vs
Alternator OEM FORD or OEM Audi
Might be a coincidence, but those lights all came on about a month before the Electical System: Malfunction light came on in my 2021 S6. They replaced my battery and alternator.
Vehicle:
Audi S6
I had lots of issues with a ‘96 4.6 Cobra. Back and forth between battery, alternator issues. Maybe, six months between issues. Finally replaced the alternator with new, not reman and changed the battery at the same time. That lasted for the next three years that I owned the car and was still fine when I sold the car.
Pros: new alternator lasted
Cons: alternator issues
Vehicle:
Ford
I had a similar problem with my 08 mustang GT. The alternator burnt through the cord going from it to the battery. Bought a remanufactured alternator and replaced it. Still didn't work. Traded it in for another remanufactured. Still didn't work. Finally returned that one and bought a brand new one. Works fine 6 years later and no problems.
Pros: new unit works fine
Cons: reman units didn't work
Vehicle:
Ford Mustang
I have experienced my share of faulty Ford alternators from the chain stores. I now get OEM from Ford. Yes, they are expensive but I have better things to do than replace month old alternators constantly.
Pros: better than chain store alternators
Cons: expensive
Did they put in an OEM ford alternator? Fords switched to their “smart charging” system and its a little more complicated than your average alternator diagnosis.
Vehicle:
Ford
Newer ford alternators essentially “talk” to the pcm. Cheap aftermarket alternators do not do well on these cars. Replace the alternator with a better quality alternator
Pros: better quality alternator
Cons: cheap aftermarket alternators
Vehicle:
Ford
My neighbor had a Ford mustang and he had to jump start it about once a week. I checked the alternator and it had power when the car was off. Bad diode.
Pros: bad diode
Cons: power when car off
Vehicle:
Ford Mustang
I have a shitty looking Ford Focus that I maintain myself...The alternator failed and I couldn't be bothered doing the work myself so I took it to the local dealer.
Vehicle:
Ford Focus
I haven't had this problem with my RX8, but I had a similar problem with my Ford. Alternator was putting out 14.4V, but I still had a light. Took it to the parts store and they hooked it up to their tester. It said the Alternator was no good.
Cons: Alternator was no good
Vehicle:
Mazda
Had issues with every single Ford alt I replaced (from autozone, Napa, Oriellys) didn’t matter. Only had luck with either dealer parts or from a local rebuilder.
Pros: dealer parts worked
Cons: aftermarket parts failed
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