The Ford Ka has been in production since 1996 and is one of the best-selling city cars in the world. It is a small, compact vehicle that offers nimble cornering in tight spaces around cities where streets are too narrow for larger cars. It also has a number of components in common with other vehicles, such as the alternator. If you notice the headlights dimming or electrical components acting sluggishly, the alternator is probably malfunctioning and needs to be replaced so it can keep the battery charged and electrical current flowing through the engine.
Consult your owner’s manual for the exact model of alternator you’ll need to replace. Alternatively, you could pick up the old alternator at a parts store and order a replacement based on the previously installed alternator. Make sure all wiring harnesses and other components are included with the alternator kit.
Turn off the engine and lift the hood. Locate the old alternator by following the belt diagram for the alternator serpentine on the Ka hood or radiator cap. See the location of the auto belt tensioner on this diagram, which is used to loosen the belt attached to the alternator.
Locate the tensioner pulley and attach a tube and spreader bar ratchet to the nut protruding from the side of the pulley. Apply pressure in the direction indicated in the diagram table (will vary clockwise and counterclockwise, depending on the year and model of the Ka) to loosen the tension and remove the serpentine belt. Slide the belt, now slack, off the alternator pulley.
Disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench or pipe (or pull the cables by hand if they are quick release versions). Remove all fittings between you and the alternator with a pipe and ratchet or wrench. On some versions of the Ka, you may need to remove the water pump and air conditioning. Disconnect all wiring from the alternator and set it aside for later use.
Loosen the set screws holding the alternator in place with a wrench or the extra tube ratchet and remove the mounting bracket. Remove the old alternator from the engine and install the new alternator in the same manner. Replace the mounting bolts and brackets. Connect all alternator wiring and slide serpentine belt back over alternator pulley.
Replace any additional hardware that has been removed. Adjust the serpentine belt tensioner pulley and replace the serpentine belt. Connect the battery and start the engine. Leave the car running for several minutes to make sure all parts are installed correctly.