WomanNeedsJeepExpertise

How do I remove these rusty nails?

Lowrange2

Do you intend to pay any attention to anything I type or are you going to completely disregard everything? If so I'm not going to make the effort.

Those do not need to be removed to remove the alternator. They're bolts, not nails.

ryrycars

Nails? Shoot em with some pb blaster or equilavent and take your socket wrench too them

WomanNeedsJeepExpertise

I'm mechanically inclined but I'm still from the female species. Please do tell...what is PB Blaster? Thanks!

Lowrange2

If your battery is fully charged, which I doubt, and the Jeep still won't start then your problem is NOT the alternator.

The FIRST thing you need to do is put the battery back in it and get someone to jump you off. With jumper cables... The wirey looking things with clamps on both ends. Once the Jeep is running remove the cables. If it dies immediately after removing the cables then, yes, the alternator is bad.

If the Jeep stayed running after you removed the cables then you need to get yourself a voltmeter. They're like 6 bucks at the parts store. Get one. Check the voltage at the battery. If the voltage is up around 13-14 volts then your alternator is fine.

If it's any less than that then the alternator is bad.

Once you've done this, report back.

In your first post you asked for help with troubleshooting. This is how you do it.

Lowrange2

PB Blaster is a lubricant like WD40. Which, you won't need because you won't need to remove those...

foreveryoung001

I was just thinking, you are getting some really good advice on how to troubleshoot your problem, but you seem dead set that it is the alternator. Nobody is saying that it isn't, but there is so much more it could be, and most of it can be tested, by you, for free, to help find the issue before you start throwing parts at the thing.

I'm not one of the experts, but I'll tell you what... if you want the experts to help... if you ask for advice... you might want to listen to it.

Its absolutely GREAT that you want to learn to work on your own vehicles. I commend you for that, but listen to what these folks are telling you and it will save you a lot of money, time, and frustration.

Rogue4x4

If you're mechanically inclined, you should know the difference between bolts and nails. Just sayin', LOL....

PB Blaster

WomanNeedsJeepExpertise

Ok I have WD-40. How else will I get to the alternator? The YouTube video says that I need to remove the tray. Should I go under the car?

Please look at this picture, the tray is in the way.

Lowrange2

It can be removed from the top but in your case it's going to be far easier to remove it from the bottom.

Are you going to test the alternator or just blindly remove it and hope for the best?

WomanNeedsJeepExpertise

Gosh, I meant to says bolts.

Rogue4x4

LOL

If you already have the battery out, it won't hurt to take out the tray, but you don't need to. Since the battery is already out, and you seem like you're still taking the alt out, take BOTH of them to your parts store and have them both tested at the same time. They should be able to tell you right there if either should be replaced, or if they're on the ragged edge. Go from there.

ryrycars

it appears you werent looking for advice since you didnt take any of the advice above. Test the alternator before removing and possibly save yourself some time and money

ryrycars

whoops didnt see roninofako's post definitley take his advice if already removed

WomanNeedsJeepExpertise

I already took the battery out this more and got it charged. I mention that in an earlier post. Brought it back and tried it out. Same thing happened. Please keep in mind, the lights flickered last night, there was a whining noise and a funny smell.