2004 Altenator in 2005

[zoewagner]

Hi, I bought the wrong altenator (2004) for my 2005 Sport Trac. It fits but with only 2 mounting bolts (1 on the top and 1 on the bottom) but seems very solid. Belt lines up perfect. Seems to charge fine (14.3V). Question is the 2005 unit has a single white wire (1 pin connector) and the 2004 does not (they both had the 3 pin connector and that fit fine). I left that wire unconnected (nowhere to plug it into the 2004 altenator). Everything seems to be functioning great. Is this ok to leave? Thanks much!

 

[zoewagner]

Nobody? I am thinking that it is fine as it is still charging fine and is holding fine with only the 2 bolts. I was told that the single wire was for a light or if there is a gauge. Don't know if that is correct or not but the gauge seems to be working fine.

Thanks for any input.

 

[jonothehut]

Personally if it was my truck I would be nervous to have the wrong alternator in there especially if there was a wire unplugged.

Is there some reason you can't return/exchange for the correct one?

 

[zoewagner]

Jonothehut,

I had to get that guy running that night. I got it online, so yes, I can return it, but it would take time to do that. If it is a problem, I will get the correct one and just keep that one for a spare as my 2002 Sport uses that one. I think that it is ok as both are 130A output and the output voltages are the same. Just not sure about that single wire. Thought that someone here would know off the top of their head, but I will try to look up a wiring diagram or schematic to verify if it is ok.

Zoe

 

[jonothehut]

Jonothehut,

I had to get that guy running that night. I got it online, so yes, I can return it, but it would take time to do that. If it is a problem, I will get the correct one and just keep that one for a spare as my 2002 Sport uses that one. I think that it is ok as both are 130A output and the output voltages are the same. Just not sure about that single wire. Thought that someone here would know off the top of their head, but I will try to look up a wiring diagram or schematic to verify if it is ok.

Zoe

Gotcha. I would def let someone with more knowledge chime in. Lots of good folks on here