If Regulator is Bad Does Entire Alternator Need Replacing ?

JFUSION · #1 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 09:05 PM

I'm still trying to figure out if my alternator is bad. The battery voltage with the engine running isn't any higher than with the engine shut off. I checked all fuses and they seem fine. The alternator doesn't appear to be entirely dead, just providing lower voltage than what is spec'd with the engine running. The regulator may be the problem, just wondering if the entire alternator assembly must be replaced as a unit or if our regulators can be repaired seperately ?. Any info would be helpful, thanks.

Joey

joes52f6 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 10:28 PM

Usually you can get a regulator put in at a alternator rebuilder or probably any garage. Find an alternator rebuilder to test it first they should be able to tell you what's wrong. If yo take it to autozone or anywhere like that they will just tel you to replace it. Good luck JOE

sfcwoodret · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 05:10 AM

May as well replace the Alternator because it's going to be bad within a year if it's output is already lower than required.

NewEnglandHerdsman · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 08:12 AM

It used to be real easy to test the alternator when the voltage regulator was external, but it's not so easy any more. I'd take it to a shop that specializing in electrical components (i.e. rebuilds them) and have it tested. No reason to replace the whole thing if the only reason the output voltage is low is due to a bad regulator...

JFUSION · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 05:57 PM

yeah the only reason I am thinking this way is because it's only got 42,000 miles on it (2 years old), I figure it should last longer than that, and it is likely the regulator that is keeping the output lower than it should be. I checked out the price of a Ford new regulator today, it actually isn't that expensive, I was surpised. But I'm wondering if I really should go back to one if the first one only lasted 42,000 miles.

Thanks for all of the replies.

SShank42 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 06:21 PM

Like others have said, take it and get it tested. They will run a couple of test on it. If it is not the reg. and something else they can determine that. That way if everything checks out ok then you know to let elsewhere.

JFUSION · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 05:39 PM

turns out the alternator was dead. 06 Escape was 2,000 miles past warranty but the dealer is putting it through some warranty program that allows them to claim a major item that is just past the warranty limit. I don't know what that is called but apparently Ford allows the dealers to do that up to 2 times per customer if the dealer choses to do so. So they saved me a bundle. I have to pay $100 on the repair (almost like a deductible amount), full cost of the repair is over $500, so I'll gladly take that opportunity. The dealer says it is rare for a Ford alternator to fail at 42,000 miles, dunno if I believe them but I'll take the offer either way.

Beast12 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 07:10 PM

Sounds like the dealer took care of you Joey. Kudos to them.

-Matt

JFUSION · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beast12

Sounds like the dealer took care of you Joey. Kudos to them.

-Matt

yes they certainly did , nothing but good remarks about them helping me out.
I appreciate the service coordinator going to bat for me through the service manager, all without me having to ask for it.

They said we can get some coverage on major items that fail between 60,000 and 80,000 kms, for 1-2 items max. . I decided to use one claim as I put on alot miles in a short period of time, I'll be at the 80,000 km mark fairly soon.