changing alternator

Alternator (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADBS&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=alternator&spell=1) ford Windstar

Why I think it is the alternator- I was driving Home the all of a sudden my ABS and my Battery light came on and the car kept on miss firing. Once car was shut off will not start can’t even put up windows. So I am looking for any information on how to change alternator and battery or if this has happened to anyone else and it could be something different. I am also having a problem with my door sensor if there is anyone out there that can help please let me know.

Thanks
Justintime

It does indeed sound like you're having an electrical shut down. Have someone read the system (battery) voltage ... should be 13.5 volts, or so, when the engine is running ... 12.5 volts, or so, when the engine is not running.

We can't guess much more ... since you didn't share with us your model year.

Alternator (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADBS&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=alternator&spell=1) ford Windstar

Why I think it is the alternator- I was driving Home the all of a sudden my ABS and my Battery light came on and the car kept on miss firing. Once car was shut off will not start can’t even put up windows. So I am looking for any information on how to change alternator and battery or if this has happened to anyone else and it could be something different. I am also having a problem with my door sensor if there is anyone out there that can help please let me know.

Thanks
Justintime

Hi
I would start with the battery. You can take it and have it tested. If it is 4+ years old I would probably just replace it. You can lose a cell in a battery and most of my problems over the years have been there. I have not had a bona-fide alternator failure in a number of years on any of my cars, although that obviously can happen. You can, and should have the alternator tested before you replace it. It is not a cheap part. Any Autozone or similar parts supplier can place the alternator on a test rig and evaluate it.

As to changing either part: no problem on the battery of course. Remove the leads, clean them while they are off. Remove the battery support and change it out (if you buy one, I think Walmart's maintenance free batteries are some of the best deals out there). As to the alternator: not a big deal .Hardest part is getting the belt off and on. Run a search here on serpentine belt to get plenty of pointers. Once the belt is off, disconnect the electrical connections (2 on my '96) remove the mounting bolts (3 on mine as I recall) and out it comes. Get it tested. Replace if necessary.

Good luck

thank you for all your help i really apreshate it. so tomarow i am going to take out the batery and try another one and whight signs should i be looking for if the batery is not the problem let it run for a bit then if it dies the alternator is the problem????

thank you for all your help i really apreshate it. so tomarow i am going to take out the batery and try another one and whight signs should i be looking for if the batery is not the problem let it run for a bit then if it dies the alternator is the problem????

If you choose to replace the battery based on its age or having it tested, as 12ounce said, you should see higher than battery voltage across the battery with the engine running - close to 14V. If you still have a battery light or see less than 12V with the engine running, your alternator is not charging.

Keep in mind that auto zone or advanced auto will test both for free for you..
Yes on my Windstar when the battery went out all kinds of crazy things happen. Also check to make sure the battery cables look good and clean.. Tight as well

Just last week the alternator on my 95 Windstar died, actually. I wasn't there when it happened, but it cost $500 to have it replaced - $250 for new alternator+battery+belt, $250 for labor. I was talking to another mechanic yesterday and he said he would have chanrged $250 for everything. I guess that's what happens when you break down and can't move the car from outside the garage in a rich neighborhood.

sigh...