2016 Chevrolet Malibu Alternator Replacement — 2.0T and 1.5T Both Covered, Save $400+

Here's how I replaced the alternator on my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. This guide covers both the 2.0T turbocharged engine and the 1.5T — the alternator location and procedure are similar across both. Before you do anything: photograph the serpentine belt routing on your specific car. The routing diagram is usually on a sticker near the radiator shroud, but it can fade or peel — a quick phone photo before you start saves 20 minutes of frustration when reinstalling. Dealer quote for this repair: $700–$900 including parts and labor. I did it for about $250–$300 in parts.

How to Know Your Alternator Is Failing

The most common symptoms on the 2016 Malibu:

• Battery warning light on the dashboard (charging system fault)
• Dimming headlights or fluctuating dash lights at idle
• Battery draining overnight despite a healthy battery
• Whining or grinding noise from the front of the engine bay (bearing failure)
• Multimeter reading below 13.5V at the battery while the engine is running (healthy: 13.8–14.4V)

Confirm the alternator is the issue before replacing: charge the battery fully, start the car, and measure voltage at the battery terminals. If you're reading 12.2–12.6V with the engine running, the alternator is not charging.

2.0T vs. 1.5T: Key Differences

Both engines mount the alternator at the front of the engine block, driven by the serpentine belt. The 2.0T (LTG) has slightly less clearance due to the turbo plumbing. The 1.5T (LFV) is a bit more accessible. Otherwise, the removal process is the same.

Tools and Parts

• Replacement alternator:
  • 2.0T: ACDelco 335-1300 (OEM reman), or Bosch AL8847X
  • 1.5T: ACDelco 335-1257 (OEM reman), or Bosch AL8804N
  • Purchase a remanufactured unit — bring the old core back for a core charge refund ($40–$80)
• Serpentine belt (replace while you're there if belt is >50K miles old):
  • 2.0T: Gates K060955, Dayco 5060955
  • 1.5T: Gates K060948, Dayco 5060948
• 10mm, 13mm, 15mm sockets and extensions
• Breaker bar or long ratchet (for the serpentine belt tensioner)
• Torque wrench
• Multimeter (to verify repair)
• Jack and jack stands or ramps
• Rags, nitrile gloves

Torque Specs

Fastener	Spec
Alternator mounting bolts (upper and lower)	37 ft-lbs (50 Nm)
Alternator B+ terminal nut	15 ft-lbs (20 Nm)

Step-by-Step: 2016 Malibu Alternator Replacement

Before You Start

1. Photograph the serpentine belt routing. Find the routing diagram sticker near the front of the engine bay — take a photo with your phone. The Malibu serpentine has several idler pulleys and the routing is not intuitive.

2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. 10mm bolt. This is safety-critical — you'll be working near high-current cables.

Remove the Serpentine Belt

3. Locate the serpentine belt tensioner — a spring-loaded pulley on the front of the engine. Using a 15mm breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension on the belt.

4. With tension released, slip the belt off the alternator pulley first, then allow the tensioner to return slowly. Remove the belt from the remaining pulleys.

5. Set the old belt aside. If replacing, compare old and new side by side to confirm matching length and rib count.

Remove Electrical Connections from the Alternator

6. The alternator has two electrical connections:
   • B+ terminal (large): A battery cable with a single large nut (10mm). Your battery was disconnected in step 2, so it's safe to handle.
   • Plug connector (small): Press the tab and pull to disconnect.

Remove the Alternator

7. The alternator is held by two mounting bolts — one upper, one lower (both 13mm or 15mm). Remove both bolts.

8. On the 2.0T, rotate the alternator as you work it out — there's limited space. No need to remove other components if you're patient.

9. On the 1.5T, the alternator typically lifts straight up once both bolts are out.

Install the New Alternator

10. Position the new alternator in the bracket. Thread both mounting bolts in by hand first to confirm alignment, then torque to 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm).

11. Reconnect the B+ cable — torque the nut to 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm). This connection sees full battery current — it must be secure.

12. Reconnect the plug connector until it clicks.

Reinstall the Serpentine Belt

13. Route the new (or old) serpentine belt following the diagram you photographed. Route over all pulleys except the tensioner last.

14. Using the 15mm breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise, slip the belt over the tensioner pulley, and slowly release. The tensioner springs back and holds the belt taut.

15. Verify the belt is seated in all pulley grooves — a misrouted belt will squeal immediately on startup and can slip off.

Reconnect the Battery and Verify

16. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Tighten snugly.

17. Start the engine. Let it idle for 30 seconds.

18. Measure voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter. Healthy charging system: 13.8–14.4V at idle. Below 13.5V — recheck your connections.

19. Turn on headlights, A/C, and radio simultaneously. Voltage should stay above 13.5V under load.

Don't Forget the Core Return

20. Put the old alternator in the box it came in and return it to the store for your core charge refund ($40–$80).

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY	Chevy Dealer
Reman alternator	$150–$220	Included
Serpentine belt (optional)	$25–$40	Included (if replaced)
Labor	$0	$400–$550
Total	$175–$260	$600–$900

Savings: $400–$650 per repair.

For more GM maintenance and repair guides, browse the OwnerDrop blog. The 2016 Chevy Silverado oil change guide and other GM service procedures are also available if you're working across multiple General Motors vehicles.

Alternator done — and you saved enough to cover the next several oil changes. Ready to tackle the rest of your Malibu's maintenance yourself? Get the full repair library at OwnerDrop.