How to do the big three...
 

I have a 2001 Cavalier sedan and would like to do the "big three". The problem is, I cant seem to find where the + is run from the alternator due to engine components being in the way. I dont know much about cars and dont want to start taking things apart to get to this wire. Should I just take it to a shop with a hoist and have them do it or is it simpler than it looks to access this wire?

By the way, it's the 2.4l twin cam, not the 2.2l (if it makes a difference)

the wire shouldnt be to hard to get at maybe u might have to take the altenator out to get at it then put the altenator back it nit that difficult of a feet

here`s a pic from my 2.4 malibu. this is the positive ...............
Attachment 25618
and this is the negative ground.............
Attachment 25619

as you can see there is no specific ground from the alt. i just used the top of the alt(mount) and ran a line to the engine mount.
sorry about the size of the pics....hope this helps.

the problem is, the positve for my alt is on the opposite side to what your picture illustrates (it isnt on the radiator side, its on the firewall side)...

yeah i see what you mean. i have a sunfire with a 2.4 and its real tight in there compared to the malibu.

well the only thing i could suggest is to start removing some of stuff around the throttle body. even if you have to take out the alt, i think most of that might have to come off anyway.

i`ll have a better look tomorrow in the light of day..................

(GrizZz here, wife's PC)

You don't need to get at the existing cable. ADD a new cable, no need to remove the old one. On anything made this millenium, it's probably better to leave the old one there, adding the second one as an additional path.

Your new cable can be run any way you see fit, with some handy zip straps.

Oh... just read your post again. You can't find the positive output on the alternator? It may be necessary to unbolt, or at least partially unbolt, the alternator to allow access to the positive terminal. No big deal on a Cavalier, grab a wrench, loosen and slide the belt off, then unbolt the alternator bolts, and viola!

Should I also fuse this wire? If so, should it match the system's main fuse rating ?

Stock alternator?

Medium size system?

Don't worry about it..

dukk is right. BUT if you plan on expanding your hobby you will have to do it eventually.