Hi William, I’m trying to replace my alternator on a 2007 Lexus Es350 and I can’t get the last bolt out thats under the alternator

So I was driving on the interstate when my radio began flashing, then my dashboards began flashing and lastly my headlights went off and the car started shutting down. I tried to jumpstart it and it did the exact same within 1 minute. I was told it was the alternator. So I purchased a alternator from Napa. I am trying to remove it. I can't seem to get to the 3rd bolt under the left side of the alternator. Please help!

My car has 92000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If your ES350 was built after March 2006, per the Factory Service Manual, you have to remove the bumper of the car as well as other components to gain access. Due to the amount of disassembly required, if you have the alternator replaced by a mobile certified mechanic, it will be a lot more convenient for you and the repair can be performed at your location. You need only pay the labor charge, as you already have the part. You can get an exact written quote, and schedule the repair to suit your needs, by simply visiting YourMechanic’s alternator replacement service page. Once on that page, please click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The average cost for a Lexus ES350 Alternator Replacement is between $943 and $1,118. Labor costs are estimated between $427 and $539 while parts are priced between $516 and $579.
If your Lexus car is facing issues, the solution can range from finding and installing Lexus replacement parts, to investing in a whole new car. A crucial component of your car is its alternator– you certainly don`t want it to stop working in the middle of the road! Here are the signs of a Lexus alternator failing.
Labor costs are estimated between $388 and $490 while parts are priced between $527 and $571.
Your battery should be one of the first things on your checklist after installing a new car alternator. Any installation guide will say that you need to disconnect the battery before installing the new alternator.
Fan Belt Alternator Belt for LEXUS ES350 2007-2012 90916-A2010 99367-C2090.
Why cheap alternators are the wrong choice. Aftermarket alternators are sold as less expensive OEM replacements, but they aren`t always good replacements because they are not identical to the OEM unit. Buyers are often unable to spot the differences in quality, unless they inform themselves.
One of the most common problems you`re likely to experience with an alternator is a failure in the bearings. There are needle bearings in the alternator that allow the rotor to freely spin inside the housing, and those bearings can break down over time as a result of exposure to heat and dirt.
Rebuilt Will Cost Less

In this process the broken parts are replaced, hence the term rebuilt. You may get up to a 90-day warranty. Remanufactured alternators still offer some savings, around 25% generally, and are different than rebuilt ones.

Alternators can average anywhere from $100 to $350, depending on the model. In most cases, costs will average between $350−400 for the alternator replacement if no other parts need to be changed.
You have to stop shut it off and start again. 5 people think this is helpful.
We recommend that you replace your car`s alternator when it begins showing symptoms of wear or damage. This will prevent your car`s battery dying unpredictably. A faulty alternator may also cause the battery to wear and fail quickly, adding to your repair bill if the problem isn`t fixed early.
Contrary to its purpose, an alternator can drain a battery. It`s rare, but it`s possible. A draw on the battery only occurs if there`s a problem with either a component in the alternator itself or connections to it.
Your Lexus ES350 will be happy to know that the search for the right Serpentine Belt products you`ve been looking for is over! Advance Auto Parts has 6 different Serpentine Belt for your vehicle, ready for shipping or in-store pick up.
In order to avoid a mistake when purchasing your alternator, you must find the original label affixed to it, which will provide you with a reference from the manufacturer of the alternator or a reference from the vehicle manufacturer.
You will never go wrong with a Denso part! Old one lasted 18 years and 273,000 miles! I didn`t test it before installing like someone recommended. I wanted to go with original oem alternator which was Denso because it lasted 18 years and 273000 miles.
While you can technically still drive with a bad alternator, it is not advised. This is especially true in newer vehicle models. This is because there is more electricity involved compared to an older model.
If your alternator fails when you`re far from home, you can typically drive up to 200 miles on battery power alone. That`s assuming your battery is in good shape and fully charged. Of course, it`s best to get the alternator repaired or replaced as soon as you can.
If the [battery`s] voltage is low, replace with a new battery or charge the battery to the recommended 14.2 to 14.7 volts,” he says. “Then try to run the vehicle and see if the voltage after is outside of that range. If it is, that`s a sign of a bad alternator.”
Yes, you can check your alternator by disconnecting the battery. However, it`s important to note that this isn`t the most accurate way to test the alternator. If you want to get a more accurate reading, you should take your car to a mechanic and have them test the alternator for you.
Despite their frequent use, alternators are usually relatively trouble-free, and when a problem occurs, it`s recommended to replace the alternator rather than repair it. The logic behind this is because a repair or rebuild can cost almost as much as a replacement alternator.
How to Prevent Alternator Failures. Alternators can last anywhere from 5 years through the lifetime of your car. As with most other replaceable parts of a vehicle, the best way to prevent damage and failure is to ensure regular inspections and maintenance.
New: A new starter or alternator provides you with a working system where all parts are at the same stage of wear and tear, but it`s often the most expensive option. Rebuilding: A rebuilt alternator or starter had its worn parts discarded and replaced with new or remanufactured parts.
Alternator repair kits are usually less than $30, depending on which components you need to fix. Again, you need the proper tools and a little know-how, but if you`re able to find the right kit and know what you`re doing, you can rebuild an alternator for a fraction of the cost of even a remanufactured unit.
Your car`s alternator may fail for various reasons: Age and use-related wear is often the reason behind a dying alternator. Engine oil or power steering fluid leaking onto the car alternator can lead to its failure. Prolonged idling while using multiple electrical accessories can prematurely wear the alternator.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Hi William, I’m trying to replace my alternator on a 2007 Lexus Es350 and I can’t get the last bolt out thats under the alternator
ANSWER : If your ES350 was built after March 2006, per the Factory Service Manual, you have to remove the bumper of the car as well as other components to gain access. Due to the amount of disassembly required, if you have the alternator replaced by a mobile certified mechanic, it will be a lot more convenient for you and the repair can be performed at your location. You need only pay the labor charge, as you already have the part. You can get an exact written quote, and schedule the repair to suit your needs, by simply visiting YourMechanic’s alternator replacement service page. Once on that page, please click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Replacing alternator on my 2000 Rav4. Is there a bolt under alternator on bottom left?
ANSWER : The adjusting bracket has one bolt, Toyota Part number 91621-60845. The adjusting bolt that you broke is part number 90119-08299. This bolt should not bottom out so you should check for the possibility that the belt is the wrong size or worn. For a used used belt, the tension should be set to 100 pounds and you must use a gauge, otherwise there is no way to tell what the tension is. As far as the bracket that holds the alternator, that bracket is bolted to the engine with three bolts, all part number 91651-G1028. All kinds of articulated and remote access specialty tools are used to access bolts and parts. I can guarantee the bolt that you are referring to is accessible but I would have to see it to specify exactly which tool to use. More likely than not you will have to buy an adapter. Even after 30 years, I am still buying them and sometimes have to make them on the lathe. A certified mechanic will have all the required tools and can finish this up for you if you desire. Simply use YourMechanic’s alternator installation page; obviously you will only be charged for the time required to resolve the bolt issue, adjust the belt (or install a new one) and test charging output. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

I’m getting two ignition coils replaced on my 2007 Honda Fit and it will cost me 280 without labor. This sounds weird
ANSWER : Hi there. If your engine is stalling out on you and the shop has said that the issue is your ignition coils, try checking the coils and see if there is a spark coming out of them by removing the coil and putting a spark tester on it and checking for spark. If there is spark, then the ignition coils are working, but they could be weak. Adjust the spark tester to a gap of 60 and see if the spark is still emitting. If it does, then the ignition coils are good and the spark plugs maybe need replaced. If the engine is stalling out and there is spark but the coils are shutting down, then check the crankshaft position sensor to see if there is a loose contact or if the sensor is damaged. A crankshaft position sensor that is intermittently failing will cause the ignition coils to stop working at the time that the sensor is not working.

Before ruling out the ignition coils, be sure to check all the components of spark, air, and fuel with compression before having the coil replaced. Make sure that all of the sensors are functioning properly and that the engine oil is clean. If you need further assistance with your engine stalling out, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I just had to get my alternator replaced for the second time within three monthly oil gasket had to be replaced it was leaking.
ANSWER : To properly clean your engine, I suggest using a substance called Sea Foam. Put one bottle of the fluid in your engine and run the engine for about 30 minutes at 2,000 rpm’s. Then either take the car to a place to do an oil change or do the oil change at your location, but if taking it somewhere, make sure it is somewhere close and on surface streets. You do not want to drive the engine with a heavy throttle. After draining the engine oil, I suggest putting in Mobile 1 High Mileage oil, which will help the engine survive the massive sludge. Then I recommend replacing the oil every 2,000 miles or 2 months. If you need further assistance with your engine oil, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I’m trying to replace the engine coolant temp sensor on my 2007 ford fusion sel 3.0l v6. How do I install it? It doesn’t seem to b
ANSWER : The sensor is held in place by a spring steel clip. Normally, pliers are needed to pry the retaining clip out. The new sensor should seat square to the bore in the cylinder head. If the sensor is sitting square in the bore you can push the clip in by hand. If you cannot get the sensor to fully seat and replace the retaining clip, it is possible that the o-ring got twisted or damaged. O-rings should be lubricated with engine coolant to aid assembly. If you need assistance, please request coolant temperature sensor installation and a certified mechanic will resolve this for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

I’m getting power to distributor coil, but I’m not getting power to the spark plugs.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the spark plugs with a spark adapter tool to see if there is a park induced from the coil. If there is no spark, then the spark plug wires could be burned and need replaced. If the tool is getting spark, then the spark plugs need replaced. If you need further assistance with your ignition system, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I am trying to remove the alternator, but I need to free up more space.
ANSWER : Hi there. As a former Lexus master technician, this was one of the jobs that seemed like the engineers weren’t in their right minds when designing it. We had to loosen the core support that holds the radiator, support it away from the alternator, and then pull the alternator out without letting it slip; if it falls and hits the radiator, you will have a leak.

I strongly suggest acquiring a qualified technician for this one. One of YourMechanic’s certified technicians can assist you with an alternator replacement, and will make sure the job is done smoothly and properly.

starter switch replaced and do you have the computer to reset it. Also need help to put my new gas tank in. I have taken all bolts
ANSWER : Hello. After replacing the ignition switch on your vehicle you should be able to reprogram it manually. Putting the key into the ignition and leaving it there for a few seconds until an indicator comes up on the dashboard saying “key teach in progress” . After doing that 3-4 times the vehicle should start up as normal. We may be able to get a technician out to you today depending on what area you are in. I will inform customer support of your need for assistance right now but it may be beneficial to call 844-249-6752 and use their call back feature to get the fastest assistance possible.