Alternator on a Ford Focus

[themalster]

Hi guys,

I bought an '06' plate Focus from Car Craft in late September. We automatically got a 3 month warranty which ran out at the end of December.

Today, the alternator has packed up. When we purchased the car it was supposed to have had a service. Would the alternator really pack up after just over 3 months since Car Craft serviced the car? Also, what is the "life expectancy" of an alternator seeing as the car is only 3 years old.

I'm fuming because it seems such a coincedence that it's broken down two weeks AFTER the warranty ran out. Any advice is much appreciated

[jg96]

Firstly the alternator is not a servicable item and is not looked at on a service. As far as life expectancy they can pack up any time they want put it down to bad luck I'm afraid.

[themalster]

Ok thank you.

Just annoyed that it happened 2 weeks after warranty ran out.

[TWR]

Contact Customer Services at Fords UK explain what you have stated, give the Mileage + Chass No of the car, If you do have the old unit they will ask you to produce it at your local Ford Dealer for Examination, a few years back I done this with a rear shocker that had only done 30000 or so miles, Fords reimbursed my cost. If you don't try you have not lost anything but it should have lasted longer than 3yrs.

[themalster]

Thanks TWR

I'll phone Ford and explain i've only had the car since September and only done 3000 miles but warranty has run out.

Then i'll phone Car Craft and see if they'll show a bit of compassion!

[TWR]

Hi Thelma, If possible, If you have the old unit get the details off the body of the alternator then contact them, In your case I do not think you will get anywhere with Car Craft only Crp answers, as said these units normally give an indication of discharging, did you find the battery going flat in this cold weather? did you see a faint red light on your Instrument panel ( Dashboard) if so that was your warning. as said by jg this is not a part of the service BUT they should have checked the quality of the Auxiliary belts Eg/cracks. but as said the unit should have lasted longer than that, do not back down with the both, Car Craft + Fords. Good Luck.

[AlBags]

Of course, what could damage an alternator is a faulty battery. Better make sure that is ok too.

[chas2008]

this cold weather caused so many problems with alternators & batterys , just one of those things. Its been so bad some alternators are like the proverbial gold dust ie Vectra 1.9tdi..seems to be a world shortage, even GM have been ringing factors (with no luck). There are certain vehicles where it is a common issue and is often under warranty ie SAAB 93s ..i know of a dealer who had 6 of these in his workshop during the cold spell, i know this isnt really any help to you just pointing out these things happen all part of owning a car

[beso]

Are you sure the alternator is faulty? They usually last much longer than three years unless the car has unusually high milage. Alternators are normally very robust items. Their output current is intrinsically limited. Even a bad battery would be unlikely to cause damage. One way they can fail is by performing electric welding on the car without disconnecting the battery.

Are they replacing the battery too? If deeply discharged and left out overnight in freezing conditions the electrolyte can freeze too doing irreparable damage.