Need to replace my altenator and was wondering if anyone else has done theres? Is so, how long/difficult was it to R&R?

 

IF you have to replace it, it is pretty easy. Take the fan out(makes more room to work), release the fan belt(you dont have to take it all the way off, just off the tensioner), disconnect the battery, disconnect the connections at the back of the alternator and then remove the bolts holding it in. The service manual gives the full details.

NOTE that there is a sliding spacer that presses up against the alternator when bolted in. This spacer makes it snug to remove the alternator and while installing alternator if you dont move it towards the radiator........

 

the one that fails on the crossfire is a cheap mercedes alt. made in France, if you don't rebuild the ceapo french model I suggest getting the one I bought which was made in England. $120 at rock autoparts.

 

Thanks Mike
Did the deed a couple days ago and got it installed. FYI ...my '04 had the option of using a "Bosch" or a "Valeo" ...I opted for the Bosch thinking (MBZ) as I had never heard of a Valeo? But it turned out to be a Valeo brand that was originally installed. I should have ran the vin numbers prior but the guy at Napa seemed to agree with me and thought Bosch. Never the less made for a pain as I had to take back the one I had and order the other one. I also had to switch out my pulley. Everything worked fine for a couple days but NOW>>> (Today) was driving along and all of a sudden all power died? It was a momentary thing as I was in the middle of driving down the street when it happened and the power came right back but it was as if I turned off the ignition? I got home and checked all the connections to the alternator and everything seems to be ok. I had already (last week) bought and installed a new battery so thats not it. I've been reading up on the Crankshaft Position Sensor but as far as I know, those guys seemed to have loss of power for an extened time whereas mine is just momentary? Anyways, I'd appreciate any thoughts?

Thanks

 

I would give odds that your problem will get worse.... I would pull the RCM and re-solder the pins to eliminate that from the equation and then keep a Crank Position Sensor and an E8 socket and wrench handy.....

 

Yep good advice... will probably tackle those next weekend. Tomorrow, I'm going to have the codes ran to see if anything comes up. It's just very strange that I didn't have any problem until I changed out the alternator so one would naturally expect it to be related.

 

So I know it's been 3-4 years since... But did you ever figure out the random power loss issue? I'm experiencing the exact same issue recently. Randomly the engine just dies for a half second then comes right back. Happened twice in the past month or so.
-Kevin

 

It's the dreaded CPS!

 

Which CPS? Crankshaft or Camshaft? I've replaced the Crankshaft sensor a few years back, but it was a totally different diagnosis - car would run fine, but some times after shutting off it wouldn't turn over. Give it a few minutes and pray to the Crossfire gods, and she'd turn over fine. Popped in a new BOSCH sensor and haven't had a problem since.

 

So it's not related to the original intent of the thread (alternators) but I found this thread looking for a fix to my problem because 1sexyXfire described the EXACT problem I was having. It got worse today (died for a few minutes on the freeway) and after some searching, I found the problem.

My fix - it was the RCM (search for RCM fix) - pulled it, saw the exact solder traces in horrible condition, and resoldered. She's purring like the day I got her, and hopefully it stays that way for a while. So anyone coming to this thread in another year and wondering - start your hunt in that direction!
-Kevin

 

Had alternator problems. However they were not related to it's non function...it was making a noise...used an engine stethoscope...confirmed the noise was actually coming from the alternator...my son and I installed it in approx. 30 mins...only had to remove the radiator fan/housing...installed a new serpentine belt also...