Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Altenator dieing, frying battery

Alright, I want to ask the pros over here since three Ford dealershops don't know whats going on. I have had 4 altenators and 3 batteries put into my car in the last 3.5 weeks. The dealerships say they are just bad altenators, which they could very well be. But I doubt 3 would be bad, even when I found one BRAND NEW, not remanufactured.

Do you guys/ ladies, know what could be blowing these altenators? I do not have my system hooked up. All I ask is for some things so I can tell the dealership to look at it.

I have fixed everything to date on my Contour myself except this one I have no where to go and don't know what to tell the dealership.

TIA

What's blowing on them? Diodes? Stator? I had a brand new VW that went through 3 alternators in 4 months. Someone forgot to install a supressor in it. After that, it lasted 7 years.
The battery going dead? Cooked? If it is overcharged the internal regulator is screwed up. You will also lose internal parts too like lamps.

I would double check the wiring and have the charging system checked out with any non-factory loads removed. The alternator has an internal regulator, but a constant overload condition can damage it. A good charging system test will verify the output voltage and current being drawn by the battery & accessories. Excessive current could indicate a short in the charging system, battery, or one of the accessory circuits. (Remove fuses to eliminate possible bad accessory circuits.)

I doubt if you have had three bad alternators in a row. If
your battery is being overcharged then the regulator and
associated wiring is at fault. Since the regulator is
attached to the alternator they are changed at the same
time. On some alternators it is possible to remove/install
the regulator. I canâ??t speak for the alt in the contour
because (fortunately) I havenâ??t had the pleasure on changing
one yet. Double check with the dealer and make sure they are
changing the regulator. If they are, have them inspect and
test the Alt/reg harness.

If all else fails, get your money back and bring the car to
an automotive electric specialty shop.

jeff