How to Change Alternator Subaru Forester
How to Change Alternator Subaru Forester: Changing alternator on Subaru Forester is fairly easy to do, takes about an hour. Alternator is located on top of the engine and is easily accessible.
2009 Subaru Forester, 2.5L Sohc engine. This used car started to turn off randomly while driving, losing all electrical power. Alternator measurements were too high, 17.4 volts at 1500 Rpm and needed replacement.
You can read more here on how to test a car battery and alternator yourself: (How to Test Battery and Alternator)
This is a Sohc engine, if you have turbo version which is Dohc engine, alternators might be different.
Tools: All bolts are 12mm. A 12mm wrench and/or a 12mm socket/ratchet.
IMPORTANT: Disconnect both battery terminals before working on alternator.
How to Remove Alternator Subaru Forester
Alternator power cable is connected directly to battery and will short if it touches anything metal on engine bay. Make sure you disconnect battery before working on your car to change alternator.
Start by removing serpentine belt. How to Remove Serpentine Belt on Subaru Forester. After removing serpentine belt, open red alternator power cable cover, remove 12mm nut and power wire. Unplug alternator electrical plug, press small tab in center of plug and pull upwards.
Alternator is held in place with two bolts (picture above). First remove alternator tensioner bottom bolt (image above blue circle). Next, loosen alternator tensioner bolt (white circle), loosen only do not completely remove.
Subaru alternator is bolted on engine block with a long bolt (red circle, image above). Remove bolt then lift and remove alternator.
How to Install Alternator Subaru Forester
Pretty much straight forward reversal of installation. Put new alternator in place and slide alternator bolt in.
Do not fully tighten bolts yet. Install tensioner bolt (do not fully tighten it) and position serpentine belt on pulleys.
How to Change Alternator Subaru Forester: Tension serpentine belt by using top tensioner bolt. Fully tighten lower tensioner bolt and alternator bolt. Put enough tension on belt to be tight enough, do not over-tighten or over-tension serpentine belt, its not a piano wire.
Install alternator power wire, tighten bolt. Plug in alternator electrical connection.
Install belt cover and battery terminals. Start the car and check alternator voltage to make sure is charging properly.
(If you are also looking for a fast and easy solution to sell your car, more here on “How To Sell Your Car Fast” in Ontario).
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