How to Unplug the Electrical Connectors from a Car Alternator

The alternator in your car charges your battery every time it runs. It's integral to the health of your car because without a battery, you won't be able to start the car. They usually need replacing after several years of wear. Here is how to unplug the electrical connectors from your car alternator so you can get ready to replace it.

Instructions

1

Shut your engine off and let it cool. Make sure the keys are out of the ignition as well. The last thing you want is a giant electrical current running through your body by way of your wrench.

2

Remove the protective rubber coating on the "feed" wire. The feed wire transports the electricity from the alternator to the battery. It has a rubber boot or cover on it because of the potential danger of sparking an electrical current. Remove the rubber, exposing the mounting nut underneath.

3

Detach the mounting nut with your ratchet. If you are using a set, find the correct size by simple trial and error as to which ratchet will fit the mounting nut. Once you have removed the nut, take off the "feed" wire, as it will now be loose.

4

Disconnect the charge indicator wire. Depending on your car, you may have different warning systems. This provides the power to illuminate the appropriate light for the warning system. (The charge indicator wire will present itself after you've removed the "feed" wire in the previous step.) Simply reach in and pull that wire out.

5

Take off the computer wire. The computer wire will present itself, as it will be the last wire remaining. This wire runs any computer system you have in your car inclusive of the radio, heating system, headlights and more. Once you pull this wire off you have successfully removed the electrical connectors from the car's alternator.