, what a horrible design. Thanks for the video, it helped me a ton! No lift, off the ground, with long extensions, smashed fingers, swearing, and frustration, but it is done!
Thank you Car Dr.! I just finished this job on my wife's 2005 V6 Escape with the help of this video and it only took 8.5hrs, lol, Wisconsin rust is brutal. The OEM alternator had 3 plastic housings bolted to the alternator body with the in-board housing having an elbow like section that wraps around the alternator top and attached right in front of the top alternator mounting bolt. What a freaking nightmarish job but I wasn't about to pay $800+ to have our local shop do the work. Saved a good chunk of change and I now have more hand tools for the future. P.S., those plastics housings went directly to the trash.
Dan Abt lol same here the trashy plastic parts. It didnt even fit the new alternator outside of the car.. i tried for a while to get it together inside the void.. F*** F*** F************
This is my first public comment ever. You rock dude this totally saved my ass I wanna fly to Alaska and feed you beer. On a serious note thanks again I feel as if I owe you one. I’m a subscriber for life 🍻
Thank you for this video! I looked at the alternator on my Ford and freaked out a little when I figured out that I would have to remove the half shaft. Your video helped tremendously and alleviated my worries! You are the man!
Timster you are a life saver brother I had this same exact vehicle with a bad alternator that needed replacing.. The lady found me on facebook and pretty much pleaded with me to help her because no one wanted to touch her car I took the job thinking it was just going to be a regular alternator replacement job and boy was I wrong lol.. So after doing some research before I jumped in I found your video an I must say I wasn't so lucky to not have that plastic cover around the alternator.. Oh boy did I ever have a few choice four letter words that sounded nothing like love, I think I even made up some new 4 letter words lol.. But I got it done that plastic cover was the worst of it along with that top stud.. But my customer is happy now.. So am I, for another notch on the old belt.. Thank you brother for never letting me down I know I can always find useful material on your channel.. You are the Man..
I've been a foreign car mechanic since 1972. I saw where Ford put the alternator and I was about to pass on the repair. But thanks to your video, I knocked it out without a problem. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Mr. Car Doctor, You just earned an afternoon off in that boat behind the car. Total respect for your skills Sir. I will now pay $250.00 to have a friends mechanic do this for me. Good for you not complaining about the mechanical design of the car. The worst you got was " the stupid plastic shield", very good control!
It's fun and informative to watch you work, I love when you look into the camera when you talk. You're a natural! I look for your videos every time i need assistance. Thanks!
Thank you very much!!! This is the most accurate and detailed explanation I’ve ever seen! I replaced alternator on my ford 2005 and it was a pleasure to use all the tips you gave!
Thank you brother outta like 15 videos you are the only one who made a decent video. Bless your heart man! I have wrenched on alot of shit in my day but this alternator on this Mariner takes the cake. Love to meet the one who designed it... Three thumbs up!
Internal Torx socket, mentioned at 18:30, is 1/4" socket. BUT first break the stud loose with vise grips in the space between alt. and engine so that you don't round out the Torx head on the stud end.
I did this on my wife's 2005 Mazda Tribute this past February and it was probably one of the hardest Alternator replacement jobs that I have ever performed and I owned my own repair for over 10 years in the 80's and 90's but have always done jobs on the side and all of my own. It will come out the top but very hard to accomplish.
I just replaced a '05 Mariner alternator & it took 7 hours in 2 days. I pulled the motor mount bolt to raise the engine because could not remove the exhaust. I dropped tie rod & removed the drive axel. Unbolted the plastic air tube while on the vehicle then had to turn the alternator around to get it out. Putting it in I had the plastic air tube in two pieces. I installed in reverse fashion - Installed the plastic air body on while up in the vehicle, bolted the alternator on (I put the stud on the bottom hole instead of the top), installed the air tube from above after unplugging two connectors for access and was able to install the plug & cable from above. Real pain of a job - BTW I used a ¼" socket on the star socket stud. I also learned some more watching this video. The original alternator overcharged and baked the battery and messed up the wipers, they won't turn off.
Very professional. My Daughter's Mercury Mariner will go to my good Friends shop for the alternator R&R. I've been twisting wrenches for 50 years and can recognize that this one requires a full shop with lift and a commitment to following factory recommended procedures. I hope that all the shade tree guys understand the hazards of short cut/easy way maintenance. Thanks!
+John Willard thanks! I'll drop you a line for your friends contact info for the next one of these that comes in so I know where to send it. Haha. Happy Ney Year.
THE BEST TUTORIAL VIDEO ON INTERNET.... Thanks for not letting us feel pain in the ass longer than the other You help us a lot... Keep posting more video
I've been working on an 05 escape for 3 days now. had the alternator off but could not get it past the firewall. I watched your video and had the car back repaired in an hour! Great Video, thanks!
Thanks for the video. We tackled this job last night and it was absolute hell. I opted to yank the alternator out of the top as we don't have a lift here, and the suspension/brakes were covered in salt. But, I could have probably done it in the same amount of time if I had a lift and a rust-free vehicle to pop the axle out of.
Thank you for mentioning the torque for the bolts and the nut that goes on the stud. 35ft/lb. I had to use a mini propane torch to heat the aluminum block to get the stud out. There was no anti-seize on the bolts. The alternator stated it was mfd in 2004, so was probably the OE one on my 05 escape. It's currently got just over 240k on the odometer. After I get this finished and do the rear valve cover- up for sale she goes.
"THANK YOU THANK YOU!!", you made this job easy for a leaman mechanic, other videos made it a lot more difficult. The replacement of my daughters 03 escape alternator went exactly the way you said to do it. The Haynes manual made it more difficult as well. This Escape has turned into a lemon. I bought it for my daughter, her first car. She loves it, otherwise I'd run it over with my 81 GMC 1 ton. Thanks Again!!
Thanks for uploading the video, now I am not affraid anymore to replace or repair the alternator. I owned a Ford Escape 3.0 L new from agency (Alden Tlalpan México) in 2005, since then I never experienced any problem with the item, the truck has been so reliable that I gave it to my daughter and she is very happy with the SUV, however as many things in life, there are good things but there are SOME Ford engineers and administrative staff as well, thanks again and I wish you success
Just did my 2004 tribute on the ground. Great video, best tutorial yet, made it easy to follow. Big thanks. Agree with other comments - poor design on location of alternator.
Thanks for the video, I live in Thailand and own a tribute, The alternator is on the way out and needs replacing, I shall be having a go at it next week Thanks again
The Car Doctor repair done thanks all ok,,,, I have one question I replced the engine mounts ( they were worn ) but now still have a kind of Click Clunk noise front end right side,sway bars seem ok> any advice? Regards Doug good fishing
Well done Sir. Having to wait on a dog sled to deliver replacement parts for an automobile is hilarious. Being from the lower 48 I get upset when parts are not in stock or available on next mornings truck.
Hi, I'd just like to thank you for posting this video. Nothing like seeing a pro at work. Also, thanks for saving my Labor Day long weekend by showing me that I am not to attempt this in my driveway. With the car on ramps... Cursing Mazda/Ford for designing such a stupid access to a part likely to fail. Some things are worth the cost of a mechanic with the right tools.
Well I wish it would have helped you actually do the work and save yourself the big bucks but I guess its better then finding out after that it was a mistake to even attempt. I agree its a poor design and worse yet they fail so often due to the location and the excessive heat. Be sure to double check that the tech puts the heat shield back the way it was since too many times they throw them away to save time on installation. Sometimes I would rather pay another tech to do this job as well! Take care.
Thank you very much sir for taking the time to make this video for us DIY out here. without it I would not have had a clue on how to replace it on my wife's 2002 escape. stay warm partner. don't think I could handle Alaska born and raised south Texas. thanks again
Thanks for the step by step. I just got a 2001 Ford Escape and I am quickly learning how to address many of the issues these vehicles have. The alternator was certainly one I wanted to know how to remove and install. I will have a disadvantage of not having a hydrolic lift and will be working with the vehicle on jack stands. I hope I can easily get to many of the areas of the vehicle. I am keeping this video for future reference and as for the dog sled deliveries. Here in southeast that is a bit%h as dogs can only swim in calm weather with their cargo.
Thanks doc. Helped a lot. 2003 is a little different; had to remove a separate bracket that holds the alternator to the block with three 10 mm bolts. Then the alternator comes out with the pulley facing out and the two bolt hole side facing up.
Thanks for the video... changed mine yesterday. The hardest part was the shields. My CV did not want to separate from the hub so I just took the spindle / knuckle off as an assembly. Thanks again!
Meghan we only do that to guys who try to get with our little sisters. Honestly that intake pladium comes off so very easy and then it goes back on just as easy creating lots of room to remove the altenator.
Thanks for your help. It was fun just watching you work. Best Replace I have seen. I'm still trying to decide if I want to tackle this job. Too bad you are in Alaska--I would hire you.
Thanks for the great video! ! Very clear concise. Awesome job. BTW. ..I wouldn't wish this job on my worst enemy. If had swear jar.....it would be over filled!!!
Cheers for the great video, clear and concise instructions. 10/10. Almost made it too easy. The only thing that's left me scratching my head is that I lost about 14 fl oz out of the axle seal. Had a quick look at the diff and there seemed to be a inspection plug on the US passenger side. The axle seal is about 2-3 inches above the inspection plug so it shouldn't be an issue right (unless its not a inspection plug). Besides the car was tilted anyway. but yeah still cant figure out how i lost so much oil. probably worth checking before i drive it but that can wait until the morning.
+The Car Doctor cheers for the reply. Is the diff completely independent to the gearbox or does it share oil. A mate's letting me use his lift in exchange for a carton so I'll get to the bottom of this sooner or later.
An Excellent Video. I hope to be able to take a few shortcuts as I do not own a hoist or power tools. You did a Great job taking us through the process.
Nice Job Man! Sled Slow? Alot of my Wifes Relatives live in King Cove So Slow is Simply "Life" LOL. your a Good Man & Mechanic! Appreciate You Posting Online Fixing Cars! Truly Helps Many DIY Guys Save $$$$ Fixing Their Own Rigs! Have a Great Day! Oh Hey BTW Before I pull Serp Belts I use a Silver Pencil to Put Arrows on Each Pulley Showing The Direction of the Belt. Seems To Help Me and Many Others to Remember Direction. Hope this Helps Someone out there..LOL Thanks Again!
Great video nice procedure.. Totally agree with you on rebuilt parts vs new. Burned by rebuilt parts ...Final torque wheels, I use 3/8 impact followed with torque wrench. The lugs didn't move which shows they were already @ 80 plus .. Thanks...
thanks for your time and big help I do mecanic side job because I love work on cars but I didn't go the school, just learn from videos and tomorrow I m doing, scape 04 and your video make it easier to do and thank you very much
Good and very detailed video. But after watching how complicated it is to change the alternator and knowing that I will expend a lot of money on labor cost, I am thinking to change my Ford Escape for a Toyota one!
Thorough and clear video for Ford Escape alternator replacement! Would you please list these special tools so I can buy to make my Ford Escape 07 Limited alternator changed easier?
Tackled this today on my 2002 Escape. Followed this video. Every thing went well until I went to pull the alternator out. I could not wedge it through. Spent an hour trying to get it out. Finally dropped the engine around a 1/2 inch. Still wouldn’t come. Finally preyed it out. Putting in the new one wasn’t much better. I finally shoe-horned in through the back fire wall. All told, 6 hrs. Would never try this again.
Well that was a job and a half- wow. To be honest Tim I don't torque too much just the axle nut. I use a torque stick for the wheels. I do use the threadlocker. There's no way I can bang that one out in two hours- more like seven with my helper Old Milwaukee :) 👍🏻
Steve Rob youre selling yourself short. Do a few and its pretty easy. I have done them under 1.5hr but that was a couple days after I had done one before. But I really don't care for this job at all.
I just did this on a 2005 Escape. Junk the truck ! 🤣 A shop cross threaded the bolts for the strut. Pulled it out from the top. Take 2 of the screw studs out of the back where the regulator is. Swap out the regulator - its way cheaper and does exactly the same thing as a brand new one.....thats probably a reman'd one anyways. It was a pain in the neck, literally, to get it out the top. Took 3 sets of hands. Theres literally no wiggle room. I had to replace what Midas screwed up. Installed a junk reman'd alternator that boiled the battery and acid was eating that truck alive.....until it was dead 45 mins later. I installed a factory alternator and she is now on a 14 hr drive. If you can remove the axle, take it out that way.
Replaced mine on my 2002 Escape. No hoist.. Luckily I had a garage and lots of the correct tools. And this great You tube clip. Lots of F bombs and Death wishes for who was ever responsible for putting the alternator in such a f#@+ up location. Hard on a 68 year old body.
JAJAJA,,,IAM 70YEAR OLD.PLAYING WITH CAR ALL THE TIME,,,,,THE ALTERNATOR FOR THE ESCAPE 2003 LOOKS SCARY ,,IF YOU LISTEN TPEOPLE..ITS WORSE.....IT IS DIFFICULT BUT NOTHING ,,IMPOSIBLE...I CHANGED MINE YESTERDAY........ REMOVING MY TIRE ,THE ROD AND THE TRANSMISION CHAFT.. BRAKE LINE AND SUPPORT OF THE ELECTRIC WIRE OF THE STARTER..IT TOOK ME 25 MINUTES..THEN Y USED A LONG STENTION 3/8 TO PULL THE UPPER SREW OF THE STARTER ..USING A BOBLE CONNECTION IN THE END AND A 13 MM DICE,,,,REMOVED THE THREE SREWS FRON THE ALTERNATOR ...... NOW THE SECRET.........USED A ROPE AND PULL THE ALTERNATOR UP .. OUT OF THE WAY....REMOVE THE BRACKET THAT SUPPORT THE ALTERNATOR ....TAKE OUT A PLASTIC PROTECTOR .....NOW ..BRING DOWN THE ALTERNATOSR AND UNPLUG THE POSITIVE WIRE AN THE WIRE TO THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR....TAKE THE ALTERNATOR OUT .........MOVE IT AROUND AND FINE THE WAY TO TAKE IT OUT.... PIECE A CAKE .......GOOD LUCK ... 45 MINUTES JOG...GETTING IT OUT ...MOUNTING IT IS EASER..BELIEVE ME..
Why didn't ford use a hatch for the alt.like they did to replace the fuel pump underneath the passenger seat in the back I have an 04 ford escape I love it
You can take out the acumulater the alternator will come right out that hole from the top I did it to my 2004 escape my compresser went out so I bought the ac kit compresser dryer and o-rings for 188.00 my alt.was only putting out 13 1/2 volts so I decided to install new one
what I see as job its very hard I think ford should put the a/c compressor in the back of the engine and alternator in the front that will make your job much easier great video take care .
Well, I watched because now I have to do this same job, for a different reason. Our Mazda has a severe oil leak, & something is peeing all over the alternator. From my past experiences, this will shorten the life of the alternator. Side note: Assuming that there can't be that many Snap-on dealers, outside of anchorage, AK, does your Snap-on dealer charge a little extra, to absorb the shipping costs from the lower 48?
+Gordon302 I don't think he charges any extra but I wouldn't really know if he did. Mine just quit so I'm waiting for the new guy to show up. If your leak is the crank seal then that won't be too hard. Take care!
@@Jayj93pgt I cant feel any emotions for owners of these type of vehicles when it comes to repair costs !!!! Haha.....they cant Escape the Tribute; the main agenda that most wont consider is...JAPAN RULES !!
Thanks for this. Finished a 2005 Tribute a couple of days ago. Wow what a pain. I love my tribute. What light are you using with your camera? Is that a magnetic base?
yes i tryed another cluster on truck and still same and checked growned on filler cap and wires on back bumper and yes and allready watch ur videos and i believe its in tk in that bucket them 2 little conect in tk
Great video! Do you know if this video also applies to 2008-2012 V6 Ford Escape? If not, do you know if it's as complicated as the 2000-2007 ones? Thanks!
There are several vidios on the web, your's is definitly the most copprehensive . The alternatore change on the Escape is very difficult and I not sure It I could have done it
Great video! Question...I might be needed to replace my alternator on my 2005 Escape. It was driving fine the last two days, then suddenly after a 30 minute drive yesterday, the batter would not start the car. Charged the battery, car started. While driving, after about 5 minutes the lights and instrument panel turned off. Luckily we were close to home and able to drive the vehicle back. Charged the battery again, car started, but the weird thing is sometimes I see the voltage at 14v when first starting, but it always goes down to 12v....I am not sure if this is wiring, alternator or both. Being such a costly and extensive repair...what else can I check to determine an alternator issue? Thanks!
Be sure that your alternator is really the problem. My 04 Escape had a hesitation (especially when the AC was on), the battery would drain if the car sat for more than an hour, and the gauges would cycle through their start-up test procedures while I was driving. The research I did said alternator, but I replaced the battery cables, plugs, coil packs, and cleaned every ground wire I could find. The car runs like new and no wonky electrics.
What was the actual voltage output of the alternator under load and did it have a clean diode pattern? Was there an ampelerage drain and did the battery pass a load test? Those would be the first steps in diagnosing a charging system issue.
Great job! although i am mechanically inclined and probably could pull this off, i don't think i would be as successful. my daughters just went out tonight. i believe you said 2hrs in your video. is this what the Labor book rates the repair? if so, i think i would rather pay to have it done. should have considered this before i bought this thing for my daughter. lol what typically should this repair cost? thanks for this great information! thank god for people such as yourself and you tube..
+Mike Hatfield So the labor time for this job is a little over three hours I think. Factor in your areas shop rates and the cost of the part and this could easily be a 500+ fix at most shops. Mine is a little north of that since we are in Alaska and parts and shop rates are much higher. Thanks for dropping by!
What size was the upper mounting bolt torx socket? 9mm? EDIT: On mine, it was an 8mm (2006 Mariner AWD 3.0). I used a 16" extension, no wobble socket, 15mm for the bolt and 8mm for the stud. Going from behind is a straight shot. I often wonder who signs off on these designs. Someone went to school multiple years to learn to design things like this.
I stopped at the place that you said that the heat shield is missing so I can ask if that's maybe what made the alternator go out? Mine is missing also, should I get one. Gonna finish vidio now, maybe you cover that later. Thanks.
Ha. "I hope you guys remember how it goes back in because I already forgot." For all those asking about the plastic cooling duct cover: It seems that when a replacement is installed without it the repair only lasts 2 or 3 years before another replacement is needed. Ford never adds parts unless they absolutely have to.
