Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General average livespan of contour alternator

Mine just died today.

Contour SE V6 1998 with 154000km on it.

I've driven 62km each way everyday for the past 6 month with it to get to my new job.

Is that pretty good in terms of lifespan for something like this ?

47,780 Miles/ Original Alternator. 9 years old.

Replaced mine after 23k, might need another one soon to. Now I'm at 52k.

On the original 90k+ miles.
-Andy

Alternator in my '95 Contour Duratec (at about 65K miles) is still original; never a problem.

Alternator in my '86 Mustang 5.0 (at 207K miles) is STILL ORIGINAL, never a problem.

Additional data point: No aftermarket audio or other extra electrical loads, which can have something to do with it.

Alternator in my 2000 Windstar 3.8 is fine (55K miles), even though it occasionally tows a trailer (extra lighting load).

Question: Someone mentioned replacing only the brushes in the alternator. I've done this on other vehicles, but haven't seen brushes sold by themselves in recent years. Where did you find alternator brushes for a Contour?

Update: I finally saw the reference; NAPA carries individual alternator brushes.

i got about 187,000 km on my original, and only 36,000 on the rebuilt, hopefully this one last longer
Oh yeah its a 99 SE with 2 amps a 4x50 watt and a mono 125 amp for my sub, i was told that shouldn't hurt the amp to the point where it last less than a year. I was told the workmanship on the rebuilt left a lot to be desired. never going there again. However i found an awesome mechanic in the mississauga, ontario area, replaced it for me for under 300!!

Replacement number 2 is on its way out. The battery light flashes at 2krpm and stays on over 3k. I had the alternator replaced last winter; maybe this one is still under warranty.



I would like to explore causes though, since this alternator has only lasted one year, and is going out around the same time of year; winter. Does super cold have an effect on alternators?