Recommend to not buy a non Motorcraft alternator

[kylebryan]

2014 Explorer limited here, battery was very low so i hooked up a volt meter to the battery while it was running. determined the alternator wasnt charging at all so i headed down to the parts store (auto zone). Came home with a duralast alternator and put it on the car. Started it up and the warnings "check charging system" started popping up on the dash every minute or two. Hooked up forscan and determined the actual and desired alternator output didnt match. Went ahead and ordered a motorcraft alternator, put it on last night all all issues are resolved. Just a warning not to buy a duralast alternator!

 

[Benster24]

Thank you for the heads up. I'm not having any issues yet with my 2015 explorer alternator but I do appreciate your experience posted.

Ruben

 

[boominXplorer]

Make sure your belt tensioner retracts tightly. I've seen them bind and loose their spring and cause belt slip

 

[BrooklynBay]

Autozone has an alternator tester in their store.

 

[peterk9]

2014 Explorer limited here, battery was very low so i hooked up a volt meter to the battery while it was running. determined the alternator wasnt charging at all so i headed down to the parts store (auto zone). Came home with a duralast alternator and put it on the car. Started it up and the warnings "check charging system" started popping up on the dash every minute or two. Hooked up forscan and determined the actual and desired alternator output didnt match. Went ahead and ordered a motorcraft alternator, put it on last night all all issues are resolved. Just a warning not to buy a duralast alternator!

Welcome to the Forum.
It isn't just Duralast. It has been mentioned several times on the forum that if you are going to replace the alternator use an OEM/Motorcraft one. Many members have had issues with other aftermarket brands.

Peter

 

[BKennedy]

I have had a new not remanufactured AZ alternator for about ten years. Does what it's supposed to do. All manufacturers are currently having quality control issues. Poor QC is the new normal.

 

[peterk9]

I have had a new not remanufactured AZ alternator for about ten years. Does what it's supposed to do. All manufacturers are currently having quality control issues. Poor QC is the new normal.

The issue of using aftermarket (non-Motorcraft) alternators in the 5th gen goes back many. many years and has always been corrected by using the Ford alternator. It is just a current issue with quality.

Peter

 

[J_C]

I'm wondering if it has something to do with Ford changing the charging circuit aka BMS and the 2nd tier manufacturers didn't keep up with that.

Who makes the 5th gen Motorcraft alternators anyway? Might find the same alternator cheaper under the manufacturer's brand label.

 

[BKennedy]

This thread should be retitled "Only Use Motorcraft Alternators For 5th Gens".

No need to be bashing a budget auto parts supplier because of a specific generation vehicle being particular about its electronic parts.

 

[peterk9]

This thread should be retitled "Only Use Motorcraft Alternators For 5th Gens".

No need to be bashing a budget auto parts supplier because of a specific generation vehicle being particular about its electronic parts.

I was tempted to modify it earlier so now that you've had the same thought, I did edit it somewhat. Hope the OP understands.

Peter

 

[BKennedy]

Title change isn't too extreme, it fits the issue better.

I don't know about newer vehicles. The last alternator I replaced with was in my 2008 Silverado and AC Delco was what I went with because my brother worked at a Chevy dealer, and I got OEM parts wholesale.

With my 1994, I went from an 85 amp to a 130 or 140 amp alternator and it didn't care.

 

[FranksFords]

had the same issue with a 2007 Explorer and AutoZone. Took three alternators to finally get one that lasted.

 

[JAPeterson]

It isn't the aftermarket alternator that is causing the problems but the manufactures and or rebuilders quality control.

I've had alternators that run just fine at low RPM but get up to freeway speeds and they quit charging. I've had bad alternators right out of the box from the factory.

The best thing to do is to find a shop that will rebuild your old alternator. They for the most part will actually do a good job since they are usually a local shop that depend on the locals.

 

[BrettS.]

I just replaced the alternator on my 14 PIU with the 3.5TT. I bought the Motorcraft one from RockAuto. Here is what I did.

1. Disconnected battery and hooked up battery charger.
2. Removed airbox. (Needed to get out fans)
3. Removed air intake piping on front of engine the runs from rear turbo to intercooler. (Needed to get out fans)
4. Disconnect wiring harness on cooling fans and remove fans. (It will clear the radiator hose and everything else with enough wiggling.)
5. Disconnect power wire and connector on alternator.
6. Jack Explorer up and remove passenger tire.
7. Remove half of wheel well splash shield and bend out of way.
8. Remove serpetine belt.
9. Remove alternator lower bolt, upper nut, and upper stud that nut was on. (I could not get lower bolt out completely. Had to undo upper motor mount, jack motor up a half inch, then bolt would fit in hole in frame to get out. This was not in the manual. Sigh)
10. Go back up top and pry alternator out/loose. (It will clear the A/C line with love and force. LOL)
11. Install new alternator and follow the same order.

 

[Digitalgp]

I would tend to agree for the most part with sticking OEM for an alternator. My past experiences have been a mixed bag. I have no complaints about the remy unit I put in my '07 Explorer, but others I wasn't so lucky with

 

[peterk9]

I would tend to agree for the most part with sticking OEM for an alternator. My past experiences have been a mixed bag. I have no complaints about the remy unit I put in my '07 Explorer, but others I wasn't so lucky with

I think this is an issue that seems to be fairly prevalent to the 5th gen Explorer fr some reason.

Peter