To be honest with you..... I'd buy a new one. I haven't had to buy one for years but I don't think they are terribly expensive aftermarket. You may find a good one at the scrap yard but it's always a gamble when you buy second hand. How long with the used one last before it needs to be replaced?. I'd recommend buying new. At least you know what you've got.

 

Yea the cheapest i found so far for a new one was 150 at auto zone. but yea thats what i figured i was seeing if it was an option to save some money.

 

ok so ive done some searching online to try find the part a little bit cheaper. does it matter if i get the 110 amp or the 130 amp?

 

If you are hard up for cash see if you can get a second hand one from Junkyard as long as its a good deal. You may get a few years out of it and it'll solve your problem and help you maintain your budget.

Ideally a newer one is best, but I've seen new ones go bad because the rebuild was bad. If you get one from your autoparts store then you can return it if it doesn't work and you won't have to mess with mail.

 

As i recall, thats about the years (gen4) that they switched to a 4G
type alternator. You need to verify which you have. The 3G looks different
from a 4 G. I think it was 2002 but take a close look.

There are Gen4's in the Upull yards. You obviously don't want one with 200K
on it that looks like its the original. Try to find a cleaner looking one that
may have been rebuilt or previous replaced. $25 or $30 is worth the gamble
compared to a $100 if you can find a good looking one.

 

Either way you go, I'd have the replacement tested prior installation. Alt. r&r is no picnic on a tec. Don't want to be repeating this job soon.

 

That's for sure. That dang thing is buried! I just don't get these engineers.:angry:

 

DOHC alternator off of a 2000-2001 Ford Taurus/Merc Sable will work. 130 amp is what they have.

Get a core from Carolina Salvage U Pull it if you need to have the car, have a good alt shop rebuild it, and it'll last a good long while ($100 for alt rebuild).

If you can get down to Blythewood, you are welcome to use my garage, and I'll help you replace it.