[Selena]

Hi,

I'm pretty sure the alternator on my 2007 v6 Mustang convertable is done. I want to replace it. I wonder if the alternator requires an external regulator or if the regulator is internal. Hope someone can help. Oh, and any suggestions of a good alternator to pick up as it does appear the stock ones don't last. Thanks!

Selena

[SilverBullet07]

What led you to believe the alternator went bad?

[Selena]

I drove my car a couple of hundred K on Sunday without incident, and it was fine driving to and fro work yesterday. Last night my son takes it to his friend's place (about 1/2 a mile away) and it dies in the driveway. The way he described it--the lights flickered, died inside and out, and then it wouldn't run (no turn over, nothing). It took the boost and died in the driveway again, and was put on trickle charge overnight. It starts up, lights flicker and she's done! Sounds like alternator?

[jayberge]

Take it to a parts store and have them check the alternator and battery. I've had cars where the symptoms you decribe were caused by the battery, alternator and both. The parts store can check to see if the alternator is charging and if the battery is good or not. The regulator is part of the alternator.

[ONEZ ST]

This would be an easy task for your son to do. Have him clean the batt terminals and cable connectors thoroughly as they tend to corrode easily.

If that does not fix the problem then do what Jay recommends and have the batt and alternator checked also. The batt and alternator are easy to remove. If that presents a problem then you will need a repair shop to inspect the charging system.

If the batt is bad expect $65 to $80 to replace it and around $250 for the alternator at major parts houses. That is just for parts.

[burnrubber4.0]

have the parts store check the battery while its running, should measure 14 some volts, or anywhere close to there, anywhere under 12volts the alternator is bad. my dealer replaced mine under warranty. there is an aftermarket alternator for em but i forget what kind it is..power house alternator maybe? i think stlwagon has one