1998 cavalier battery light wont turn off

if you see the battery light on that is a sign that the alternator is not charging the battery. go to advanced auto and they will check the charging for free. :)

my car just quit at intersection. I am fairly confident the alternator is gone so now i am wondering how hard it is to change the alternator. Can I do this myself??

k..although noone replied..this was the easiest job ever..went to canadian tire got refurbished alternator for 149$ (CA) and its guaranteed for 3 yrs. There were only 3 bolts holding in the old alternator whihc was located on the left hand side of the car right at the top. took the old alternator in to canadian to get the cheap 149$ rate. it wood have been 200 for a lifetime guarantee altarnator but figure i wont have car for that long.this was the easiest job in the world to do. anyone can do it.. ihave little auto mechanic experience and it was a piece of cake ( except when i dropped a nut and had to spend 20 mins looking for it.

Ortica; I am in the same boat.

I also need to replace my alternator.

Although your's was awhile ago. Did you have any problems accessing the belt tensioner? I have tried multiple angles and cannot get the leverage? Or is it possible to change the alternator w/o using the belt tensioner.

My car is: 1998 Chevy cavalier 2.2L

NVM; Problem fixed.

I took the alternator off just by unbolting it, naturally the belt slid right off. My concern was putting the new one on.

Of course when I put the new one on, I had no slack in the belt. With limited access to my belt tensioner, I managed to get my belt tensioner tool in there, but still could not get enough leverage.

After staring at this thing for awhile, I realized I could just push down on the tensioner as opposed to turning the tensioner. Once I realized this, I pushed down more than enough I then just slipped the belt on.

Hope this might help someone else.

All I use is a long end wrench, With a pipe works wonders or long handled screw driver also, Pretty easy.