As I'm typing this my back is hurting from changing the alternator on my 2002 Cadillac deville. I just want to say thankyou for the video. I did exactly as you did. Not to say it was an easy job but definitely not that bad.
This is a great video, thanks for posting! I was able to accomplish this alternator replacement with my 2003 deville DHS with a couple small differences. I did not have to do anything underneath the car, didn't jack it up or anything. I used a long rotating breaker bar and adjustable angle ratchet for the deepest bolt for the alternator, and got the other two bolts as well so it came right out the front in the gap where the radiator fans came from. Technical tip: use something to compress the two dowels on the deepest bolt (I used a c-clamp) to create space on that bolt mounting and loosely put that bolt back in the new alternator before mounting it back in its spot, then replace the two other bolts before going back and tightening that first one. That deepest bolt (the one you loosened from the bottom) is just a rotating pin and can be used to get the alternator remounted and lined up before doing the other two bolts. Great project, worked like a charm. Thanks again!
bro this is my second cadillac deville limo so much of my info comes from gentleman like your self to keep them running . so many people are hating on the north star but its been great for me . again thanks man
Hello fellow Deville owner, Great video! Without a doubt the most convincing method for me to attack the replacement. It doesn't look as bad as forums suggest. I had a look at doing it out the bottom... I just don't see it happening easily through those frame rails, etc. Giving this a go once the part comes in. Cheers from California.
russhaig hi there thanks for the compliment you can do this looking forward to hear from you on the west coast of Cali here on the East coast of Florida when the job is done
Great video, thanks for posting it. I had to do the same job on a 2007 Lucerne Northstar. What a nightmare! I think the engine compartment is smaller than in that Cadillac. I had to move the radiator out of the way, no other choice. (GM manual says to take out the radiator altogether, if you can believe that.) Hardest part was removing a factory screw on the side, holding the radiator and condenser together. I've seen some of these old Caddies in which you can remove that alternator from the bottom, but it seems like every model year with this Northstar is different. Another thing I noticed is that some of the alternators in these early model Northstars were liquid cooled - you actually had to disconnect them from the cooling system. I suspect that allowed them to run cooler, for greater life? I think my non-liquid cooled alternator failed at about 85K miles, driven mostly in hot central Florida. The alternator was hard to find, Autozone and Advance didn't stock it, but O'Rileys did. None of the three parts suppliers could even test it, unless it was on the car running. Not a very high production item, I guess. My '07 version was also a lot more complicated than it looked based on that simple wire harness. It actually communicates digital signals with the computer to get the optimum charging/voltage accomplished, and that's supposed to extended the life of the car battery. Retail on the alternator is $689, 4.4 hours by the book (though it took me 3 days, part time) Think about that. If a commercial garage charges you $125/hour for labor, and full price for the alternator, it would cost you $1238 + tax and shop supplies! Unless you have an appointment, good luck getting your car back the same day. You're doing a great service to the community by posting this DIY video. Thanks!
As I'm typing this my back is hurting from changing the alternator on my 2002 Cadillac deville. I just want to say thankyou for the video. I did exactly as you did. Not to say it was an easy job but definitely not that bad.
This is a great video, thanks for posting! I was able to accomplish this alternator replacement with my 2003 deville DHS with a couple small differences. I did not have to do anything underneath the car, didn't jack it up or anything. I used a long rotating breaker bar and adjustable angle ratchet for the deepest bolt for the alternator, and got the other two bolts as well so it came right out the front in the gap where the radiator fans came from. Technical tip: use something to compress the two dowels on the deepest bolt (I used a c-clamp) to create space on that bolt mounting and loosely put that bolt back in the new alternator before mounting it back in its spot, then replace the two other bolts before going back and tightening that first one. That deepest bolt (the one you loosened from the bottom) is just a rotating pin and can be used to get the alternator remounted and lined up before doing the other two bolts. Great project, worked like a charm. Thanks again!
my friend you think before you speak , a lost art these days. thanks for the video very helpful.
Travis Richardson thank you sir glad I was able to help in some sort of way you're quite welcome
bro this is my second cadillac deville limo so much of my info comes from gentleman like your self to keep them running . so many people are hating on the north star but its been great for me . again thanks man
Great video! You speak very clearly and think before you speak. Great job on explaining a tough job.
Hello fellow Deville owner, Great video! Without a doubt the most convincing method for me to attack the replacement. It doesn't look as bad as forums suggest. I had a look at doing it out the bottom... I just don't see it happening easily through those frame rails, etc. Giving this a go once the part comes in. Cheers from California.
russhaig hi there thanks for the compliment you can do this looking forward to hear from you on the west coast of Cali here on the East coast of Florida when the job is done
Thank you that was very helpful I'm doing mines soon showing what tools you need really helped me
your a great help ... keep up the food work ...changed my trans lock-up solenoid from a previous video
Randy Clarke you are welcome I'm happy this video was useful for you.👍
Great video, great plan of attack. This will certainly help me. Thank you.
Great video, thanks for posting it. I had to do the same job on a 2007 Lucerne Northstar. What a nightmare! I think the engine compartment is smaller than in that Cadillac. I had to move the radiator out of the way, no other choice. (GM manual says to take out the radiator altogether, if you can believe that.) Hardest part was removing a factory screw on the side, holding the radiator and condenser together. I've seen some of these old Caddies in which you can remove that alternator from the bottom, but it seems like every model year with this Northstar is different. Another thing I noticed is that some of the alternators in these early model Northstars were liquid cooled - you actually had to disconnect them from the cooling system. I suspect that allowed them to run cooler, for greater life? I think my non-liquid cooled alternator failed at about 85K miles, driven mostly in hot central Florida. The alternator was hard to find, Autozone and Advance didn't stock it, but O'Rileys did. None of the three parts suppliers could even test it, unless it was on the car running. Not a very high production item, I guess. My '07 version was also a lot more complicated than it looked based on that simple wire harness. It actually communicates digital signals with the computer to get the optimum charging/voltage accomplished, and that's supposed to extended the life of the car battery. Retail on the alternator is $689, 4.4 hours by the book (though it took me 3 days, part time) Think about that. If a commercial garage charges you $125/hour for labor, and full price for the alternator, it would cost you $1238 + tax and shop supplies! Unless you have an appointment, good luck getting your car back the same day. You're doing a great service to the community by posting this DIY video. Thanks!
Same car ....Same problem ......guess this tha route to go....
How did you get to the belt tensioner? Can't get a wrench or socket in there Bc it's too tight..
A 1/2" two foot long extension will do that. There is a place to insert it and then you pull towards the front of the car.
What a headache
food = good lol
Understood my friend 😂
That's why g m is going down the toilet