Alternator Issues

Asked by rschlottman1 Mar 01, 2019 at 10:32 AM about the 1998 Ford Contour

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

We have a 1998 Ford Contour that will not stay charged. We put a brand new battery in. A new Master fuse. 3 new alternators. 1 alternator was used but the others were brand new and car still will not hold a charge. You have to give it a jump just to be able to put it into neutral to move it. The car is actually killing the brand new alternators as they are no longer good after 1 start. Any ideas?

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Jerry answered 5 years ago

You obviously have a drain on the system when parked. Determining where will take some multimeter troubleshooting and isolation of the systems.

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Mike answered 5 years ago

Check the battery wire at the alternator with the engine off. If this wire is broken the alternator will make a Hundred volts or more trying to charge an open circuit the stator in the alternator will cook in minutes. You can temporarily install a 10 gauge wire between the alternator battery stud and the battery positive terminal to see if it solves your problem. I hope this helps. Take care.

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GuruCP5SK answered 5 years ago

I would check the condition of the battery wires to alternator. Sounds like you have an exposed or melted wire immediately grounding out causing the alternator to pop.

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Alternator Issues 3 Answers

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Alternator Issues

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Alternator Issues

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