How to Replace the Alternator Cable of a 2000 Taurus

From time to time the alternator of your Ford Taurus may begin to suffer wear and tear from use over the years. While the alternator itself might not be faulty, there are components on the alternator, such as the alternator cable connecting it to the battery, that might fail over time. If the electrical components of your engine begin to run sluggishly, or your battery doesn't charge properly while running the vehicle, it could mean that the alternator or one of its components is faulty.

• 1

  Park your Taurus on a flat surface and set the parking brake. Open the hood and let the engine cool for about 30 minutes before working on the car. Disconnect the battery with a wrench or socket and set the cables to the side, away from each other. Look for the routing diagram on the hood or the shroud cover for the radiator and follow the pictures to locate the alternator.

• 2

  Locate the cable that connects the battery to the alternator. Use a wrench or socket set to remove the cable from the battery and then from the alternator itself. Loosen the nuts on the end of the bolts, and slide the hoop connectors off of the bolts. Remove the sensor wire as well and pay attention to the routing of the cable from the battery to the alternator to use the same path when installing the new cable.

• 3

  Take the new alternator cable and connect it along with the sensor wire to the alternator in place of the old cable. Tighten the nut on the end of the bolt with a socket or wrench to firmly lock the sensor wire and hoop end of the new cable in place. Run the cable through the old routing pathway and connect it to the battery of the Taurus. Reconnect the battery leads, shut the hood and start the vehicle.