Focus Alternator gone?

kerten

I have a 2005 focus mk2 1.6 auto with 115k km.

Red battery light on dash instantly came on when I was driving from work to home. Which means battery is not being charged to me.

I checked the alternator belt and they were fine. I continued driving and lights started to be dimmed after 15 mins(draining the battery by driving I guess).

Checked the battery and it was a motorcraft superstart battery looks old(thought it may be factory fitted) and I changed it to Halfords hcb075 calcium battery but light is still on looks like it is either wiring or alternator is the problem.

I read that alternators in focuses goes prematurely but wiring can cause similar symptoms. I don't wanna change the alternator without being sure .

Problem is I can't drive the car long without draining battery so I need a auto electrician close to heuston station who can diagnose problem.

Any recommendation ?

Should I take it to Ford ?

I also read that buying alternator from ford is less problematic if it is gone as aftermarket ones may cause issues.

Anyone knows rough price for a genuine alternator ?

TonyStark

kerten wrote: »

I have a 2005 focus mk2 1.6 auto with 115k km.

Red battery light on dash instantly came on when I was driving from work to home. Which means battery is not being charged to me.

I checked the alternator belt and they were fine. I continued driving and lights started to be dimmed after 15 mins(draining the battery by driving I guess).

Checked the battery and it was a motorcraft superstart battery looks old(thought it may be factory fitted) and I changed it to Halfords hcb075 calcium battery but light is still on looks like it is either wiring or alternator is the problem.

I read that alternators in focuses goes prematurely but wiring can cause similar symptoms. I don't wanna change the alternator without being sure .

Problem is I can't drive the car long without draining battery so I need a auto electrician close to heuston station who can diagnose problem.

Any recommendation ?

Should I take it to Ford ?

I also read that buying alternator from ford is less problematic if it is gone as aftermarket ones may cause issues.

Anyone knows rough price for a genuine alternator ?

Put a reconditioned one in my one 3 years ago. I splashed through a puddle and it shortes out. Not sure of the cost, the reconditioned part wasn't overly expensive.

kerten

TonyStark wrote: »

Put a reconditioned one in my one 3 years ago. I splashed through a puddle and it shortes out. Not sure of the cost, the reconditioned part wasn't overly expensive.

Did you source reconditioned part from a motor factor ? Was it a ford one ?

Looks like fords alternators have system called smart charging system that is controlled by ecu.

bazz26

Dodgy alternators were a common problem on that model Focus but I'd doubt you will get any joy from Ford on a 9 year old car at this stage. Best recommendation is to get a reconditioned alternator as opposed to a second hand one that may have the same issue.

kerten

bazz26 wrote: »

Dodgy alternators were a common problem on that model Focus but I'd doubt you will get any joy from Ford on a 9 year old car at this stage. Best recommendation is to get a reconditioned alternator as opposed to a second hand one that may have the same issue.

Thanks Bazz.

I meant to take the car to Ford for diagnosis as I read smart charging systems are a little bit alien to independent mechanics.

Looks like getting alternator reconditioned is the way forward.

I'll give this guy a ring on Monday as they are close by.

http://www.hamiltonautoelectric.com/contacts.htm