Need to replace an alternator on my truck. Can't afford a mechanic. Unplugged and disconnected everything. Took the two bolts out, but it looks like the alternator is attached to a mount plate that is behind the belt pulleys. I thought that the alternator was a part about as big as a large grapefruit only?

Im assuming the alternator your replacing is on a v6 statesman.
1.disconnect battery
2.remove engine cover
3.remove drive belt
.remove 10mm bolt that holds bracket from eng to alternator
4.remove all wiring from the rear of alternator.
5.remove the 2 bolts that holds the alternator to engine.
6.wiggle alternator and it will slip out.;
7.refit new alternator in these steps but reversed.
8.once up and running again please make sure you check the system charge rate..

Sorry but this does indeed have a tensioner pulley. I just replaced an alternator on my 2005 ford freestar, I did this without adjusting said pulley. There are 3 bolts on the alternator, install new alternator with only one bolt, put the belt over the alternator pulley, use a piece of metal to pry the alternator into place and drop in second bolts when in correct position. (I used a a piece of iron flatstock. Took 15 mins from start of project till the end.

If you need to replace a alternator the first thing you need to do is disconnect the bat cable next take the belts off unplug the wires coming off the alternator then take the two bolts out and put it in the same way you took it out. Hope that helps.

I did this recently on Hyundai Accent. First things first is to disconnect the battery to prevent any contact that can produce sparks during the disconnection of the positive (+) supply of the alternator 1. Jack up car. Remove splash guards from bottom. 2. From bottom loosen pivot bolt. 3. From bottom disconnect cables. 4. From top loosen adjustment bolt and slacken belt. 5. Remove belt from pulley and remove adjustment bolt. 6. From bottom remove pivot bolt. 7. Alternator may have corroded to mounting bracket so work it loose. 8. Find out alternator will not slide out of engine compartment. 9. Loosen radiator mounting bolts. 10. Shift radiator to side to make more room to get alternator out. 11. Install alternator. 12. Put radiator back in its place.
I guess it depends on what year... I too just did an alternator on a 2001 Accent. First, and what the previous forgot, disconnect the negative battery cable. Steps 1 thru 5 are exact. Step 6 is where we differ. 6. From bottom, push alternator up and out of mounting slot, gently work it down and out. 7. The pivot bolt can then be punched out (my bolt had a center mark where a punch would stay, so not to damage the threads) and then put into the replacement. Re-assemble in reverse order.
Last night I did this repair on 1999 accent. a 10mm and 12mm sockets and end wrenches are needed. After trying to wiggle the alternator up through the top, I was afraid of damaging other electrical connections, so I took the oil filter off. It was time for an oil change anyway, but just removing the filter only lost maybe half a quart of oil. The local autozone had an alternator for 129.99, lifetime warranty.

Fig. Alternator wiring connector locations







Fig. Alternator bracket and bolt locations

1. Note the radio security code and the radio presets.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable, then the positive.
3. Remove the power steering pump.
4. Detach the wiring from the alternator.
5. Loosen the through bolt, then loosen the adjustment locknut. Then loosen the adjusting bolt.
6. Remove the alternator belt.
7. Remove all mounting and adjusting bolts and then remove the alternator unit.
   

To install:

1. Installation is the reverse of removal.
2. Adjust the alternator belt tension.
3. Enter the anti-theft code for the radio.

Hope helps (remember rated this).

Hi, first you disconnect the battery. then you need to take the belt off by the back pulley. But you don't need to take it all the way off. Just so you get the alternator belt off. I just replaced the one on my 1997. Then you have three bolts, and one small nut to remove . Then put all back together the way you took them off.
Take care

Hi: !st Thing you need to do is disconnect your negative battery cable to prevent more damage.If i'm understanding you Right you Took the Wiring off the Alternator.Or did you Remove the Mounting Bolts? Here Goes Disconnect Battery, Loosen the Bolt on the Alternator Adjuster Bracket, This will give you Some Slack in the Belt ,BUT Locate the Belt Tensioner take a Breaker Bar or The Correct Size Boxed in Wrench or use a Ratchet and Socket. The Tension Is Spring Loaded to Keep Your Belt From Coming OFF. Your Belt Runs Probally Everything like your Alternator ,Water Pump,A/C Compressor,Power Steering So On. So Until you Take the Belt Either OFF or Just Release the Tension on the Belt,I'm Sure if you Have Removed All mounting Bolts and Your Wires to The Alternator, Your Alternator Will Come on Out with a Little Light Effert. Be Sure You Watch How Eveything Comes Off Cause You'll Have To Reverse the Way you Took It Off To Put it Back Together. Be Sure You Look At the Belt Routing Diagram Which is on either your Cross bar By The Radiator. Its Say Belt Routing Diagram. Hope This Gets you Going It Should.If You Follow These Instructions. Please Let Me Know how My Advice Helped You By Voting And Also You Can Send me A Message on FIXYA. From The WYOCWBOY

1st disconnect the battery and remove the serpentine belt by relieving tension on the belt tension-er 1/2 or 3/4 drive disconnect the wires going into the alternator remove the bolts and the bracket that holds it steady from the motor the bolt as well ...then remove it ....you obviously will need some hand tools ,sockets and a few wrenches and a rag
Its always a good idea to keep a bucket or box with a magnet { i do } so not to lose any bolts etc.... a digital photo of everything before you start this procedure especially with little or no mechanical basics is a big Plus ...reverse procedure is the install and the very last thing you will do is connect the battery and please remember as i said Digital photos are a great idea

I have a 1998 Rodeo and just replaced the alternator. If I may make a suggestion, pay someone to do this. It took two of us 4 hours to replace. I am not a certified mechanic, but I know a few things about cars. I thought that I would replace it myself and save a little money! Big mistake. It is EXTREMELY hard to get too and there is NO room to work. Once you get it out, you would think that the new one would just slip back in place, not the case. I will take the car in and have it done next time. To answer your question though, yes you need to go at it from under the right side of the engine. you will need to go from the top to loosen some of the bolts. Hope this helped! Good luck!

this instruction is general for all vehicles. i am sorry that i do not have particularly for your 2001 chrysler PT cruiser.

first, identify the alternator.
remove the fan belt on the alternator,
label and remove all wires that is attached to it.
remove all bolts that is holding it.
remove the old alternator.

do the reverse on installing it.

tnx 4 using fixya,

drcool