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Type :
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Alternator
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Specification :
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12V 90A
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Pulley :
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6PK
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Brand :
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nuojin
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Number :
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37300-2E230
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Quality :
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renovate
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Delivery time :
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30day
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Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical short circuits during installation.
Prepare compatible tools such as socket wrenches, box-end wrenches, and a dedicated belt tensioner tool. Verify that the new alternator model is 12V 90A to ensure compatibility with the vehicle. Additionally, clean dust and oil from the alternator mounting area to ensure a tight fit of the mounting surface.
Place the new alternator steadily on the mounting bracket, align it with the mounting bolt holes, and initially secure it with bolts without fully tightening them. This allows for fine-tuning the alternator position during subsequent belt tension adjustment.
The alternator is typically equipped with a B+ terminal and a wiring harness connector:
First, fasten the thick wire corresponding to the positive battery terminal to the B+ terminal and tighten the fixing nut securely.
Then, align the control circuit connector with the interface and insert it firmly until it locks in place. Ensure no looseness to avoid poor contact, electrical arcing, or other issues. It is recommended to mark the wiring positions on the old alternator before removal to facilitate accurate connection.
Use a dedicated belt tensioner tool to lever the tensioner, allowing the belt to be smoothly routed over the alternator pulley. Ensure the belt fits tightly into the grooves of all pulleys.
Adjust the tensioner to achieve proper belt tension: press the middle of the belt with your hand—an acceptable deflection is 1-2 centimeters. Excessive slack may cause slipping, while excessive tightness will accelerate bearing wear.
After adjusting the belt tension to the correct specification, use a torque wrench to tighten the alternator fixing bolts to the torque specified in the vehicle maintenance standards. This prevents alternator vibration during engine operation.
Reconnect the negative battery cable. After confirming no tools or debris are left in the engine compartment, start the vehicle.
Check if the charging indicator light on the instrument panel turns off—if it does, the alternator is initially functioning properly.
Use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals: a normal reading during engine operation is 13.8V - 14.5V.
Simultaneously, listen for abnormal noises from the alternator and observe if the belt runs smoothly without slipping.
If you lack maintenance experience, it is recommended to have the installation performed by a professional Kia service center to avoid damaging the alternator or the vehicle's electrical system due to improper operation.
Mandatory Power Disconnection:Prior to installation, the negative battery cable must be disconnected (removal sequence: negative first, then positive; installation sequence: positive first, then negative). This prevents short circuits, electrical arcing, damage to electrical components, or personal safety hazards caused by tools contacting the alternator terminals or wiring.
Avoid Forceful Operation:
Handle the alternator with care during transportation; do not strike the housing or terminals (especially the B+ terminal) to prevent damage to internal rotors and stator coils.
Fine-tune the alignment of bolt holes during installation; never use forced impact for fixation, as this may deform the mounting bracket.
Tool Compatibility and Insulation:Use tools of matching specifications, such as socket wrenches and torque wrenches (to avoid tool slippage that could damage bolts or threaded holes). Wear insulating gloves during operation to prevent electric shock or oxidative corrosion from direct contact between hands and metal terminals.
Verify that the new alternator parameters are 12V 90A and compatible with the engine model (e.g., G4NA) of the 2017-2018 Kia Forte 5 2.0L. Incompatible power specifications may lead to insufficient charging or wiring damage.
Check the completeness of alternator accessories (e.g., pulley, mounting bracket, terminal washers). It is recommended to reuse original or compatible washers and nuts to prevent loose connections or poor contact.
The B+ terminal (thick wire terminal) must be securely fastened. Refer to the vehicle service manual for the recommended nut tightening torque (typically 12-15 N・m) to avoid overheating, arcing, or terminal burnout caused by poor contact.
Align the control wiring connector with the interface latch and insert it firmly until the latch is fully engaged (gently pull the connector to confirm stability). If there is oxide on the connector, clean it with alcohol before connection to prevent abnormal signal transmission.
Use a drive belt of original equipment specification (reference model: 6PK1230 is commonly used for Kia Forte 5 2.0L; confirm via the vehicle's VIN for accuracy). Do not use damaged, aged, or length-mismatched belts.
Strictly follow tension standards:
Press the middle of the belt (between two pulleys) with your hand—an acceptable deflection is 1-2 centimeters.
Alternatively, use a belt tension gauge (standard tension: 150-200 N).
Excessive slack may cause slipping and reduced charging efficiency; excessive tightness will accelerate alternator bearing and belt wear, potentially leading to bearing noise.
Tighten the alternator mounting bolts to Kia's original specifications (typically 25-30 N・m) using a torque wrench. Insufficient torque may cause alternator vibration during engine operation, while excessive torque can damage bolt threads or the mounting bracket.
Confirm no tools or debris are left in the engine compartment.
Verify correct wiring with no misconnections or omissions (especially do not confuse the B+ terminal with the ground wire).
Ensure the belt is properly aligned without deviation or entanglement.
Instrument Panel Check: The charging indicator light should turn off within 3 seconds after startup. If it remains illuminated, immediately shut down the engine to inspect for wiring errors, alternator malfunctions, or belt slipping.
Voltage Measurement: Use a multimeter in DC mode to measure battery terminal voltage. The normal range at idle is 13.8-14.5V (not less than 13.5V under load). A reading below 13V or above 15V indicates faults in the alternator rectifier, regulator, or abnormal belt tension—shut down for maintenance.
Abnormal Noise Inspection: Listen for "humming" or "metal friction" sounds during operation. Such noises may indicate bearing damage, belt slipping, or misalignment—disassemble and inspect as needed.
If you lack experience in automotive electrical system maintenance, it is recommended to have the installation performed by an authorized Kia service center or qualified technician. This avoids issues such as alternator burnout or engine warning light activation caused by incorrect wiring or improper torque application.
Refer to the Kia Forte 5 2017-2018 Service Manual during installation, which clearly specifies torque parameters, wiring diagrams, and compatible accessory models for alternator installation—ensuring operational authority and accuracy.
References：
References are made to the content of the overseas version of the service manual for the Kia Forte. For instance, the manual explicitly states that the negative battery cable must be disconnected during alternator installation, and specifies torque ranges such as 9.8 - 14.7 N・m for the fixing bolts of the alternator terminals, as well as different torque standards for the 12mm and 14mm mounting bolts of the alternator. These specifications align with the previously mentioned requirement to adhere to the original factory torque standards for bolt tightening.
Safety requirements for automotive electrical system maintenance outlined in Kia's general maintenance guidelines for vehicle owners—such as disconnecting the negative battery cable before maintenance to prevent short circuits, and avoiding wearing jewelry or loose clothing during repairs to prevent entanglement in moving parts—also serve as the basis for the safety operation specifications section.
Content related to alternator maintenance for Kia models on platforms such as PCauto Encyclopedia and Qiche Dashi (Automotive Master) covers key points including marking wiring positions during alternator removal and installation, avoiding forceful operation to prevent damage to wires and brackets, and the risk of malfunctions caused by improper belt tension. These points are consistent with the precautions for wiring connection and belt adjustment provided earlier.
The general alternator installation process published by PCauto includes a logical sequence of steps: initial securing of the alternator, wiring connection, belt tension adjustment, bolt tightening, and final inspection. This framework is consistent with the installation procedure tailored for this Forte model, with adaptations and refinements made to suit the specific vehicle.
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