In this video we will explore the hell that is replacing an alternator in this model Focus. Don't forget to disconnect your battery! Your results may vary.
Dude, you are the man! EXTREMELY well done! I particularly like that you gave all the sizes of the nuts to be removed, which for me saved a LOT of time! Thank you.
Thank you. First most video's on focus's have the alternator with 1 bolt covers, so this was helpful to see where the extra nuts were for our cover. Plus the strap tip was very helpful since I'm usually solo doing this stuff. Really appreciate the vid.
dardack I have a toddler now, I’ve moved and don’t have a garage... Life happened. Because of recent comments, and how much you all seem to like how I do my videos, I may start again. I have some projects going still, so the material is there if I can make the time.
I don't know if you can make any money doing the video's I appreciate. Get to point, no extra BS. Just like this video. Show how it's done, boom. I feel you on life. Yeah I do my work on a dirt hard packed with rocks. Put down some Plywood to hold the stands from sinking into ground. Not always the funniest, but gotta do what you gotta do. Anyways, GL to you. Grats on the toddler. Grow fast.
One of the best videos I've seen on replacing this alternator. I replaced one on 3-20-21 and found if you take the 3 bolts out of the engine mount that is right below the Coolant Overflow tank it makes it much easier to shift the motor forward. You still need to take the bottom mount bolt out as he did. Position the alternator and let it fall out when you use a pry bar to push the motor forward. DO NOT BE WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WILL FALL!
Thanks for the Video. A Friend can't find the 3-prong pigtail, and I wanted to take a look at the location. It was only a quick glimpse, but it's enough for me to find the pigtail. Take care.
Definitely a great video especially if you're working on a 2.3 watch the whole video through first before you start. If I could say anything to make this easier. Remove the stud below makes things so much easier
My MIL is wanting to tackle this job by herself. She has taken this as a personal challenge I'd something! Lol Her mechanic wanted $200 for labor and she thinks she can just jump into this job. No history of working on vehicles ever. This video will help her immensely!
Thanks for the video man! I've been putting it off because of the "engineering" and just parked the car and used my other one but I'm gearing up to do it as I write this. The time you took to make this video goes a long way, thanks again!
Joe - I used your excellent instructions with virtually no change to swap out the alternator on my son's 2003 2.3 liter Focus. I had a little more trouble than you in getting the snorkel off. It helped me to look over the new alternator to better understand the placement of the 2 tabs that were holding the snorkel stubbornly in place. Your method for moving the engine forward worked great for me. Reversing the steps to do the install worked fine as well and it probably took me a third the time to do that compared to the removal. Thanks and I hope the next time I have a repair to make... you've already covered it.
Barry I have the same car as you and have done this at least 4 times know what you are talking about. joe video is grate the video is the best quality as well
Thanks to your excellent INSTRUCTIONs; it'll take me a while but I know I can do it. And you're helping (me help) the next owner, for I'm donating the vehicle. I've replaced alternators on 87Cordia, 81&85 Chevy C10, 88 Colt, 75 Malibu, 91Cougar, and others I'm forgetting. I recall the Colt and Cordia having similar challenges as the 04Focus I'm about to tackle. Thx again.
Just did this myself. Mine was overcharging. Im also going to check my grounds before installing the new one. I have to go pick it up in town. It wasnt aweful. My biggest problem was creating enough gap to pull the alternator out cuz i had nothing to ratched to. Thank you for your video
Great video! I would have been cussing and kicking dents in this piece of crap if not for your video. Especially liked the installation instructions. 👍👍
Good video to the point,like that you don’t do like some guys and spend more time telling cornie jokes and trying to be funny.I HAVE HAD my on shop since 83 but watch videos cause you can learn some short cuts.good job with your videos
The root of my many problems with my focus was the tensioner wasn’t working right. Nobody was able to diagnose it correctly, everything attached to my belt went bad, water pump, idling pulley, three alternators, two belts, etc Just sharing because that ended up being the root of all of my problems and hopefully I can save someone else the trouble of going through several alternators!
I am so use to seeing the 2.0 zetec motor that when I saw your valve cover, I instantly thought maybe it was a early 99 model? Tho a few seconds after looking at a few of the comments, I believe yours is a 2.3ltr motor? Anywho, A few years ago(2-3 yrs) I replaced my alternator on my 03 fucus (16v dohc zetec vin-3) & what a pain in the but!!! I made my life easier by disconnecting the motor mount that is under the coolant bottle(expansion tank) & then, Attached a chain to the motor & applied slight tention to pull the motor forward slightly!!! HAD I REMOVED THE DOG BONE MOTOR MOUNT/, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH EASIER! The alternator that I purchaced just didn't fit correctly, I had to shave the tabs slightly & honestly, it may have been a bit loose afterwards but, FINALLY IT SAT DOWN INTO PLACE, FINALLY!!! 2-3 YEARS LATER, AS I AM TRYING TO REPLACE THE HEAD TEMP SENSOR(LOCATED ON THE BACK OF THE HEAD) I CANNOT GET THIS ALTERNATOR OFF THE CAR!!! Because I grinded the mounting tabs, it caused the alternator to wobble/lean inwards just a bit but, it worked & still works great!!! tho, removing it now, is beastly!!!!! IF ONLY I OWNED A CHERRY PICKER/ ENGINE HOIST, IT MIGHT BE EASIER IN MY SITUATION, TO PULL THE MOTOR? SO THAT I DON'T BREAK THE TABS ON THE ALTERNATOR WHILE PRYING IT LOOSE. OK, BACK 2 IT. FUN FUN! TO EVERYONE REPLACING A ALTERNATOR ON A ZETEC FOCUS, I RECOMMEND SUPPORTING THE MOTOR, & PULLING THE MOTOR FORWARD JUST A BIT, ONLY IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING & HAVE ALL THE TOOLS NEEDED TO DO THE JOB SAFELY & PROPERLY!!! WATCHING ALL THE RUclips VIDS HELPED!!!
Thanks for vid. Retired mom attempting this exchange in the snow for my kid. I hate Ford but kid keeps draining battery...smh. I wont make video because I swear too much. Thanks for tips.
Great video man, it’s my second time watching it to remember how too. I’ve been through 3 alternators in the past 5-6 years. Some how those remanufactured alternators from the local auto part store last about 2 years
Will this work for a 2003 focus SE DOHC? Also one of the alt bolts were completely rounded, anyone knows where to get them? I called the Ford, Home Depot and various auto parts and nothing.
I've never pried on my power steering reservoir like that but mine lifts straight up easily. I am in the process of changing my head temp switch so, out with the alternator to access the temp switch!!!
Yes. I put a 2x10 between the jack and the oil pan. not recommended if your oil pan is rusty and seeping oil. if you can’t jack up the pan, use something like this to lower it - www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-support-bar-96524.html?
Don't waste your time buying a rebuilt alternator. Buy A NEW Alternator made by Motorcraft or AC Delco. The built-in voltage regulators are the culprit in these alternators. Rebuilt or aftermarket new are not good. Buy a NEW Motorcarft or AC Delco.
best video on RUclips on the replacment of the alt on a 03 ford focus 2.3 duratec
Dude, you are the man!
EXTREMELY well done!
I particularly like that you gave all the sizes of the nuts to be removed, which for me saved a LOT of time!
Thank you.
Wayne Edwards thank you very much!
Thank you. First most video's on focus's have the alternator with 1 bolt covers, so this was helpful to see where the extra nuts were for our cover. Plus the strap tip was very helpful since I'm usually solo doing this stuff. Really appreciate the vid.
dardack Thank you. I work solo a lot too, so I like to share whatever I can to make the job easier.
I see you're still active on here, why did you stop uploading?
dardack I have a toddler now, I’ve moved and don’t have a garage... Life happened. Because of recent comments, and how much you all seem to like how I do my videos, I may start again. I have some projects going still, so the material is there if I can make the time.
I don't know if you can make any money doing the video's I appreciate. Get to point, no extra BS. Just like this video. Show how it's done, boom. I feel you on life. Yeah I do my work on a dirt hard packed with rocks. Put down some Plywood to hold the stands from sinking into ground. Not always the funniest, but gotta do what you gotta do. Anyways, GL to you. Grats on the toddler. Grow fast.
One of the best videos I've seen on replacing this alternator. I replaced one on 3-20-21 and found if you take the 3 bolts out of the engine mount that is right below the Coolant Overflow tank it makes it much easier to shift the motor forward. You still need to take the bottom mount bolt out as he did. Position the alternator and let it fall out when you use a pry bar to push the motor forward. DO NOT BE WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WILL FALL!
Thanks for the Video. A Friend can't find the 3-prong pigtail, and I wanted to take a look at the location. It was only a quick glimpse, but it's enough for me to find the pigtail. Take care.
Definitely a great video especially if you're working on a 2.3 watch the whole video through first before you start. If I could say anything to make this easier. Remove the stud below makes things so much easier
My MIL is wanting to tackle this job by herself. She has taken this as a personal challenge I'd something! Lol Her mechanic wanted $200 for labor and she thinks she can just jump into this job. No history of working on vehicles ever. This video will help her immensely!
drumavenger83 I hope this empowered her to tackle it on her own!
The motor mount trick is brilliant. I can't imagine how hard it is if you didn't do it.
Thanks for the video man! I've been putting it off because of the "engineering" and just parked the car and used my other one but I'm gearing up to do it as I write this. The time you took to make this video goes a long way, thanks again!
Thanks! Couldn't have done the job without this video. Moving the motor back really did help quite a bit.
Robert Fox Glad I could help!
One of the best photo work I've seen. excellent job
Bill Leake thank you!
Joe - I used your excellent instructions with virtually no change to swap out the alternator on my son's 2003 2.3 liter Focus. I had a little more trouble than you in getting the snorkel off. It helped me to look over the new alternator to better understand the placement of the 2 tabs that were holding the snorkel stubbornly in place. Your method for moving the engine forward worked great for me. Reversing the steps to do the install worked fine as well and it probably took me a third the time to do that compared to the removal. Thanks and I hope the next time I have a repair to make... you've already covered it.
I've been filming a lot of bigger projects lately, but more to come!
Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad this video helped!
+Garage Built does the plastic cover have any particular use?
Dae'Kwaun Combs It helps prevent water and debris from getting in there, and causing premature failure.
Barry I have the same car as you and have done this at least 4 times know what you are talking about. joe video is grate the video is the best quality as well
Thanks to your excellent INSTRUCTIONs; it'll take me a while but I know I can do it. And you're helping (me help) the next owner, for I'm donating the vehicle. I've replaced alternators on 87Cordia, 81&85 Chevy C10, 88 Colt, 75 Malibu, 91Cougar, and others I'm forgetting. I recall the Colt and Cordia having similar challenges as the 04Focus I'm about to tackle. Thx again.
Great video...was able to do mine with relative ease thanks to you!!!
mistersnapon Glad I could help.
Great video man! most of the other videos show the 2.0L engine with the alternator coming out the TOP. The 2.3l engine is much more difficult. yuck
Thanks so much for the tips. Saved time and money.
outstanding mechanical tenchnique/skill set/analysis ! Be safe out and about, man!
realityisanalog Thank you! Safety first.
Just did this myself. Mine was overcharging. Im also going to check my grounds before installing the new one. I have to go pick it up in town. It wasnt aweful. My biggest problem was creating enough gap to pull the alternator out cuz i had nothing to ratched to. Thank you for your video
Great video! I would have been cussing and kicking dents in this piece of crap if not for your video. Especially liked the installation instructions. 👍👍
Shows very clearly and descried well. Excellent video!
Good video to the point,like that you don’t do like some guys and spend more time telling cornie jokes and trying to be funny.I HAVE HAD my on shop since 83 but watch videos cause you can learn some short cuts.good job with your videos
The root of my many problems with my focus was the tensioner wasn’t working right. Nobody was able to diagnose it correctly, everything attached to my belt went bad, water pump, idling pulley, three alternators, two belts, etc
Just sharing because that ended up being the root of all of my problems and hopefully I can save someone else the trouble of going through several alternators!
Excellent, well thought out video. Thank you very much saved me several hours of monkeying around
I am so use to seeing the 2.0 zetec motor that when I saw your valve cover, I instantly thought maybe it was a early 99 model? Tho a few seconds after looking at a few of the comments, I believe yours is a 2.3ltr motor? Anywho, A few years ago(2-3 yrs) I replaced my alternator on my 03 fucus (16v dohc zetec vin-3) & what a pain in the but!!! I made my life easier by disconnecting the motor mount that is under the coolant bottle(expansion tank) & then, Attached a chain to the motor & applied slight tention to pull the motor forward slightly!!! HAD I REMOVED THE DOG BONE MOTOR MOUNT/, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH EASIER! The alternator that I purchaced just didn't fit correctly, I had to shave the tabs slightly & honestly, it may have been a bit loose afterwards but, FINALLY IT SAT DOWN INTO PLACE, FINALLY!!! 2-3 YEARS LATER, AS I AM TRYING TO REPLACE THE HEAD TEMP SENSOR(LOCATED ON THE BACK OF THE HEAD) I CANNOT GET THIS ALTERNATOR OFF THE CAR!!! Because I grinded the mounting tabs, it caused the alternator to wobble/lean inwards just a bit but, it worked & still works great!!! tho, removing it now, is beastly!!!!! IF ONLY I OWNED A CHERRY PICKER/ ENGINE HOIST, IT MIGHT BE EASIER IN MY SITUATION, TO PULL THE MOTOR? SO THAT I DON'T BREAK THE TABS ON THE ALTERNATOR WHILE PRYING IT LOOSE. OK, BACK 2 IT. FUN FUN! TO EVERYONE REPLACING A ALTERNATOR ON A ZETEC FOCUS, I RECOMMEND SUPPORTING THE MOTOR, & PULLING THE MOTOR FORWARD JUST A BIT, ONLY IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING & HAVE ALL THE TOOLS NEEDED TO DO THE JOB SAFELY & PROPERLY!!! WATCHING ALL THE RUclips VIDS HELPED!!!
by far the best video on youtube today on the removel of the alt for this year make and model
MY ZETEC FUCUS HAS THE DIFFERENT ALTERNATOR! COOL to see the other models!!!
i dont even own a focus watched for my buddy but thumbs up for the effort and recording
Ha! Same
Thanks for the video made this job a lot easier.
You are awesome. Thanks for making this video.
Thank you, Bob!
good vid, you look as enthused about that job as i was
what Bob Simmons said... you ARE awesome : ) thanks for the info and great camera work also.. God Bless!
Jimmy Favereau thank you!
My dad and I just watched your video. We are gonna try this and let ya know how it goes.
Good shit brother!! This video helped me out
Thank you sir. Helped big time!
sickofbeans 2 Glad to help!
Thanks for making this video!
Taylor Kroll Thanks for watching. I hope it helped.
Very nice video, thank you sir!!
Brad Stanke Thank you.
great video, you cut my time in half. thx
Yes very nice job! Thanks!
Thanks for vid. Retired mom attempting this exchange in the snow for my kid. I hate Ford but kid keeps draining battery...smh. I wont make video because I swear too much. Thanks for tips.
How would I be able to take off the nut on the stud to remove the alternator. All i try just slips right off
Great video man, it’s my second time watching it to remember how too. I’ve been through 3 alternators in the past 5-6 years. Some how those remanufactured alternators from the local auto part store last about 2 years
You funny as hell at the ending 😂😂
Easy as pie fuck you
hey joe how are you ? grate video. is yours the 2.3L thats what I have I have done a few of these .
Will this work for a 2003 focus SE DOHC? Also one of the alt bolts were completely rounded, anyone knows where to get them? I called the Ford, Home Depot and various auto parts and nothing.
Great video
joe i noticed that my car did not come with the vent tube part that detaches mine is a 03
great video btw
Hey man my car must be different or your video is as sloppy as my dinner. God bless ya 🙌
thanks for the vid... its perfect
ryanm5440 Thank you very much.
Thanks for the video
Scott Nicol thanks for watching!
I've never pried on my power steering reservoir like that but mine lifts straight up easily. I am in the process of changing my head temp switch so, out with the alternator to access the temp switch!!!
Did you put a jack under the oil pan when you took out the lower Torque mount bolt
Yes. I put a 2x10 between the jack and the oil pan. not recommended if your oil pan is rusty and seeping oil. if you can’t jack up the pan, use something like this to lower it - www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-support-bar-96524.html?
What if you cant get the motor mount bolt off???
cut it off!
Sooo uuhhhh that POS vent tube will not ‘just slide off’ plastic tab pressed but won’t budge
D'oh! edit: "technique"
@ 01.56 *giggity*
This guy is doing it the hard way.
hky sht. all that for an alternator? welk fk a ford focus.
😂its not fun. i agree they make ford focus to complicates. like most womens.
Jeff VasqueZ Cars are like women. Treat them well, and be gentle. They will let you know when to go fast or use a hammer!
Don't waste your time buying a rebuilt alternator. Buy A NEW Alternator made by Motorcraft or AC Delco. The built-in voltage regulators are the culprit in these alternators. Rebuilt or aftermarket new are not good. Buy a NEW Motorcarft or AC Delco.