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Joined: Jul 2000
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OK, I think I'm going to replace the whole alternator after seeing just the regulator will cost $50, and I won't know if the brushes or the bearing or other things are bad too. I have two choices, one parts store has it for $130 and has a 2 year warranty, and Autozone has it for $160 but with a lifetime warranty. Should I get the Autozone one because of the lifetime warranty?
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Go with the lifetime, if you plan keeping the car more than 2 years. For 30 bucks, its worth it.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,636
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Alternator replacement helpful hints.
1. Put your battery on a good charger while you go to the parts store to get your new alternator. A really good way to "blow" a new alternator is to immediately ask it to begin charging a nearly dead battery.
2. Have the parts store test the new alternator. Especially considering how difficult it is to replace the alternator in a V6 Contour. This does one other thing as well, it determines if the test stand operator knows how to really test your alternator. In other words, if he hooks the new one up the same way, and it also tests bad, either he doesn't know how to test it, or both your alternator and the replacement are bad.
You should be able to watch while both alternators are tested.
HTH
TB
Tony Boner Personal: 98cdw27@charter.net Work: tony.boner@sun.com Saving the computer world from WinBloze as Unix/Solaris/Java Guru http://www.sun.com 1998 Contour SVT Pre-E1 618/6535 Born On Date: 4/30/1997 Now with Aussie Bar induced mild oversteer.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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When a charging system quits charging from engine speed rather than from electrical load, it is usually from the alternator. The main culpret in this situation is a rotor winding that is grounding out or shorting from centrifical force as spins faster. It would be wise to check the alternator output and the battery before replacing anything though. If nothing shows up, and even if the alternator tests good, go for the alternator.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
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How do you go about checking the alternator without removing it from the car? Originally posted by Big Jim:
It would be wise to check the alternator output and the battery before replacing anything though.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 75
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Originally posted by AirKnight:
How do you go about checking the alternator without removing it from the car?
Auto Zone uses a portable "carbon pile" (lots o' nichrome wire like a toaster?) type of tester that can roll out to the car to find out whether your alternator is putting out the amps while under severe load. Otherwise, the alternator should be removed & tested by itself. A marginal alternator will not provide the necessary amperage under load & should be replaced.
Is the smoke alarm in your house also known as the "dinner bell"?
'99 Zetec VCT Daily Driver
Mild Air Filter Mod
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