Travis Stevens
Well-Known Member
so my battery light was flickering and then came on and stayed lit... so im assuming that the alternator is bad since the battery is in good shape... im at 73k miles.
alternator??
- Thread starter Travis Stevens
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Scott Tanner
Well-Known Member
sounds like it... check all of you cable connections first, also measure the voltage at the battery.. 13.5-14.1 volts means the alt is charging. 12.2 v, it is not.. Most parts stores will test for free..
Travis,
Perhaps, but how did you determine that the battery is in good shape?
Remember that the battery is more likely to fail than the alternator and it's cheaper to replace. A new or nearly new battery is not a guarantee that it's good. I have had a new battery that was defective and would not start the car or even hold a charge when I got it home. I also had new Exide "Tuff One" battery go bad within 10 months.
Also be sure to check all connections for lose or corroded terminals. Then check the alternator output with a multi-meter. Often times it's only the internal voltage regulator and that can be easily replaced separately with hand tools and a little mechanical knowledge. If you decide to replace the alternator, I would look at a "Rebuilt" unit from one of the local autoparts stores. They often offer better warranties than you get from a Ford OEM replacement and they are much cheaper too. Some autopart stores will give you a lifetime warranty on their Rebuilt parts....and that's better than a new part !
...Rich
Perhaps, but how did you determine that the battery is in good shape?
Remember that the battery is more likely to fail than the alternator and it's cheaper to replace. A new or nearly new battery is not a guarantee that it's good. I have had a new battery that was defective and would not start the car or even hold a charge when I got it home. I also had new Exide "Tuff One" battery go bad within 10 months.
Also be sure to check all connections for lose or corroded terminals. Then check the alternator output with a multi-meter. Often times it's only the internal voltage regulator and that can be easily replaced separately with hand tools and a little mechanical knowledge. If you decide to replace the alternator, I would look at a "Rebuilt" unit from one of the local autoparts stores. They often offer better warranties than you get from a Ford OEM replacement and they are much cheaper too. Some autopart stores will give you a lifetime warranty on their Rebuilt parts....and that's better than a new part !
...Rich
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Travis Stevens
Well-Known Member
i replaced the alternator with a re-manufactured one from advanced auto and it fixed the problem and it only cost $140 which was a relief for my wallet
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Travis Stevens
Well-Known Member
they gave me a lifetime warranty with the new alternator
Travis,
Great...:banana:
That's why I like to go with rebuilt parts...They are cheaper, just as good as new or even better when they come with a lifetime warranty. Just keep the receipt :grin:
...Rich
Great...:banana:
That's why I like to go with rebuilt parts...They are cheaper, just as good as new or even better when they come with a lifetime warranty. Just keep the receipt :grin:
...Rich
Travis Stevens
Well-Known Member
thanks for pointing me in the right direction :supercool::supercool::supercool:
