A sputtering engine, flickering lights, and a dead battery are all signs of a failing alternator. If you’re experiencing these problems in your 2009 Ford Edge AWD, it’s time to replace the alternator. Replacing your alternator is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and know-how.
Before you begin, gather your tools and safety gear. You will need a socket wrench set, a multimeter, a new alternator, and a set of jumper cables. It is also a good idea to wear safety glasses and gloves.
Once you have gathered your tools and safety gear, you can begin the replacement process. The first step is to disconnect the battery. This will help to prevent any electrical shocks. Once the battery is disconnected, you can remove the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is located on the front of the engine and is responsible for driving the alternator. To remove the serpentine belt, simply use a socket wrench to loosen the tensioner pulley. Once the tensioner pulley is loose, you can remove the serpentine belt from the alternator.
With the serpentine belt removed, you can now remove the alternator. The alternator is typically located on the front or side of the engine and is held in place by a few bolts. To remove the alternator, simply use a socket wrench to loosen the bolts. Once the bolts are loose, you can carefully remove the alternator from the engine.
Getting Started
Replacing the alternator on a 2009 Ford Edge AWD is a relatively straightforward procedure that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. Before you begin, however, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Safety first! Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working on any electrical components. This will help prevent accidental shock or electrical shorts.
Gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a socket wrench set, a screwdriver, a multimeter, and a new alternator. You may also want to have a helper available to assist you with the removal and installation of the alternator.
Locate the alternator. The alternator is usually located on the front of the engine, near the top. It is typically held in place by a few bolts.
Disconnect the electrical connections from the alternator. There will be two or three electrical connections that need to be disconnected. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts that hold the connections in place, and then carefully disconnect the wires.
Remove the bolts that hold the alternator in place. Once the electrical connections have been disconnected, you can remove the bolts that hold the alternator in place. Be careful not to drop the alternator when you remove it.
Remove the alternator from the vehicle. Once the bolts have been removed, you can carefully remove the alternator from the vehicle. Be careful not to damage any of the hoses or wires that are connected to the alternator.
Safety Precautions
Before beginning any work on your vehicle, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
1. Park the Vehicle on a Level Surface and Engage the Parking Brake
This will help prevent the vehicle from rolling while you are working on it.
2. Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal
This will prevent any electrical shocks or short circuits. To do this, use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative battery terminal and then remove the cable from the terminal.
Detailed Instructions for Disconnecting the Negative Battery Terminal:
| Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools | Wrench |
|---|---|
| Step 2: Locate the Negative Battery Terminal | It is typically marked with a “-” or “NEG” sign and is black or dark gray |
| Step 3: Loosen the Nut | Use a wrench to loosen the nut connecting the cable to the terminal |
| Step 4: Remove the Cable | Once the nut is loose, gently pull the cable away from the terminal |
3. Allow the Engine to Cool
This will prevent burns if you accidentally touch any hot engine components.
Gathering Materials
Before embarking on the alternator replacement process, it is crucial to gather the necessary materials. This includes:
- Replacement alternator: Opt for a high-quality alternator that meets the specifications of your 2009 Ford Edge AWD.
Besides the alternator, you will need the following tools:
- Wrenches (13 mm, 15 mm): These wrenches are essential for removing the bolts that hold the alternator in place.
- Socket wrench with 13 mm socket: This will be used to loosen the nut connecting the alternator to the battery.
- Screwdriver (Phillips head): A Phillips head screwdriver is required to remove the plastic cover protecting the alternator’s electrical connections.
- Safety glasses and gloves: Ensure your safety by wearing safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands during the process.
| Tool | Quantity | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Alternator | 1 | New alternator for your Ford Edge AWD |
| Wrenches (13 mm, 15 mm) | 2 | Removing bolts holding the alternator |
| Socket wrench with 13 mm socket | 1 | Loosening the nut connecting the alternator to the battery |
| Screwdriver (Phillips head) | 1 | Removing the plastic cover protecting the alternator’s electrical connections |
| Safety glasses and gloves | 1 | Protecting your eyes and hands during the process |
Disconnecting the Battery
Begin the alternator replacement process by ensuring the safety of your vehicle and yourself. Park the 2009 Ford Edge AWD on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and shift the transmission into Park. Turn off the engine and allow a few minutes for the components to cool down.
Locate the negative battery terminal, typically identified by a black or red cable with a “-” sign. Using a wrench or socket, loosen the nut that secures the negative cable to the terminal. Gently lift the cable away from the terminal and secure it in a position where it cannot accidentally come into contact with the battery.
Detailed Instructions for Disconnecting the Negative Battery Cable:
| Tools Required: |
|---|
| – Wrench or socket |
| Safety Precautions: |
| – Wear gloves and safety glasses |
| – Ensure the parking brake is engaged |
| Steps: |
| 1. Identify the negative battery terminal by its color and “-” sign |
| 2. Use a wrench or socket to loosen the securing nut |
| 3. Gently lift the cable away from the terminal |
| 4. Position the cable securely to prevent accidental contact with the battery |
Removing the Serpentine Belt
To remove the serpentine belt, follow these steps:
1. Locate the serpentine belt tensioner. It is usually a black or silver pulley with a spring-loaded arm.
2. Insert a 3/8-inch drive breaker bar or ratchet into the square hole on the tensioner arm.
3. Apply pressure to the breaker bar or ratchet to rotate the tensioner arm clockwise. This will loosen the tension on the belt.
4. Slip the belt off of the tensioner pulley.
5. Route the belt around the other pulleys in the engine compartment. It should follow a specific path, so consult your vehicle’s service manual for the correct routing.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the serpentine belt tensioner. |
| 2 | Insert a 3/8-inch drive breaker bar or ratchet into the square hole on the tensioner arm. |
| 3 | Apply pressure to the breaker bar or ratchet to rotate the tensioner arm clockwise. |
| 4 | Slip the belt off of the tensioner pulley. |
| 5 | Route the belt around the other pulleys in the engine compartment. |
Accessing the Alternator
Step 1: Safety First
Before starting any work, it’s crucial to ensure your safety. Disconnect the battery negative terminal to prevent accidental power surges. Let the engine cool down completely to avoid burns.
Step 2: Locate the Alternator
In the 2009 Ford Edge AWD, the alternator is typically mounted on the front of the engine, near the top. It’s usually driven by a serpentine belt and has electrical connections attached to it.
Step 3: Remove the Serpentine Belt
Using a wrench or socket, loosen the serpentine belt tensioner. Slip the belt off the alternator pulley and remove it from the vehicle.
Step 4: Disconnect Electrical Connections
Disconnect the electrical wires connected to the alternator. There may be one or more positive terminals and a negative ground terminal. Be careful not to damage the wires or connectors.
Step 5: Unbolt the Alternator
Locate the bolts that secure the alternator to the engine. Typically, there are two or three bolts. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts and carefully lift the alternator off the engine.
Step 6: Replace the Alternator
Align the replacement alternator with the mounting points on the engine. Carefully lift it into place and secure it with the bolts you removed earlier, ensuring they are tightened properly.
Reconnect the electrical wires and slide the serpentine belt back onto the alternator pulley. Tighten the belt tensioner to the specified torque as indicated in the vehicle’s service manual.
Reconnect the battery and start the engine. Check if the alternator is charging properly using a voltmeter or a scan tool. If it’s not, double-check all the connections and ensure the alternator is functioning properly.
Removing the Old Alternator
1. Disconnect the Battery
Prioritizing safety, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. This measure helps prevent electrical shocks and short circuits.
2. Remove the Air Filter Box
Locate and remove the air filter box. This component resides above the alternator and must be removed for easier access.
3. Unbolt the Power Steering Pump
Unbolt the power steering pump and gently push it aside. You may need to disconnect a few hoses, but be mindful of any fluid leaks.
4. Disconnect Electrical Connectors
Identify and disconnect the electrical connectors attached to the alternator. Typically, there will be a multi-wire connector and a single-wire connector.
5. Remove the Mounting Bolt
Locate the mounting bolt that secures the alternator to the engine block. Remove it using a wrench or socket.
6. Detach the Serpentine Belt
Using a wrench or socket, loosen the tensioner pulley to release tension on the serpentine belt. Slip the belt off the alternator pulley.
7. Extract the Alternator
With the belt removed, carefully wiggle and pull the alternator out of its mounting point. Be cautious not to drop it or damage surrounding components. Note that some alternators may require additional steps to be removed, such as disconnecting a bracket or removing a nut behind the alternator.
| Tool Required | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wrench or Socket | Removing mounting bolt and loosening tensioner pulley |
| Pry Bar (Optional) | Wiggling the alternator loose |
Installing the New Alternator
8. Connect the Wiring Harness
Locate the wiring harness connector on the alternator. It is typically a large, multi-pin connector. Carefully align the connector with its corresponding port on the alternator and push it on firmly until it clicks into place.
Tighten the Alternator Bolts
Use a socket wrench to tighten the bolts that secure the alternator to the mounting bracket. Apply medium force to ensure a secure fit.
Attach the Belt
Route the serpentine belt over the pulleys of the alternator, tensioner, and any other accessories. Apply tension to the belt using the tensioner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reconnect the Positive Battery Cable
Carefully reconnect the positive battery cable to the positive terminal of the battery. Tighten the nut securely.
Check for Leaks and Operation
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks or unusual noises from the alternator. Additionally, use a voltmeter to verify that the alternator is charging the battery correctly.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disconnect negative battery cable |
| 2 | Remove engine cover |
| 3 | Loosen alternator bolts |
| 4 | Remove alternator belt |
| 5 | Unplug electrical connectors |
| 6 | Remove alternator |
| 7 | Compare old and new alternators |
| 8 | Install new alternator |
| 9 | Attach alternator belt |
| 10 | Connect wiring harness |
| 11 | Tighten alternator bolts |
| 12 | Reconnect battery cable |
| 13 | Check for leaks and operation |
Reconnecting the Serpentine Belt
9. Reconnecting the Serpentine Belt:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Locate the alternator on the front of the engine.
- Loosen the bolts that hold the alternator in place.
- Remove the alternator from the engine.
- Install the new alternator on the engine.
- Tighten the bolts that hold the alternator in place.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Difficulty starting the car
- Dimming lights
- A dead battery
- A warning light on the dashboard
a. Aligning the Belt: Hold the new belt around the pulleys and align it correctly. The belt should sit in the grooves on the pulleys and follow the original routing diagram.
b. Tensioning the Belt: Locate the belt tensioner and use the appropriate tool (e.g., socket wrench) to apply tension to the belt. Rotate the tensioner arm to create slack in the belt, then release it slowly to allow the belt to tighten.
c. Proper Tension: The belt should be tight enough to prevent slipping but not so tight that it causes excessive stress on the pulleys or bearings. Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for the specified tension value.
d. Using a Belt Tension Gauge: For greater accuracy, use a belt tension gauge to measure the tension of the serpentine belt. The gauge will indicate if the belt is within the recommended range.
e. Double-Checking the Routing: Ensure that the belt is routed correctly around all the pulleys and in the same direction as before. Double-check the diagram if necessary.
f. Starting the Engine: Start the engine and observe the belt’s performance. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Turn the steering wheel to check if the belt is slipping.
g. Re-checking the Tension: After operating the engine for a few minutes, re-check the belt tension to ensure it has not changed significantly.
| Belt Tension Guidelines |
|---|
| – Use a belt tension gauge to measure the belt tension. |
| – Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for the specified tension value. |
| – The belt should deflect approximately 10-15mm when pressed with moderate thumb pressure midway between the pulleys. |
Connecting the Battery
1. Identify the Battery
Locate the battery, typically situated in the engine compartment. It’s usually enclosed in a plastic box with visible terminals.
2. Turn Off the Engine
Ensure the engine is completely switched off before handling the battery.
3. Gather Necessary Tools
You’ll need a socket wrench or spanner and a wire brush to clean the terminals.
4. Remove the Ground Cable
Using the socket wrench or spanner, loosen the nut securing the negative (black) terminal cable. Remove the cable from the terminal.
5. Remove the Positive Cable
Repeat step 4 for the positive (red) terminal cable.
6. Clean the Terminal Posts
Use the wire brush to clean any corrosion or dirt from the battery terminal posts and cable ends. This will ensure a secure connection.
7. Reattach the Positive Cable
Tighten the nut on the positive terminal cable, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
8. Reattach the Ground Cable
Repeat step 7 for the negative terminal cable.
9. Tighten the Cables
Use the socket wrench or spanner to tighten the bolts on both terminal cables firmly.
10. Verify the Connection
Start the engine and check the battery voltage using a voltmeter or multimeter. The voltage should be between 12.6 to 13.2 volts with the engine running. If the voltage is low or high, there may be an issue with the alternator or battery.
How to Replace Alternator 2009 Ford Edge AWD
Replacing the alternator in a 2009 Ford Edge AWD is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in about an hour. The alternator is located on the front of the engine, and it is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system. If your alternator is not working properly, you may experience problems starting your car, or you may notice that the lights dim or the battery dies while you are driving. To replace the alternator, you will need some basic tools, including a socket wrench, a ratchet, and a new alternator.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to replace an alternator in a 2009 Ford Edge AWD?
The cost of replacing an alternator in a 2009 Ford Edge AWD will vary depending on the location and the mechanic you choose. However, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for the parts and labor.
How long does it take to replace an alternator in a 2009 Ford Edge AWD?
It should take about an hour to replace the alternator in a 2009 Ford Edge AWD.
What are the symptoms of a bad alternator in a 2009 Ford Edge AWD?
The symptoms of a bad alternator in a 2009 Ford Edge AWD can include:
