Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches South Central Alternator problem/Dealer recommendation...

Hello everyone, I haven't seen anyone in a while and haven't met many but I hope everyone is doing well. Now for my problem: when my engine turns around 4000+RPM my battery light comes on and my lights dim, the lights dim slightly at lower rpm but are mainly associated with the light coming on. Anyone have similiar problems? Also what dealer do you recommend. I don't mean to be too picky but I can't stand Village Ford, which is where the car came from. And any idea what price to expect? My sig gives details about the car. I also took the fuse out of the stereo system so I know its not the problem. Thank you to those that cared enough to read all this, and thanks for your help.
Mike

John Eagle Lincoln/Mercury/Aston Martin is a GREAT dealership. Ask to speak with Sonny and tell him your with the SVT/Ford Performance Club. He gives us discounts and they are VERY honest. They are on Lemon by Love Field.

Thanks, I think I may try that.
Mike

hey, im having the same problems, but my lights arent dimming. So far I have replaced the brushes on my alternator. To put in a new alternator, not a dealer doing the work, but with Ford/Motorcraft new parts, they were asking $400 up here in Durant. I did the work so far myself, and my bill is up to $30 with a new belt. The alternator is a HUGE PITA to get in/out, but its fairly straight foward in how to get it out of there. If you are going to do the work yourself, let me know cause I have a few tips I could give you. Good luck with your search! -Nick

Thanks for the reply, I'm a little worried about doing it myself. I've done some pretty heavy duty stuff to my cars before but I think I may leave this one to "professionals". If It gets just too expensive I may have no choice but to do it. Thanks again,
Mike

Yes, Yes! John Eagle L/M swapped out my alternator for about $200 + parts. Tell them you don't want ANY kind of diagnostics, you just want them to swap parts. You can even get a cheaper alternator (with lifetime warranty) from AutoZone or someplace. Make sure you ask for David Gainey. He'll take care of you.

-Chris

All due respect to Mr. Hightower, but $200 is a little expensive to me for the alternator replacement. Granted it probably books as like a 3-4 hour job, but you can do it yourself. Hell, the most I have done with my car until this is oil/spark plug changes, intake, and small stuff like that. I wrote up some hints in a semi-step-by-step write-up here:

http://www.contour.org/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005875

I am going to be doing this all again next week when my new rebuilt alternator arrives, so I will be able to write down any steps I might have missed. Hey, maybe we could get an alternator replacent going at SZ this year, since it seems like all of the sudden all these alternators are going out!! :rolleyes:
Go for it yourself!!! If I can do it, anyone could do it! Also, if you decide to do it yourself, my car is healthy again, and depending on where in Dallas you live, maybe I could give you a hand with it? PM me if you need any more help!! -Nick

Considering I have absolutely no facilities to perform this sort of surgury (I live in a high-rise downtown) I think $219 is a pretty good deal. I feel confident I could replace it given the means as I have single-handledly replaced an engine in a CRX. Stuff like that makes me wish I had a house with a garage.

Oh well,
-Chris

Sorry bout that, I didnt know your cicumstances and all. I have access to a complete shop and lifts up here at school, so yeah it is probably easier for me. But as long as you can get the car to a lift, the alternator is no problem after you have done it once, like I have. I didn't disagree with you that the price was good or not, Im just saying that the parts alone are going to run you $200, so $200 for labor brings this job up to $400! And I never had any doubt in my mind that you could do it Chris, given the proper working conditions and all. Cant wait till I own my house with my own lift in it!! I see your handy work on here all the time Chris! Alot of nice stuff you do for the contour!!! -Nick

Thanks again for the replies. I may have to hit you up for some more advice if I decide to to it my self, Nick. I had the dealership look at it, and a check engine light, and the horn which quit along with the cruise control. I knew the alternator was gonna need replacement but they also found a leaking upper intake manifold gasket and a bad O2 sensor. About $1000 to fix it all. Well I'll keep you posted and thanks for all the hlep everyone.