This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the alternator on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 equipped with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Alternator (130A or 157A depending on equipment) × 1 — Motorcraft GL-8710 or equivalent
• Serpentine belt (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Motorcraft K060995 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove ignition key
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal first, then positive terminal
5. Take a photo or diagram of serpentine belt routing before removal for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery terminals
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt first and remove the cable from the battery post. Use a battery terminal puller if stuck. Repeat for the positive terminal. Secure cables away from battery posts to prevent accidental contact.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove engine cover
   Locate and remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward firmly on the cover to disengage the mounting grommets. Set aside in a clean area.
3. 3

   Release serpentine belt tension
   Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the passenger side of the engine. Using an 18mm socket with a long extension or breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slide the serpentine belt off the alternator pulley first, then carefully release the tensioner. Remove the belt from remaining pulleys and set aside.
   ⚠Maintain firm control of the tensioner during release to prevent sudden snapback
4. 4

   Inspect belt condition
   Examine the serpentine belt for cracks, glazing, fraying, or excessive wear. Check all ribs for damage. Replace belt if any defects are found or if it shows more than minimal wear. This is an opportune time for replacement even if the belt appears serviceable.
5. 5

   Disconnect alternator electrical connections
   Locate the electrical connector on the back of the alternator. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off. Using a 10mm socket, remove the nut securing the battery positive cable to the alternator output stud. Remove the cable and protective boot. Keep the nut in a secure location.
6. 6

   Remove upper alternator mounting bolt
   Locate the upper alternator mounting bolt accessible from the top of the engine. Using a 15mm socket with extension, remove the upper mounting bolt completely. This is a long bolt that passes through the alternator mounting bracket.
   Torque spec

   Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove lower alternator mounting bolt
   Access the lower mounting bolt from underneath the vehicle or through the wheel well area. Using a 15mm socket with extensions, remove the lower mounting bolt. This bolt may require more effort to access depending on engine accessories.
   Torque spec

   Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove alternator from engine bay
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully lift and maneuver the alternator out of the mounting bracket. Depending on accessory configuration, you may need to angle the alternator to clear the radiator hoses and other components. Remove the alternator from the engine bay.
9. 9

   Prepare new alternator for installation
   Compare the new alternator with the old unit to verify correct part. Check that the pulley, mounting ear positions, and electrical connections match. Transfer any brackets or hardware from the old alternator if necessary. Clean the mounting surfaces on the engine bracket with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Install new alternator
    Maneuver the new alternator into position, aligning the mounting holes with the bracket on the engine. Insert the lower mounting bolt first and thread by hand to secure position. Insert the upper mounting bolt and thread by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
11. 11

    Torque alternator mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench with 15mm socket, torque both the upper and lower alternator mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern (alternate between upper and lower). Ensure the alternator is properly seated in the bracket before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect alternator electrical connections
    Place the protective boot over the alternator output stud. Install the battery positive cable onto the stud and secure with the retaining nut. Torque to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench. Reconnect the electrical connector to the back of the alternator until it clicks into place.
13. 13

    Reinstall serpentine belt
    Reference your photo or the belt routing diagram on the radiator shroud. Route the belt around all pulleys except the alternator pulley. Using an 18mm socket and breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise and slip the belt onto the alternator pulley last. Slowly release the tensioner to apply proper tension. Verify belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves.
    ⚠Double-check belt routing before releasing tensioner. Incorrect routing can cause belt failure or component damage
14. 14

    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Align the engine cover mounting grommets with the posts and press firmly until seated. Reconnect the positive battery terminal first and torque to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench. Reconnect the negative terminal and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly seated
2. Verify serpentine belt is properly routed and seated in all pulley grooves
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left in the engine bay
4. Double-check that all fasteners have been torqued to specification

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the charging system warning light turns off after startup
• With engine running, use a multimeter to verify battery voltage is between 13.5-14.8 volts, indicating proper alternator function
• Listen for any unusual noises from the alternator or belt area during operation
• Turn on electrical loads (headlights, HVAC, radio) and verify voltage remains stable
• Inspect serpentine belt while engine is running to confirm proper tracking on all pulleys with no slipping or squealing
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck charging voltage under load

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