How many labor hours will it take to install a new alternator in my jeep grand cherokee?

How to Replace an Alternator (DIY Time: 2.5 hours)
Complexity: Moderate

Parts:
1. Alternator - $151.95

Tools:
1. Combination Wrench Set
2. Screwdriver
3. Multimeter
4. Serpentine Belt Tool
5. 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
6. Socket Set

Steps:
Step 1 Open the hood and locate your vehicle’s alternator.
o Tip: Safety Tip:Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or safety shoes.
o Tip: Always make sure the struts on the hood can fully support the weight of the hood so that it does not close on you while working. The use of a hood prop can securely hold it in place.

Step 2 Using your digital multi-meter, check the battery voltage. A dead battery will usually have less than 9 volts. This would not be enough power to start most vehicles.

Step 3 To verify that your alternator is bad, make sure your battery is fully charged and can pass a load test.

Step 4 With the good battery installed, connect your digital multi-meter across the battery terminals with the engine turned off. A good battery should read between 12-13 volts.

Step 5 Start your engine and read the digital multi-meter’s output. The voltage should rise near 13.5-14.5 volts.

Step 6 Using an open end wrench, disconnect the battery’s negative cable.
o Tip: When disconnecting battery cables, be sure to always disconnect the negative cable first and do not allow it to come in contact with the negative terminal post while working on the vehicle.
o Tip: Wrap the battery cable with a shop towel and pull it away from the battery terminal.

Step 7 Disconnect the power and ground wires on the back of the alternator paying close attention to where each wire connects. Disconnect the wiring harness connector.
o Tip: Check for a loose wiring harness connector, cracked wire insulation, and corroded terminals. Replacing the wiring harness may be necessary.

Step 8 Loosen the alternator bracket bolts, and alternator adjusting bolts or alternator belt tensioner so that you can remove the alternator drive belt.

Step 9 Using the proper size socket and ratchet, remove the alternator mounting bolts, spacer (if equipped), adjusting bolt, lower pivot bolt (if equipped), and the alternator.

Step 10 Install new alternator.

Step 11 Using the proper size socket and ratchet, loosely install the alternator mounting bolts, spacer (if equipped), adjusting bolt and lower pivot bolt (if equipped).

Step 12 Install the alternator belt.
o Tip: When installing the alternator belt, make sure the alternator belt is fully seated in the groove of the pulleys.

Step 13 Pull the alternator until the alternator belt is tight.

Step 14 Tighten the alternator mounting bolts while gently moving the alternator unit to achieve proper alternator belt tension.

Step 15 Reinstall the power and ground wires to alternator. Install the wiring harness connector.

Step 16 Push down in the middle of the alternator belt to check belt tension. If the alternator belt moves more than a half an inch, it is too loose, adjust the alternator belt to proper tension before proceeding to next step.

Step 17 Now that the alternator belt has been installed and adjusted, reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and check the battery voltage to verify proper alternator charging.

Step 18 Turn off the engine and recheck the alternator belt tension. Readjust the alternator belt tension if needed.


Good luck (remember comment and rated this).