Hey everyone! I could use some help/advice on replacing my alternator. The only thing holding me back from removing the unit is the bracket holding the backside of the alternator to the engine. I am missing something here...I can't figure out how to get to that back bolt.

I have the harness off and the two main bolts off...that very back-side bolt/bracket is the only thing holding me back.

Does anyone here have any suggestions? I'd really appreciate it!

I got the bolt out with a series of extensions and swivel joints and was able to remove the alternator but it sure seems like there should be another method. Plus getting the bolt BACK in place seems like it's going to be particularly difficult given it's location.

Anyone done this and have any tips?

Thanks!

That's how I did it. Wear some good gloves is my tip! I smashed the hell out of one of my fingers when the swivel joint let loose. Getting it in was easier, just make sure you get the hole lined up PERFECTLY.

It's a *****. Good Luck.

Ok, good to know I'm on the right track. Thanks for the input!

My battery barely turned the engine (2012 T4R LTD) last Monday. Having this battery for over 3 years, I thought it's time for a new one ( bought one but didn't install because I wanted to make sure it is not the alternator causing this).
It turned out battery was only 60% charged . Charged overnight and passed testing the next day ( fully charged). However, I noticed my battery/alternator gauge is a little to the left from the mid line ( 14V) and using a voltmeter confirmed a 13.6-13.8V ( under the expected 14v+). Under load ( AC ON+ FAN @MAX+ HEADLIGHT ON) voltage at battery is 13.58V

Local AutoZone testing of the charging system showed PASS while O'reilly's test returned: REGULATOR FAIL then ALL PASS,.. REGULATOR FAIL.. then ALL PASS...then REGULATOR FAIL.. didn't help at all!

Just replaced the alternator with a Denso Reman and the voltage is 13.6V ( outside temp 99 F)- just like the OLD one!

On Vehicle NEW alternator test @ local O'reilly says REGULATOR FAILED. The old alternator PASSED the bench test ( at O'reilly ! This makes no sense, unless their diagnostic tool is bad .

With the old alternator, I've noticed in the morning ( cooler outside) the voltage is 14V+ while at noon or after driving a while, the voltage goes to 13.6V . Suspected a heat-related issue with alternator/regulator and trying to avoid getting stuck due to a near future alternator-issue, decided to replace it .

During the week I searched but I couldn't find any info on 5th gen T4R charging system. Today, one of the searches returned an article about Alternator Testing and it looks like the alternator output voltage is temperature-dependent. This means that my 13.6V at 99F (14.2V at 68F) is actually OK.

I'm hoping someone can confirm the normal voltage for the charging system . Could not find this or a diagram using Google searches ( at least not for 5th genT4R).

BTW, I've attached pics of the "PITA" rear bracket hoping it will come in handy for the next DIY-er I know I had a hard time just finding the bracket!

Note: I had to remove front/driver side tire to be able to see/access bracket /bolts.

Thanks !

Attached Images

   

Your charging voltage of 13.6VDC is normal. Sounds like your battery is getting sucked down while the vehicle sits overnight...the term is "parasitic draw". Do you have any aftermarket electronics wired into it that might be causing this?

I would not say the battery is drained overnight. In fact, the battery is "normal" after the 1 charge I did 1 week ago. I can tell the car starts as it should.
I've never had the battery noticeably low until last week. Now that I know the alternator is working as expected, I suspect it is my short commute ( 15 min) that could "contribute" to the slow battery discharge. I did notice my interior lights mounted on the trunk door were ON, but I believe all interior lights are turned off automatically, when you lock car/arm alarm. Turned them off just to make sure.

The only aftermarket device is an alarm. Installed it over 2 years ago though....

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply!

Just replaced my factory alternator with a Mean Green alternator on my 2019 SR5, thank God for this thread or I would have never found that stupid bracket on the bottom. Every video I found and watched didn't mention this bracket. Thanks everyone.

how's the mean green working for you?

I can't figure out how the harness comes off the alternator. Removed two 10mm bolts on the alternator which loosened the lower portion of the harness, but can't figure how it comes off the plug.

Is it necessary to re-attach the bracket on the back?

How necessary is this bracket for the alternator? I just replaced my alternator last night and thanks to this post I was able to find this bracket to replace. I was having such trouble moutning bolt #2 in the diagram above back on I just said screw it and left it without the bolt. #1 is installed on the alternator.

I hate leaving an installation project with more hardware than I started, but for the major pain it was, I'm wondering how needed that bracket is. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

CCAZ, did you find out an answer? I am wondering the same thing. Did you replace yourself and have similar issues? Thanks!