alternator? battery? help!

[iamjimmy]

Couple of weeks ago car unexpectedly stumbled and died twice on the way home after running errands. Since then car has been driving good with a few stumbles and one shutoff. Car is a weekend and every other day driver. One FLAPS says battery checks good so alternator could be going bad. Another FLAPS says battery & alternator checks good.
1. Volt gauge goes from 12.5 to 10.5 with combo use of window/full blast use.
2. Its upper 80s to 90s temp here. Very dry heat
3. No check engine warning light.
4. No recent auto work performed. Mileage is 162,496.
Help help help help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

[mm svt]

You voltage is to low coming from alternator, generally it's putting out 13.5 to 14.3. Possibly the voltage regulator inside the alternator is bad.

[rkk]

Usually if the alternator is going bad, your battery light should illuminate in the dash indicating that there is a problem with the charging system.

I'm assuming it turns on as a bulb test before the engine starts, correct? I.e. when you can hear the fuel pump energizing.

How old is your current battery? If it's 5 years or more, you might want to replace it just because.

Finally with the stumble or cut-off, are you on your original IAC?
Hope this helps.

[Gerry24]

I would go ahead and change the alternator and the battery. In the long run you don't have to worry WHAT IF? And you won't be when the MM leaves you stranded. Good luck, oh check the cables might just be loose. One more thing go with Motorcraft 750-850 for the battery.

[justbob]

Just replace it all! LOL

Or...

1 Check condition of cables and make sure there're tight.

2 Take the battery to a batteries plus for a load test. (Assuming you don't have the tools)

3 Replace alternator and go buy a nice steak dinner with your savings..


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[mm svt]

Just replace it all! LOL

Or...

1 Check condition of cables and make sure there're tight.

2 Take the battery to a batteries plus for a load test. (Assuming you don't have the tools)

3 Replace alternator and go buy a nice steak dinner with your savings..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

+1 for Bob

[fastblackmerc]

Take it to a FLAPS. They will test it and tell you what the problem is.

[Spectragod]

Just replace it all! LOL

Or...

1 Check condition of cables and make sure there're tight.

2 Take the battery to a batteries plus for a load test. (Assuming you don't have the tools)

3 Replace alternator and go buy a nice steak dinner with your savings..


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For this ^^^ Bob wins the internet for a month.......

[mm svt]

FLAPS? I don't think she's gonna help but ok

[Bluerauder]

FLAPS? I don't think she's gonna help but ok

FLAPS = Ford-Lincoln Auto Parts Store

[Spectragod]

FLAPS = Favorite Local Auto Parts Store


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[Bluerauder]

FLAPS = Favorite Local Auto Parts Store


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Yeah, that'll work too !!

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

My alternator did the same thing. It died.
The Motorcraft replacement did the same thing and died. within 4 months.
Ford replaced it under warranty for free.
It's the alternator.
These rebuilt units (the replacement) are a piece of crap.
I remember Zack suggesting to get it rebuilt.
If you have the time, get your alternator rebuilt.

[mm svt]

Alternators that are rebuilt are done so south of the boarder. Take your OEM to a local rebuild shop for quality parts.

[iamjimmy]

Thanks for the response guys. To my knowledge the alternator has never been replaced. Battery is less than 2 yrs old. I went to my local ford dealership to order the $250 alternator. They said those alternators are scarce and they would be "last of the mohicans".