Thx Alot! First time working on a car and you saved me money! My alternator went out and put me on side of freeway and i came home watched your video and was able to replace mine myself and was back on road next day thx alot bud!!!
Thank you so much for the honest depiction. I spent hours trying to get that bottom bolt in. Using your technique I got it on the first try. Thank you again!
Thank you for showing the issues with lining up the bottom bolt. This is why I had to come to RUclips because I too am having issues lining that bolt up. Some videos show everything going back super easy so I'm glad that I found your video and to know that I'm not the only one experiencing issues. :D
I also have a 2001 Avalon with 253k miles I have owned for over a year and have an issue with "flickering/pulsating" lights inside and outside of the car. This has went on for months, but getting worse. It seems to be a common issue on these cars. I was told several different things it could be, but most seem to say it is the alternator and can be taken care of by using a 130 amp alternator out of a Toyota Highlander of the same years that had this same engine. I purchased one, haven't installed it yet, but hope it resolves the issue. This video was helpful in me deciding if I wanted to do this myself and due to the lack of many tools, I will probably get my mechanic to do it. I do hope it is a simple swap out. They appear to be the same.
@@markmcneary5119 I got an 03 same here,new alternator, battery couple new grounds no luck..I've seen where people said it couldn't be fixed i think a 130 amp alternator is my last resort
@@favorites51066 hi, I just purchased a 2000 Avalon xl last week and it’s has a little flickering problem just wondering if that caused any other issues with your car. Or it’s something you just live with
Thx. I fixed my 2001 XLS. Today. I was reading it cost between 644- 738.00. the stupid new alternator price is 350.00! I went to a junk yard, got one for 38.00. but your tutorial helped, especially the adjusting pieces. I knew I wasn't buying the Bosch when I saw your belt wheel was 1/4 inch off, that's ridiculous and if you dont have an impact or a vise. Thx for the tips
Most realistic alternator video I've found, because the hardest job is putting back the bottom lock bolt. Most videos just say "Put it back." But putting the bottom lock bolt back is harder than the rest of the job. I have a 2000 Sienna rather than an Avalon. I had to drain the power steering reservoir to remove the hose. I have large hands, and Toyota failed to provide enough room. I tried removing the passenger tire, but the metal wheel well is in the way, and tried coming from underneath, but the AC hoses are in the way. Toyota should make their engineers have to try replacing these common parts before they finalize their designs. Only a young teen or child could reach a hand in the Sienna space while holding a bolt. These sideways engines are designed without maintenance in mind.
Brother, very well thought out video. So I'm a professional Honda mechanic and I got a side job on this particular car recently. I watched your video and I'm insanely impressed by your presentation of said job. You helped me so much!!! I had to to the job at the customers home and thank you letting me know what tools I needed to use, that was what I was looking for specifically. What socket sizes. Thank great sir!!! Much love!!!❤
Got er done for my little sis👊🏽 easy repair, REALLY appreciate the video. Glad I read through the comments, I don't have any air tools and replacing that pulley would have been a beep* lol The pulley on the new alternator I put in was almost 3 and a quarter inches compared to the 2 and 1/2 in one I removed. Adjusting the lower screw facing the headlights was an easy fix, thank goodness! Thanks again for the video!
Saw the passenger headlight assembly was removed. If you mentioned it, my apologies but I missed it. I pulled my headlight when I changed my alternator on my 2004 Avalon.
Instead of swapping pulleys, the belt tensioner (being the nut and blot holding the alternator on) is adjustable, could have easily compensated for that extra 1/4 inch.
Thanks for video I just spent 45mins trying to get the lock bolt in I finally did but without removing anything or the big bolt up top omg though it wore me out and my hands are shaking
I got a duralast gold alternator brand new , makes a wine I loosened it to try to get rid of it thinking it was too tight but then it squealed with ac on so I know once it squeals it’s too loose so I tightened back again to what seems like a normal tightness and it still makes the noise. Should I tighten it more or is that just how the autozone ones are (have some noise) I don’t wanna overtighten.
Yes, you are correct. It should be the same for 2000-2004. Thanks again for watching, and for the helpful comment. Glad to hear you're back on the road, and congrats on your first time fixing your car! Take care, -Dan the Fix it Man
hey I have a 2002 Avalon and idk if it's my battery or alternator. It took about four cranks to get it to start. once we drove off it just kept getting weaker. the lights inside the car turned off and even stopped marking my speed. what do u guys think?
@@leaacanales7754 It might be the alternator going bad which is causing the battery to drain. The best thing to do would be to take it to an automotive parts store and have them test both the alternator and the battery. They should be able to test both of them without taking them out of the car. Or, if you have a voltmeter and/or battery load tester, you can do it as well. Best of luck to you! -Dan the Fix it Man
At what point did you feel the need to replace the alternator? I have the same model, my lights are fluctuating in my car and my battery is fine. I’m thinking it’s time to replace alternator. It’s got 260k miles.
Love the walk through. Very helpful. I am stuck at trying to flip the pulley from the old to the new. I don't have an impact wrench. Any other options?
Do you know if the alternator AND the compressor have to be removed when replacing the serpentine belt on a '01? There's nothing on how to replace serpentine belts 😭
I just replaced the alternator on my daughters 2001 Avalon. That bottom bolt is a pain anyway you try it. My hands are fat and my fingers are short which made it even more difficult. Took me over an hour to get it back in. I found that removing the top radiator hose helped tremendously in getting the alternator out and the new one in. In my case the pivot bolt was not the correct size and it snapped when I went to remove it. The size bolt it called for at my local auto parts store was a M10 1.5 100. The bolt that I snapped trying to get it out was a M10 1.00 100. Neither of those sizes worked for the replacement. The correct size was a M10 1.25 100 and it fit perfectly in the new alternator. Another hint for tightening the tensioner bolt is to see where it is transitions from shiny to dull on the threads and get it back to the original position. Getting the tension correct will be very close to that.
I haven't done one yet, but here's a video showing how to replace the high pressure A/C line in a mazda6 if it helps... ruclips.net/video/G-OB-M1wU9U/видео.html It's not my video, but looks like it has some decent info about the process. You might have to rent the vacuum pump at your local auto parts store if you don't have one already. Best of luck to you! -Dan the Fix it Man
I just found it easier to remove that adjustment block entirely and then thread the "locking bolt" in. Otherwise, that stupid bolt doesn't want to line up correctly. A 3/8" cordless ratchet makes doing this a breeze.
I’m not sure I understand. I am having major issues with this step. Would you mind giving a bit more detail on your way of doing this? I’m not sure how you can remove the block entirely and still get tension on the alternator to tighten the belt
@@502hubb8 my 2003 the alternator regulator was getting wonky and unpredictable at about 200K so I replaced it with one that was OEM pulled with about 75K miles on it which is why I asked. I was almost sure an original with that many miles would still outlast a rebuilt one and probably the car at this point which from what I've found and what you say is probably about right.
As long as the tension is removed on the long adjuster bolt and you have the belt lined up properly in the grooves of the crankshaft pulley and the air conditioning pulley, it should go on pretty easily to the alternator. If it's a new belt, you might want to make sure that you have the correct size/length if you're still having trouble with it. Best of luck to you! -Dan the Fix it Man
There should be a diagram on the belt routing under the hood. Basically you just need to push the tensioner enough to fit the belt back on. Best of luck to you! -Dan the Fix it Man
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Thx Alot! First time working on a car and you saved me money! My alternator went out and put me on side of freeway and i came home watched your video and was able to replace mine myself and was back on road next day thx alot bud!!!
You're welcome!
Glad to hear my video helped you out.
Thanks for watching!
-Dan the Fix it Man
Thank you so much for the honest depiction. I spent hours trying to get that bottom bolt in. Using your technique I got it on the first try. Thank you again!
Thank you for showing the issues with lining up the bottom bolt. This is why I had to come to RUclips because I too am having issues lining that bolt up. Some videos show everything going back super easy so I'm glad that I found your video and to know that I'm not the only one experiencing issues. :D
Great step-by-step instructional video. Just in time as my '97 Avalon alternator just quit during my quest for 300K
I also have a 2001 Avalon with 253k miles I have owned for over a year and have an issue with "flickering/pulsating" lights inside and outside of the car. This has went on for months, but getting worse. It seems to be a common issue on these cars. I was told several different things it could be, but most seem to say it is the alternator and can be taken care of by using a 130 amp alternator out of a Toyota Highlander of the same years that had this same engine. I purchased one, haven't installed it yet, but hope it resolves the issue. This video was helpful in me deciding if I wanted to do this myself and due to the lack of many tools, I will probably get my mechanic to do it. I do hope it is a simple swap out. They appear to be the same.
Have a 2001 Toyota Avalon XLS it's 2022 and my lights just started doing this,just wondering if it was alternator? Thank you
@@markmcneary5119 I got an 03 same here,new alternator, battery couple new grounds no luck..I've seen where people said it couldn't be fixed i think a 130 amp alternator is my last resort
Did that fix your flickering lights?
Yep 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS here.. flickering lights almost since I purchased it 5 years ago used. I have read that that's just what they do. Lame
@@favorites51066 hi, I just purchased a 2000 Avalon xl last week and it’s has a little flickering problem just wondering if that caused any other issues with your car. Or it’s something you just live with
Thx. I fixed my 2001 XLS. Today. I was reading it cost between 644- 738.00. the stupid new alternator price is 350.00! I went to a junk yard, got one for 38.00. but your tutorial helped, especially the adjusting pieces. I knew I wasn't buying the Bosch when I saw your belt wheel was 1/4 inch off, that's ridiculous and if you dont have an impact or a vise. Thx for the tips
Most realistic alternator video I've found, because the hardest job is putting back the bottom lock bolt. Most videos just say "Put it back." But putting the bottom lock bolt back is harder than the rest of the job.
I have a 2000 Sienna rather than an Avalon. I had to drain the power steering reservoir to remove the hose. I have large hands, and Toyota failed to provide enough room. I tried removing the passenger tire, but the metal wheel well is in the way, and tried coming from underneath, but the AC hoses are in the way. Toyota should make their engineers have to try replacing these common parts before they finalize their designs. Only a young teen or child could reach a hand in the Sienna space while holding a bolt. These sideways engines are designed without maintenance in mind.
they were made for asians so it makes sense. their new cars are obviously a lot bigger but it is what it is for the older ones.
Brother, very well thought out video. So I'm a professional Honda mechanic and I got a side job on this particular car recently. I watched your video and I'm insanely impressed by your presentation of said job. You helped me so much!!! I had to to the job at the customers home and thank you letting me know what tools I needed to use, that was what I was looking for specifically. What socket sizes. Thank great sir!!! Much love!!!❤
Thx Eric!
So glad to hear my video was helpful!
Thx for watching!
-Dan the Fix it Man
Got er done for my little sis👊🏽 easy repair, REALLY appreciate the video. Glad I read through the comments, I don't have any air tools and replacing that pulley would have been a beep* lol The pulley on the new alternator I put in was almost 3 and a quarter inches compared to the 2 and 1/2 in one I removed. Adjusting the lower screw facing the headlights was an easy fix, thank goodness! Thanks again for the video!
Saw the passenger headlight assembly was removed. If you mentioned it, my apologies but I missed it. I pulled my headlight when I changed my alternator on my 2004 Avalon.
Thanks Dan for making this video. Got lucky with the lock bolt and got it to line right up.
Glad to hear!
Take care,
-Dan
Instead of swapping pulleys, the belt tensioner (being the nut and blot holding the alternator on) is adjustable, could have easily compensated for that extra 1/4 inch.
Thank goodness for your comment! The new Pulley was 3/4 of an inch larger, adjusted the bolt like you said with no issues. Thanks again👊🏽
But you also have to remember with a larger pulley it won’t be charging as much as the stock one therefore causing potential voltage loss
Thanks for video I just spent 45mins trying to get the lock bolt in I finally did but without removing anything or the big bolt up top omg though it wore me out and my hands are shaking
Hardest part of the job need to give extra time for that and my back was hurting
I got a duralast gold alternator brand new , makes a wine I loosened it to try to get rid of it thinking it was too tight but then it squealed with ac on so I know once it squeals it’s too loose so I tightened back again to what seems like a normal tightness and it still makes the noise. Should I tighten it more or is that just how the autozone ones are (have some noise) I don’t wanna overtighten.
Thanks a bunch for the video. Took about an hour to replace mine.
Guy this also worked for 2002 Avalon Toyota i followed the steps and replaced mine just heads up!!! Out!
Yes, you are correct. It should be the same for 2000-2004.
Thanks again for watching, and for the helpful comment.
Glad to hear you're back on the road, and congrats on your first time fixing your car!
Take care,
-Dan the Fix it Man
hey I have a 2002 Avalon and idk if it's my battery or alternator. It took about four cranks to get it to start. once we drove off it just kept getting weaker. the lights inside the car turned off and even stopped marking my speed. what do u guys think?
@@leaacanales7754 It might be the alternator going bad which is causing the battery to drain. The best thing to do would be to take it to an automotive parts store and have them test both the alternator and the battery. They should be able to test both of them without taking them out of the car. Or, if you have a voltmeter and/or battery load tester, you can do it as well.
Best of luck to you!
-Dan the Fix it Man
love your video 😍😍😍😍😍you explained pretty good and clear + diagram. thank you very much for your time to show us how to do it correctly 😍😍😍😍😍
At what point did you feel the need to replace the alternator? I have the same model, my lights are fluctuating in my car and my battery is fine. I’m thinking it’s time to replace alternator. It’s got 260k miles.
Thank you. your video was excellent in presentation as it was in its instruction.
Love the walk through. Very helpful. I am stuck at trying to flip the pulley from the old to the new. I don't have an impact wrench. Any other options?
Hold the pulley with a channellock pliers and use a ratchet and socket.
Do you know if the alternator AND the compressor have to be removed when replacing the serpentine belt on a '01? There's nothing on how to replace serpentine belts 😭
I got 2011 Avalon. Should I replace it with OEM?
I just replaced the alternator on my daughters 2001 Avalon. That bottom bolt is a pain anyway you try it. My hands are fat and my fingers are short which made it even more difficult. Took me over an hour to get it back in. I found that removing the top radiator hose helped tremendously in getting the alternator out and the new one in. In my case the pivot bolt was not the correct size and it snapped when I went to remove it. The size bolt it called for at my local auto parts store was a M10 1.5 100. The bolt that I snapped trying to get it out was a M10 1.00 100. Neither of those sizes worked for the replacement. The correct size was a M10 1.25 100 and it fit perfectly in the new alternator. Another hint for tightening the tensioner bolt is to see where it is transitions from shiny to dull on the threads and get it back to the original position. Getting the tension correct will be very close to that.
I just need to change my belt on my 01 Avalon, do I need to just loosen the bottom bolt and that’s it?
Bolt snapped on tensioner . The bolt that sets the tension . Easy to replace ? It was late and I stopped at that point lol
Thank you, man! This video help a lot!!
My alternator jumps from 13.6 down to 12.4 and my battery wont go above 12.4 standing is that normal?
I remember when I could fix an alternator in a car, not sure i could in a car today
9:02 I like your fake Spanish LOL
¡Grácias amigo!
-Dan the Fix it Man
not fake at all
Hi Dan, can you do a video on how to install a high pressure A/C line on your car ( mazda 3 2006 ) PLEASE!!
I haven't done one yet, but here's a video showing how to replace the high pressure A/C line in a mazda6 if it helps...
ruclips.net/video/G-OB-M1wU9U/видео.html
It's not my video, but looks like it has some decent info about the process. You might have to rent the vacuum pump at your local auto parts store if you don't have one already.
Best of luck to you!
-Dan the Fix it Man
Just braze/ solder the leak
I just found it easier to remove that adjustment block entirely and then thread the "locking bolt" in. Otherwise, that stupid bolt doesn't want to line up correctly. A 3/8" cordless ratchet makes doing this a breeze.
I’m not sure I understand. I am having major issues with this step. Would you mind giving a bit more detail on your way of doing this? I’m not sure how you can remove the block entirely and still get tension on the alternator to tighten the belt
Curious what type of lifespan/mileage everyone is getting from their original Toyota alternators with this generation of Avalon?
Mine went out at 250k
On my 01 avalon
@@502hubb8 my 2003 the alternator regulator was getting wonky and unpredictable at about 200K so I replaced it with one that was OEM pulled with about 75K miles on it which is why I asked. I was almost sure an original with that many miles would still outlast a rebuilt one and probably the car at this point which from what I've found and what you say is probably about right.
130k on mine
182,000 on mine
How you get the belt on so easy?
As long as the tension is removed on the long adjuster bolt and you have the belt lined up properly in the grooves of the crankshaft pulley and the air conditioning pulley, it should go on pretty easily to the alternator. If it's a new belt, you might want to make sure that you have the correct size/length if you're still having trouble with it.
Best of luck to you!
-Dan the Fix it Man
Downer Dan....
No one shows removing the belt and I'm stuck on that
There should be a diagram on the belt routing under the hood. Basically you just need to push the tensioner enough to fit the belt back on. Best of luck to you!
-Dan the Fix it Man