hello!

You don't mention whether you have teh 4 cylinder or the 6 cylinder engine; both were available in that year contour. Therfore, I will post instructions for both:

First, if you have the 6 cylinder engine, here is how the alternator is replaced according to the factory service manual. No special tools are required:

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Disengage the generator drive belt from the generator pulley.
3. Raise vehicle on hoist.
4. Remove RH wheel and tire.
5. Remove RH outer tie rod end from RH spindle.
6. Remove exhaust system Y-pipe.
7. Disconnect the wire harness attachments to the integral generator/voltage regulator.
8. Remove generator brace retaining bolts and generator brace from generator.
9. Remove RH halfshaft.
10. Remove generator retaining bolts from generator mounting bracket. Rotate generator and remove generator through RH side of vehicle.
11. Remove generator mounting bracket retaining bolts and generator mounting bracket from cylinder blocks.

INSTALLATION

1. Install generator mounting bracket and retaining bolts to cylinder blocks. Tighten bolts to 20-30 Nm (15-22 lb-ft).
2. Position the integral generator/voltage regulator on generator mounting bracket.
3. Install the generator mounting bolts. Tighten to 40-55 Nm (29-40 lb-ft).
4. Install RH halfshaft.
5. Install generator brace and retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 20-30 Nm (15-22 lb-ft).
6. Connect the engine control sensor wiring to the generator/ voltage regulator. Tighter output terminal nut to 9-11 Nm (80-97 lb-in).
7. Install exhaust system Y-pipe.
8. Install RH outer tie rod connecting end to RH spindle.
9. Install RH wheel and fire.
10. Lower vehicle.
11. Install the drive belt over the generator pulley.

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If you have the 4 cylinder engine, here is the procedure:

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.

2. Remove the intake air resonator.

1. Disconnect the air cleaner outlet tube.
2. Remove the bolts and nuts.
3. Remove the resonator.

• Disconnect the vacuum pipe underneath

1. Disconnect the generator wiring.
2. Remove the nut and disconnect the cable.
3. Disconnect the electrical connectors
4. Disconnect the ground cable.
5. Raise and support the vehicle.

6. Remove the radiator splash shield.
7. Remove the right, front wheel.

8. Remove the splash shield.

1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the splash shield.

9. Remove the accessory drive belt

NOTE: The lower bolt cannot be removed until the generator is repositioned.

10. Remove the generator lower retaining bolts.
11. Lower the vehicle

Remove the generator upper retaining bolt

1. Lift the generator clear of the engine. CAUTION: There is a very limited amount of space in which to remove the generator. Do not overstress or damage any hoses or cables.

INSTALLATION

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Please note: the software I am using to upload sometimes changes theImages available only to Customers.

numbers of the steps involved when I am posting; they are in sequence and none are omitted; pay no attention to the step numbering...

Images available only to Customers.

Images available only to Customers.

Images available only to Customers.

According to the parts and labor information provided by the manufacturer, the time required to replace the alternator is 1.2 hours for the 4 cylinder, and 2.2 hours for the 6 cylinder version. So, if all else fails, taking it to a repair garage to have the job performed should cost less than 2 hours labor; in most areas of the country this is somewhere between $100 and $150 in labor; not $500 as you fear. Of course, they will want to install an alternator of a brand and supplier they know will not fail since they will want to guarantee the job for you. Installing a discount store alternator from a place like Autozone usually results in having to do the job over again, since the quality is not the same and they have a very high failure rate...

I hope this is helpful; if so, an accept would be most aprpeciated! Thanks!

I hope this is helpful to you...