How to Replace the Alternator in a Toyota Camry

Determine which alternator your Toyota Camry needs. Be sure the new alternator is compatible with your Camry's engine. Models made from 1982 to 1986 have a 1.8 L or 2.0 L engine. Models built from 1987 to 1993 have a 1.8 L, 2.0 L or 2.5 L engine, and 1994 to 1998 models can be equipped with a 1.8 L, 2.0 L or 2.2 L engine.

Look at late models of the Toyota Camry. Models made from 1997 to 2001 can be equipped with a 2.2 L or 3.0 L engine, and 2002 to 2006 models can have a 2.4 L, 3.0 L or 3.3 L engine. The current generation of the Toyota Camry has been available since 2007 and is available with a 2.4 L or 3.5 L engine.

Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Remove the air intake and engine cover, if needed. Remove the bolts from the accessory drive belt assembly and take it off of its pulley.

Remove the electrical harness from the alternator and unfasten the alternator's terminal nut with a socket wrench so that you can disconnect the terminal wire from the alternator.

Take the pivot and lock bolts off the alternator with a socket wrench. You also need to remove an adjusting bolt if you have a 3.5 L engine. Remove the engine mounting stay, if necessary. Remove the alternator assembly.

Install the new alternator assembly by reversing the removal procedure. Tighten the pivot bolt to 40 foot-lb. and the lock bolt to 14 foot-lb. with a torque wrench. If you have a 3.5 L engine, the adjusting bolt will use a self-adjusting tensioner. Torque the M8 bolt for the drive belt assembly to 15 foot-lb. and the M10 bolt to 38 foot-lb.