1997 Ford Explorer alternator replacement help is needed.

fz4zlm · 07-19-2010, 06:02 PM

I'm a cartoon guy. My sister bought a 97 Explorere (Eddie Bauer Edition). Alternator blown on it. I verified via jumping battery and testing it as good. Took truck to AutoZone and I love it when they prove me right. (a rarity)

So now, I'm ready to replace the sucker. Does anyone have picture of bolts to be removed? There's alot of "stuff" on top of alternator and I want to see if there is easier way to remove alternator without removing anything extra!

Thanks!
Memphis Phil.

**BrooklynBay** · 07-20-2010, 11:40 AM

Welcome to this forum! I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the stock 95-01 section. Which engine do you have (V6 or the V8)?

fz4zlm · 07-20-2010, 12:00 PM

Thanks. It's a V6.

RickOTR · 07-20-2010, 04:02 PM

1). Remover the intake tube from intake manifold to the MAF sensor
2) Disconnect battery
3). Remove serpentine belt (they make a long specialty tool for this to make it easier)
4). Remove three large bolts (I think they are 5/8" but can't remember
5). Disconnect the three wire connector to the voltage regulator
6). Disconnect the large wire to the alternator... top SOHC and back on OHV engines

Installation is reversal of installation I just gave you.

fz4zlm · 07-20-2010, 04:45 PM

Ok. Got it done and found that it was easy enough that I had my 15 yr old nephew do the work while I supervised with a beer in my hand!

However, I ran into a strange deal.

The vehicle is undoubtedly titled a 97 Ford Explorer so I naturally got an alternator from AutoZone for a 97 Ford Explorer. However, upon removing the old alternator, it was very evident that the new alternator was not the same size as the old one. The back bolt was anywhere about 3/4" further back and the casing was that much thicker as well.

So, I took both alternators back to Autozone and the guy was awesome in looking as several boxes....to find that the one removed from vehicle is the same one as a 2000 Explorer (dual lower bolts closer together and thinnner chassis than what the database stated). My thinking is perhaps they had engine replaced, but the original owners (friend of family) said that it's the original engine. I'm now thinking that maybe Autozone's database may be wrong.

ANyone think of another reason?

Anywho, it's replaced with lifetime warranty alternator! Thanks for the help!

07-19-2010, 06:02 PM	#1
fz4zlm Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	1997 Ford Explorer alternator replacement help is needed. I'm a cartoon guy. My sister bought a 97 Explorere (Eddie Bauer Edition). Alternator blown on it. I verified via jumping battery and testing it as good. Took truck to AutoZone and I love it when they prove me right. (a rarity) So now, I'm ready to replace the sucker. Does anyone have picture of bolts to be removed? There's alot of "stuff" on top of alternator and I want to see if there is easier way to remove alternator without removing anything extra! Thanks! Memphis Phil.

07-20-2010, 11:40 AM	#2
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,683 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to this forum! I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the stock 95-01 section. Which engine do you have (V6 or the V8)? __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

07-20-2010, 04:02 PM	#4
RickOTR Wannabe Elite Explorer CA 1997 Explorer Sport 4X4 Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 641 Vehicle Specs	1). Remover the intake tube from intake manifold to the MAF sensor 2) Disconnect battery 3). Remove serpentine belt (they make a long specialty tool for this to make it easier) 4). Remove three large bolts (I think they are 5/8" but can't remember 5). Disconnect the three wire connector to the voltage regulator 6). Disconnect the large wire to the alternator... top SOHC and back on OHV engines Installation is reversal of installation I just gave you. __________________ 1997 Ford Explorer Sport: Over 500,000 miles and still going See my CarDomian for details on my Explorer http://www.cardomain.com/ride/666173 2007 Ford GT40: 2007 Lincoln MKX

07-20-2010, 12:00 PM	#3
fz4zlm Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks. It's a V6.

07-20-2010, 04:45 PM	#5
fz4zlm Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Ok. Got it done and found that it was easy enough that I had my 15 yr old nephew do the work while I supervised with a beer in my hand! However, I ran into a strange deal. The vehicle is undoubtedly titled a 97 Ford Explorer so I naturally got an alternator from AutoZone for a 97 Ford Explorer. However, upon removing the old alternator, it was very evident that the new alternator was not the same size as the old one. The back bolt was anywhere about 3/4" further back and the casing was that much thicker as well. So, I took both alternators back to Autozone and the guy was awesome in looking as several boxes....to find that the one removed from vehicle is the same one as a 2000 Explorer (dual lower bolts closer together and thinnner chassis than what the database stated). My thinking is perhaps they had engine replaced, but the original owners (friend of family) said that it's the original engine. I'm now thinking that maybe Autozone's database may be wrong. ANyone think of another reason? Anywho, it's replaced with lifetime warranty alternator! Thanks for the help!