Alternator replacement

[dknapp]

All, I was able to determine that my alternator was in fact bad. However, whilst replacing it, there was a piece of metal that connected to what I can only imagine is some kind of ground, fell out. So I have a positive lead connected to the alternator (red bolt), the T shaped plastic connectors (that broke the latch on while removing it) and now i have nothing on the other small screw down connector. I hope this is making sense!

My question is: Do i need to care about this missing connector, I tried to figure out how it played into the whole situation, but it kinda looks more like a placeholder than anything real.

I can submit pics of the connector that fell out if necessary, but i'm making dinner in a few min.

Thanks in advance!

David Knapp

[arthurgoboom]

If you're talking about the little metal piece that screws down onto the negative post of the alt and contacts the alternator case, that is the ground. The metal piece is just molded into the wiring harness for convenience, but it's not wired to anything else. It just makes contact on the alternator case and that's it.

[farmfuel]

While the alternator is bolted up and in the correct position, are you talking about that small little stud that stands vertical? (on the top of the alternator)?

My truck has a small little piece of sheet metal that is bound up in the wiring loom- that plugs into this connection that you're talking about. (that you broke) You should have a small little nut that threads onto that stud-that retains that little piece of sheet metal. It's only there to keep the two wires/"T-shaped connector" in the correct position.

[dknapp]

Groovy - thanks!

David Knapp