How to Locate the Alternator in a Car

The car's engine has a lot of parts that can be intimidating. You thought it would be simple to take the alternator out and replace it yourself, until you popped the hood and realized you have no idea where the thing is.

Instructions

1

Find the pulley configuration sheet. In most vehicles there are several stickers lined up across the radiator cap when you open the hood of the engine. Or you can pull the owner's manual out where you should find the engine's diagram.

2

Look at the sticker or page that lists all of the parts that the serpentine belt powers. Labeled on that diagram there will be several circles that represent the pulleys that the serpentine belt drives. Different manufacturers will label the alternator differently. Look for LT or GEN labeled across one of the circles.

3

Follow the location the circle is at in relation to the other circles on the diagram to know where to look for the alternator. If the circle is drawn on the top center, the alternator will be found close to the top in the center of the engine.

4

Know what to clues an alternator has to find it in any engine. Vehicles are designed differently so the alternator won't always be in the same spot. However there are some basic components to look for that all alternators have. Since it is driven by the belt, the alternator will always be in the front of the engine. They are made from aluminum and you can see a small fan near the belt.