98v70dad
Active Member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2017
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 38
- Points
- 28
- Location
- GA
- Vehicle Year
- 1996
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 3.0L
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
Yeah, I know. At one time I used to specify parts for commercial airplanes. I worked for an airline and bought some expensive stuff. Airplane parts cost a lot. Like $250,000 is not unusual. When you're spending that much money and screw up the boss notices. In this case I'm my own boss and I'm only pissed at myself for just assuming that the oem alternator was the reason for my problem. Anyhow I'm not a mechanic and I should have done more troubleshooting as you suggested because my idiot light is still lit.Just a heads up about "new" parts
Labor is expensive, materials are cheap
So there is no "Quality Control" testing done on assembled units any longer, well unless you buy AC/Delco or Motorcraft units, car makers still pay extra for Quality Control, which makes their parts much more expensive, but they can't afford a batch of bad units installed in new vehicles
So never assume the "new" part works as it should, just because its "new"
In the case of alternators you just need to test 3 of the vehicles wires, if they test OK then a working alternator will "work"
If alternator doesn't work then return it
I replaced the alternator and recharged the battery and it blew the 15A alternator fuse under the hood immediately The fusible link has continuity and the new battery is fully charged, although its only showing 12.7 volts and its only about a month old. I am a little unsure what to try next.
Remy used to be called Remy-Delco. The alternator is identical to the AC Delco part and seems to be high quality. Every one of them is bench tested by running it up and making sure it works before its shipped. Every alternator comes with a test report of all the important metrics. I now suspect the Walmart battery. They get very good reviews but its the first one I've ever bought. I used to buy NAPA 72 month batteries until the last three failed well short of the expected time. The last one I bought didn't make it 2 years - barely more than one.
If anyone can tell me what to try next I'd appreciate the suggestions.