Here's a pretty good video to guide you through:

 

It is a fairly difficult job to do if you have not ever replaced such a part on any kind of car. Definitely not "plug and play". There are some very good videos on doing the job on you tube. and from what I know you will need the cars front end raised up to get to it from below. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks Intrepid, we just posted at the same time...Nice link!

 

Car is going to a buddy of my dads tomorrow aft. Hes a mechanic does car stuff on the side at home. Has hoist etc. Hes a tech at Canadian Tire so hes bringing his diagnostic shit to see if alt really is bad. I can get 140 amp alt for 220 and hes gonna do it for 100 labor. Not bad consdiering.

 

That'll be a lot easier and fewer cuts, bruises, and frustration for you The price sounds good, I think it's worth it.

 

Will save me damaging my car too! hence the frustration lol

 

How have you progressed with the problem ? Just the other day our Neon did the same thing, BUT when at lower RPM's on the motor and EVERY electrical accy. running(lights,wipers, a/c,radio), battery is not the original. But do NOT know how old it is either and we have had it for 2 years. I suspect a weak cell in the battery. All has been fine since, It did set a code WITHOUT turning on the CEL For alt. output low, alternator is 1 yr. old. When I can get my hands on the car, I plan to have the battery load tested to check for condition.

 

Had the alt changed. Turns out the "clutch" like pulley was shot. I figured for an extra 150 id do the complete alt with new pulley. The pulley was 80 bucks alone. So far no issues at all. Had a new battery before this issue started since mine was origional so we put that in last week also.

 

Sounds like you got things covered, glad to hear it! the Neon uses a standard direct drive pulley and is only a year old, the battery is a replacement of unknown age. But has not acted up since the 1 time. Will get the battery tested soon though, before son head off with it to college!

 

Yes you have to remove the ac pump,good luck getting the new alternator stabbed. It's a TIGHT squeeze on the block...

 

but possible to re install from above the engine?