Alternator Info - Cobra
09-23-2006, 03:47 AM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DeLand, FL
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Alternator Info - Cobra
Ok so my alternator went out today on my 03' Cobra. I wanted to share some interesting info besides the fact that it is an absolute pain in the **** to remove and replace.
A mechanic told me that if you suspect your Mustang alternator is dead you can do this quck check. Turn your key all the way to the point before the car kicks over. If the the dashboard battery light DOESN'T turn on when you turn your key then the alternator could still be good. Apparently when that light bulb/fuse (not sure which) goes dead the computer will turn off the alternator. Therefore, if the battery light doesn't show then all you need to do is replace that bulb or fuse. BUT, if the light does turn on when you turn the key then you more than likely have a dead alternator.
I very well may have misunderstood the mechanic but I believe I got it down right. If anyone has anything to add please do so. Just trying to help people out in the future!
Also, does anyone know if it is worth going after an aftermarket alternator or just better to go with an OEM?
A mechanic told me that if you suspect your Mustang alternator is dead you can do this quck check. Turn your key all the way to the point before the car kicks over. If the the dashboard battery light DOESN'T turn on when you turn your key then the alternator could still be good. Apparently when that light bulb/fuse (not sure which) goes dead the computer will turn off the alternator. Therefore, if the battery light doesn't show then all you need to do is replace that bulb or fuse. BUT, if the light does turn on when you turn the key then you more than likely have a dead alternator.
I very well may have misunderstood the mechanic but I believe I got it down right. If anyone has anything to add please do so. Just trying to help people out in the future!
Also, does anyone know if it is worth going after an aftermarket alternator or just better to go with an OEM?
09-24-2006, 01:17 PM
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DeLand, FL
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RE: Alternator Info - Cobra
No, I'm not running anymore boost. Everything is stock except for my exhaust and K&N air filter. There was an 01 GT owner in there with me getting his replaced and the mechanic mentioned how he didn't understand how they go out so quick on mustangs. Mine only has 39k miles, kind of early don't you think?
09-27-2006, 11:47 AM
#5
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RE: Alternator Info - Cobra
you hook a volt meter to your battery to see what it was getting? like 14 volts or so? i got a 6lb lower pulley i had to change my alt pulley to a 3.20 size one. yes it hard to get to i must say. but if its got to be done you must do it. or does it read battery voltage when cars running?
09-28-2006, 12:21 AM
#6
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RE: Alternator Info - Cobra
Yeah we checked to make sure it was the alternator. I then had two mechanics confirm. I'm not sure I understand all of your message freewilly - "or does it read battery voltage when car running".
In any case, some other interesting info on the alternator...I'm having FORD put it in for me and I had one dealership quote me 3hrs MINIMUM of work @ $100/hr. Now if it was just a regular GT it would have been considerably cheaper. In any case I told them they were crazy and luckily found another Ford dealership quote me for 1hr labor @ $75. 1hr vs 3hrs and $75 vs. $300 is a HUGE difference. No worries, I checked with the tech specialist and sales manager to confirm that $75 price was for an 03 supercharged cobra. I just think its funny how some places (even ford) will try to jerk you around just because you have a limited production car, ie. Cobra.
Next purchase - Car Cover. Gotta keep it lookin mean AND clean!
In any case, some other interesting info on the alternator...I'm having FORD put it in for me and I had one dealership quote me 3hrs MINIMUM of work @ $100/hr. Now if it was just a regular GT it would have been considerably cheaper. In any case I told them they were crazy and luckily found another Ford dealership quote me for 1hr labor @ $75. 1hr vs 3hrs and $75 vs. $300 is a HUGE difference. No worries, I checked with the tech specialist and sales manager to confirm that $75 price was for an 03 supercharged cobra. I just think its funny how some places (even ford) will try to jerk you around just because you have a limited production car, ie. Cobra.
Next purchase - Car Cover. Gotta keep it lookin mean AND clean!
09-28-2006, 01:42 AM
#7
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Metairie, Louisiana
Posts: 56
RE: Alternator Info - Cobra
Funny you should say that. Mine is going out too,and the new one is on order but, It will take 3 weeks to come in. . and I only have 11,000 miles on my 04 cobra. The battery light goes on when my RPM's are low. I have already changed the battery.
Another test you can do if you have a stickis. while you are driving, turn the engine off and hold down the rtrip button by the stearing wheel and turn the car back on and if you will press the button you will go through a list of about 30 things; one of them will be the battery. It shows you the volts at any given moment. It's a secret test system ford put in.
Well I'm not sure if you understand that but, I'm female and I don't always know the correct words to use. I just know How to do it. Anyways, I am having a shop install the new one. The cost is over $450.00, but, worth it.
Another test you can do if you have a stickis. while you are driving, turn the engine off and hold down the rtrip button by the stearing wheel and turn the car back on and if you will press the button you will go through a list of about 30 things; one of them will be the battery. It shows you the volts at any given moment. It's a secret test system ford put in.
Well I'm not sure if you understand that but, I'm female and I don't always know the correct words to use. I just know How to do it. Anyways, I am having a shop install the new one. The cost is over $450.00, but, worth it.
10-10-2006, 07:56 PM
#9
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RE: Alternator Info - Cobra
California Car Cover
http://www.calcarcover.com/how_to_select.aspx#noah
I'll make a reply to my original post in the detailing section.
http://www.calcarcover.com/how_to_select.aspx#noah
I'll make a reply to my original post in the detailing section.
10-11-2006, 03:18 AM
#10
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Posts: 38
RE: Alternator Info - Cobra
Alternator for a
2003 Ford Mustang Cobra
Normal Stock
Item Part
No.
Value Unit
Price Availability
Store Web
DURALAST
110 Amp DL3612-16-10 LLT Core $45.00 $200.99
Premium quality reman, some new components
just do it yourself and save a lot. then you can spend the money on something else. this is from http://www.autozone.com
just a thought.
2003 Ford Mustang Cobra
Normal Stock
Item Part
No.
Value Unit
Price Availability
Store Web
DURALAST
110 Amp DL3612-16-10 LLT Core $45.00 $200.99
Premium quality reman, some new components
just do it yourself and save a lot. then you can spend the money on something else. this is from http://www.autozone.com
just a thought.