About how long should it take a mechanic to change out the alternator on my 2000 Ranger?

 

Trouble shoot or just remove and replace(R&R)?

R&R would be an hour minimum charge, takes about 15-20 minutes
1. open drivers door and pull hood release
2. open hood
3. disconnect battery "+" cable
4. loosen belt tensioner, remove belt from alternator
5. remove B+ cable on alternator
6. unplug voltage regulator connector
7. remove 3 bolts holding alternator
8. remove alternator
9. install new alternator
10. install and tighten 3 bolts
11. reconnect voltage regulator connector
12. reconnect B+
13. loosen tensioner and reinstall belt on alternator
14. reconnect battery
15. turn on key, battery light should be on
16. start engine battery light should be off
17. close hood

 

With Ron D's step by step why bother involving a mechanic?

 

An alternator is ridiculously easy to replace on the 3.0. If you'd rather have a video, here's a guy installing an alternator on a 2001 Mazda B3000/Ford Ranger, who also has a 3.0.

 

Even with little mechanical skills, you should able to do it with those tips above.

 

Something I'll throw in, you don't have to have a torque wrench. I snugged mine by feel (like everything else) and it's just fine. Should you torque it properly? Yeah, probably. Do you have to? No, this isn't a critical component that MUST be torqued to the ever so precise amount, or something TERRIBLE will happen.