[GTPONY08]

So here we go again. CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. I replaced my alternator with a new, not Rebuilt unit from Advanced Auto 8 months ago. Upgraded the battery wire from American Muscle. Interstate Battery is 9 months old. I've read tons of alternator threads, same problem with the S197. Can't seem to find an actual fix. Do we just replace the alternator once a year? Sure, lifetime warranty but it's the hassle.
I happened on a thread from years ago about a Denso alternator that was said to fix the issue. I guess the thread is so old I haven't received a reply. Any suggestions?

 

[02MustangGTGuy]

No, that's not normal. IMO, I would start looking at the PCM. I chased an A/C issue for almost a year and a half and come to find out it was the PCM the entire time. Not only that, I've seen a growing number of the same issues popping up as well with various systems failing due PCM issues.

Can you or have you confirmed battery and alt voltage via multimeter? Also, if possible can you get a reading via code scanner / FORScan etc to see what the car see's battery and alt voltage at? I'm curious to see the difference between the two.

 

[Cobrajet67]

So here we go again. CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. I replaced my alternator with a new, not Rebuilt unit from Advanced Auto 8 months ago. Upgraded the battery wire from American Muscle. Interstate Battery is 9 months old. I've read tons of alternator threads, same problem with the S197. Can't seem to find an actual fix. Do we just replace the alternator once a year? Sure, lifetime warranty but it's the hassle.
I happened on a thread from years ago about a Denso alternator that was said to fix the issue. I guess the thread is so old I haven't received a reply. Any suggestions?

It doesn't surprise me at all that it didn't last. It doesn't matter if it's a new or rebuilt alternator especially if you buy it from a typical auto parts store. 90% of all the alternators out there are going to have the same crappy voltage regulators and other low quality parts in them that the rebuilt ones have. If you want an alternator that actually lasts then you have to buy either a rebuilt Ford, a rebuilt Denso, or a new PA Performance unit. Those are your 3 choices for a quality alternator and anything else seems to be pretty much a waste of money.

 

[JBert]

Department of Boost had some of the Denso alternators a while back, I'm guessing they are probably gone by now but might be worth asking
departmentofboost.com

 

[GTPONY08]

Interesting. I'll look into that. If I'm following right, checks the volts via my Bama tuner and compare volts with a multimeter?

It doesn't surprise me at all that it didn't last. It doesn't matter if it's a new or rebuilt alternator especially if you buy it from a typical auto parts store. 90% of all the alternators out there are going to have the same crappy voltage regulators and other low quality parts in them that the rebuilt ones have. If you want an alternator that actually lasts then you have to buy either a rebuilt Ford, a rebuilt Denso, or a new PA Performance unit. Those are your 3 choices for a quality alternator and anything else seems to be pretty much a waste of money.

Yes it a bit confusing. I've read threads that talk about the alternator possibly going bad to sustained high rpm. I don't drive normally in the high rpm range so ruled that out. I've read where getting a hi output alternator (200 amp) is wastful also because my minor mod doesn't require more power. I guess it's the quality of craftsmanship in the long run. I was going for a PA alternator the last time but shipping was far out. My cars a daily driver for work, etc so I went with a new one from Advanced to get back on the road. Either the guy at Advanced didn't know what he was doing or the test machine was bad as he said it was and then swapped for another. So although I'm sure it was the alternator, put the new one on and all is good now but I would have liked to verify the test. Guess I'll see how long this one lasts and go from there.

Department of Boost had some of the Denso alternators a while back, I'm guessing they are probably gone by now but might be worth asking
departmentofboost.com

Thanks. I searched Denso alternator online and for my application they were listed as sold out.

 

[Cobrajet67]

Yes it a bit confusing. I've read threads that talk about the alternator possibly going bad to sustained high rpm. I don't drive normally in the high rpm range so ruled that out. I've read where getting a hi output alternator (200 amp) is wastful also because my minor mod doesn't require more power. I guess it's the quality of craftsmanship in the long run. I was going for a PA alternator the last time but shipping was far out. My cars a daily driver for work, etc so I went with a new one from Advanced to get back on the road. Either the guy at Advanced didn't know what he was doing or the test machine was bad as he said it was and then swapped for another. So although I'm sure it was the alternator, put the new one on and all is good now but I would have liked to verify the test. Guess I'll see how long this one lasts and go from there.

The driving style doesn't really matter. It's the quality of the components inside used and new alternators that dictate how long it lasts. Since almost all companies out there are dirt cheap and profit driven at the expense of reliability with no shame at all, even new ones are usually crap top. PA Performance is going to be the only reliable brand for new ones especially on this generation of car.
You don't ever need a higher output alternator unless you have something that requires it like if you're running a stereo with big amps/subs that wasn't factory.

I searched Denso alternator online and for my application they were listed as sold out.

Rockauto has the Denso ones in stock: 2006 FORD MUSTANG 4.6L V8 Alternator / Generator | RockAuto

 

[GTPONY08]

The driving style doesn't really matter. It's the quality of the components inside used and new alternators that dictate how long it lasts. Since almost all companies out there are dirt cheap and profit driven at the expense of reliability with no shame at all, even new ones are usually crap top. PA Performance is going to be the only reliable brand for new ones especially on this generation of car.
You don't ever need a higher output alternator unless you have something that requires it like if you're running a stereo with big amps/subs that wasn't factory.

Rockauto has the Denso ones in stock: 2006 FORD MUSTANG 4.6L V8 Alternator / Generator | RockAuto

Thanks. Great prices. Advanced in house, new was close to $300. When, not if, this one goes bad I'm going to have this on hand for a quick change out.

 

[Cobrajet67]

Thanks. Great prices. Advanced in house, new was close to $300. When, not if, this one goes bad I'm going to have this on hand for a quick change out.

Advanced in house?
What did you wind up buying?

 

[GunsnStangs]

I keep a spare voltage regulator and a rectifier bridge diode in the shop because I know they are junk. When it happens again, I'm ready.