1999 Explorer Alternator Question

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Oct 10, 2005 | 09:09 AM

We're Here

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1999 Explorer Alternator Question

I’m the original owner of our 1999 4WD Explorer OHV six cylinder with 70,000 highway miles on it. My wife reported that the battery gauge was reading towards the lower range of the scale but before I had a chance to look into it, the truck wouldn’t start one morning a month ago. I purchased an Excide to replace the four-year old dead battery and figured that was the end of it. However, this week my wife tells me that the battery gauge is again starting to read towards the lower end of the scale.

Am I safe in assuming it is time to replace the alternator? If so, is this much of a job? I don’t want to “smoke” a new alternator or some other part of the Explorer’s electrical system but the fact I can buy a new replacement for a $100 is attractive (I’m assuming this would be a $250 job at the repair shop). Thanks for any advice!

Oct 10, 2005 | 09:22 AM

subford

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Easton,Ks

Quote:

Originally Posted by We're Here

Am I safe in assuming it is time to replace the alternator? If so, is this much of a job? I don’t want to “smoke” a new alternator or some other part of the Explorer’s electrical system but the fact I can buy a new replacement for a $100 is attractive (I’m assuming this would be a $250 job at the repair shop). Thanks for any advice!

Remove the Battery Ground Wire, then take it off and take it to at least two Auto Parts Stores that test Alternators and if both say it is bad replace it.
Autozone is one store that will do it.