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2008–2015 Scion xB

2008-2015 Scion xB - Alternator Replacement

🔧🔧 Moderate 2-3 hours $400 DIY 2 views

Save $300 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $700

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

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Total Cost
$400.00
Part Name Part Number Price Buy
Alternator 11195 $200.00
Serpentine Belt — $50.00
Alternator Belt Tensioner 38453 $100.00
Alternator Pulley TAP-ALP-001 $30.00
Alternator Mounting Bolts 90105-10156 $20.00

About prices: shown prices are estimates from typical Amazon listings and change frequently, and cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price on Amazon before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

1

Disconnect the battery

Park on level ground and set the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the negative (−) battery cable first so the charging circuit cannot short while you work. Wear gloves and eye protection.

2

Relieve belt tension and remove the belt

Locate the serpentine-belt tensioner. Use a belt-tensioner tool or the correct socket/breaker bar to rotate the tensioner and slip the belt off the alternator pulley. Note the belt routing (photo or diagram) before removal.

3

Unplug connectors and B+ cable

Unplug the alternator electrical connector(s). Remove the nut on the main B+ output stud and free the heavy cable. Cap or tape the cable end so it cannot touch ground while dangling.

4

Unbolt and remove the alternator

Remove the mounting bolts/brackets that hold the alternator. Support its weight as the last bolt comes out — units are heavy and the pulley can catch on hoses or the fan shroud. Maneuver it out of the engine bay.

5

Compare and transfer fittings

Compare the new alternator to the old one: pulley type, amperage rating, plug shape, and mounting ears. Transfer any brackets, spacers, or isolation bushings that did not come on the reman/new unit.

6

Install the new alternator

Position the new alternator and start all mounting bolts by hand. Tighten to the specified torque. Reattach the B+ cable and torque the nut, then reconnect the harness plug until it clicks.

7

Refit the serpentine belt

Route the belt exactly per the diagram. Rotate the tensioner and seat the belt on every pulley, especially the smooth tensioner/idler faces. Double-check rib alignment before releasing the tensioner.

8

Reconnect battery and verify charging

Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and confirm no belt squeal. Measure charging voltage at the battery — typically about 13.5–14.7 V with the engine running. Clear any charging-system codes if needed.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Not disconnecting the battery before starting the repair
  • • Forgetting to properly torque the mounting bolts
  • • Failing to check the belt tension after installation