2005-2007 duratec alternator failure (just a thought)

[BowerR64]

Im not having any issues with mine *knock on wood* but i was thinking about why some have issues and some dont.

It could just be random failures but when you think about how the alternator works whats the best thing for them? Wouldnt you think higher RPMs? Or do they not work this way?

I notice with my car 2007 SE auto transmission my car will start with the default overdrive ON. What it does when its ON is it shifts WAY to early (i know for economy) and it never seems to get above 3k rpms during normal driving.

I got in the habbit of turning it OD/OFF as soon as i start the car and this seems to keep the RPMs up wich in my mind is keeping the alternator reving up more kicking out more power.

Those that have had alternator failures already are they auto or manual? Im going to guess auto.

[Sponsor]

[sleepyboy]

Moved to the MK1 chat area since your not asking or talking about a performance part.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

From what I understand, the pulley is built so that it will not over-rev, it will dampen sudden rpm changes, and will not turn backwards. That's what my alternator rebuilder told me, and that it costs $80, so I was lucky that mine was still good or the build would've been more expensive.

Mine failed at 140k/7yrs. It failed due to everything inside of it that could go bad being bad: field brushes, bearings, VR.

I have seen where some people have had their alternator go out at an earlier time either in mileage or years. I think most of those were VR failures. Back in the day- before fancy pulleys, but after internal VRs- alternators would last about 60k miles. Really, the lifetime of a car back then was under 100k for most people. That's about the point where you were replacing everything, and what's the point in keeping a car that long? I think most people who cycle through vehicles only got 60k out of theirs, or did lease programs. Lifetime alternators were a godsend for used car buyers because the chances were pretty good that even if you took care of the vehicle you'd go through at least 2 alternators before you got rid of it.

[rambleon84]

My sister and I both have '07s, hers is auto and mine is manual. We both had our alternators go out between 50-60k. My driving consists of short trips to and from work, where her drive would be longer.

[Buickboy]

My 07 manual had its alt go out at just above 40k miles IIRC. Voltage Regulator for sure as my voltage gauge danced around on the highway

ford probably just found a way to save a penny or two in those years and went with a cheaper part

[BowerR64]

Well then im doomed. I wish i wouldn thave read this i could of just gone along thinking what i was doing was working. lol

Im at about 50k miles now on mine.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Man, just drive, the alternator goes out when it wants to. Mine lasted a long time. Everyone else who has responded didn't have one that lasted a long time. None of us can tell you how long yours will last. My battery lasted 7 years too- go figure

The battery might've lasted 8 years if I hadn't replaced it so that I'd have something I knew would give me a sure ride home with a bad alternator.

[05focusST91]

i did mine at around 78k, then the pulley crapped out when i was at around 92k, i do mostly stop and go driving but at least i got it through my dealer and it was under a year old so i had a free replacement and changed it at work. I wouldnt worry about it unless your battery light comes on. Its been fine since the second replacement for me.

[SESME]

Originally Posted by 05focusST91

i did mine at around 78k, then the pulley crapped out when i was at around 92k, i do mostly stop and go driving but at least i got it through my dealer and it was under a year old so i had a free replacement and changed it at work. I wouldnt worry about it unless your battery light comes on. Its been fine since the second replacement for me.

That part for me is funny. Mine went out between 50 & 60k and the battery light never came on. The only reason I knew there was a problem is the lights were dim. When I got home, the battery only had 5 volts in it.

I wouldn't rely on those stupid lights.

[GoldenDog]

My '05 5spd has the original alternator and still working fine at 152,000 miles.