How to Replace the Alternator in a Pontiac Grand Am

The Pontiac Grand Am uses an alternator to run electrical devices in your vehicle while the engine is running. A voltage regulator maintains a constant voltage level and is frequently integrated into the alternator assembly. If your battery continually runs down or your headlights become dimmer while the engine is running, you may need to replace the alternator.

Instructions

1

Determine which alternator your Pontiac Grand Am will need. You'll want to be sure the new alternator is compatible with your Grand Am's engine. Models made from 1973 to 1975 may have a 6.5 L or 7.4 L engine. The next generation of the Pontiac Grand Am was built from 1985 to 1991 and was equipped with 2.3 L, 2.4 L, 2.5 L and 3.0 L engines.

2

Look at more recent versions of the Grand Am. Models made from 1992 to 1998 may have a 2.3 L, 2.4 L, 3.1 L or 3.3 L engine. The latest generation of the Pontiac Grand Am was manufactured from 1999 to 2005 and may have a 2.2 L, 2.4 L or 3.4 L engine.

3

Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Remove the air cleaner and the bolt on the oil dipstick tube so you can move the tube aside.

4

Remove the accessory drive belt and the electrical connectors from the alternator. If you have a 3.4 L engine, you will also need to disconnect the power steering-to-alternator line clip. Take the mounting bolts (and nuts for a 3.4 L engine) off of the alternator with a socket wrench and remove the alternator assembly.

5

Install the new alternator assembly and tighten the mounting bolts to 15 foot pounds with a torque wrench for most models. Torque the nuts on the alternator to 22 foot pounds and the bolts to 37 foot pounds if you have a 3.4 L engine.

6

Connect the power steering-to-alternator line clip if you have a 3.4 L engine. Plug in the electrical connectors to the alternator and install the drive belt. Reposition the oil dipstick tube to its original position and tighten the bolt for the oil dipstick tube with a socket wrench. Replace the air cleaner assembly and connect the negative battery cable.