Followed the instructions for alternator removal by removing the passenger wheel as outlined in the forum - nice job to all that contributed.... I change the alternator in my 2003 Yukon in about 20 minutes this past December.... I've spent considerably more(embarrassingly) time on the Jag but I did manage get both bolts out. a great test of patience. Since it is on the underside of the vehicle and you really can't get a good look at it - I am having a devil of a time disconnecting the harness. I know there is a tab on the side facing the motor but I can seem to get it to release. Anyone have any thoughts or a description of making the tab release?

Thanks so much - Phil

 

It sucks to release. It's at a really awkward angle where you can't get much gripping and pulling force on it at the same time. I forget what I did to free mine up the first time, if I just suffered with it for a while, or figured out some trick (maybe prying on the tab with a tiny flathead while wiggling it loose by hand?). Probably the most time consuming part of the alt swap when I did it. I used some dielectric grease on that connector on reassembly and it seemed to come out much smoother the second time, when my v-reg went bad.

 

It only needs a light press to release the tab, but an assisting force is needed to budge it off the connector body, so a 2 handed approach is needed, I know it's tight in there as I've just done one. I replaced the M10X50mm top bolt with a M10X40mm that helps.

 

I think i used a little pick to pull up and "help" pull up while i pressed on the release button ( I sprayed mine with some penetrating oil which seemed to help). I then proceeded to have a hard time getting the alternator out and was rocking it back and forth and crushed the plastic connector. Hopefully you can avoid that, but I have spares now if you need one