1997 lincoln continental

[kh1215]

car will not start, have new battery.....dash board lights/clock/other power functions (windows/lights/etc) will go out, battery light (in dash board) flashes on-off, car simply dies...there was also a burning smell on the front of the engine compartment, near the radiator...i think it may be a short or the alternator, as it will start after a jump, but won't run for more than 20min., before it shuts off completely!!
any ideas out there??? if it is the alternator, how difficult is it to change yourself????

thanx,
kh1215

[Linc97]

Its bad that you are having that problem, but its good to know that I'm not the only one who has suffered such a calamity. My 1997 Conti did the same thing last week and died on me while driving it to my mechanic. Same burning smell and if you open the hood you will smell it at the Alternator. It is the opinion of my mechanic that an internal problem within the Alternator caused it to push nearly 22 volts to the battery. The sound was coming from these high revolutions and the battery may be toast too. The battery is built to receive 14.4v. 1997 High Performance Alternators are not cheap as mine is about $240. Replace that bad alternator before your battery explodes from too much input.