Jasoon

Ok,

I need to remove the alternator to have it tested.

How do I release the tension on the fan belt first?

J.

VictoriaRR

Can't you test it while it's in the car?

Hopefully yours isn't dying like mine did... after a year and a half I had to get a new one!

Jasoon

Ford will test it in car... for $50.

Auto shops will test it for free... if you take it out.

157dB

Put a big ol wrech on the tensioner bolt.
Pull it to unload the tensioner and release the belt.

Why not test it yo self in the stang and use the engine to spin it with?
The parts store can and will test them on the vehicle.
No removal needed....

Jasoon

Thanks!

Oh man they didn't tell me that. That would have been useful info.

07 Stang

Jasoon, keep us up to date and let us know if it was the alternator.

06girlscar

So I had to replace the alternator on my girlfriends mustang today(at 50k, thank you ford, goes along with the driver side brake pad that went to the backing at 40k, even thought the rest of the pads have a ton of meat left on them), and went looking for a thread on taking it out just in case. I'll post what I did so it might help someone later on.

!!1ST REMOVE THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL, OR BOTH IF YOU LIKE!!

I read something about a "big ole wrench" for the tensioner. I used a long, 3/8" ratchet(ratchet makes it easier to line it up). There's a square at the bottom of the tensioner that the ratchet(with no socket on) slips into. Turn it(clockwise, seems obvious but just in case), until you can slip the belt off. Loosen the 2 bolts and one nut(the stud does make it easier going back in, you got one ford). Unplug the wiring harness, and disconnect the power wire just below it with one nut. Remove the bolts and nut and pull the alternator out. put the new alternator in and tighten the 2 bolts and nut by hand. Put the belt back on the same way it came off( make sure you're still in all the pulleys). Tighten the bolts/nut down in clockwise order starting at the top(not sure if this is a must, but the alternator packaging said to). Reconnect the power wire, plug the harness back into the alternator. Reconnect negative terminal and bam. Game over.
I charged my battery for a while so the alternator wouldn't have to charge it from completely dead, but you can jump it and let the alternator charge it if you have to. Let in run for aout 10 min, tested the voltage running, and it was 14.3. I've never done an alternator on a ford, but this was really easy. Took about 15 min. I realize this is pretty basic but not everyone out there is mechanical, so hopefully this will help someone along the line. I also have the parts store test the bad alternator when I return it for the core charge. Just in case...

ODDYSEY

Welcome to MF 06girlscar... nice post.

157dB

Yep, when mine goes, I will pull this thread up for step by step instructions.

chronos