In the last week or so I have noticed that my battery light has been coming on and off. I made it a point today to keep my dash hawk on the voltage setting so I could tell what the volts were when this was happening. When the light was off the voltage driving around town was around 14.3v. When the light came on the volts jumped up to 14.9v.

I'm assuming it is the voltage regulator going out, giving the battery an over charge. As far as I'v researched the voltage regulator is internal.

Does this sound correct and is my only option to replace the alternator?

07 F-150 Screw

 

The regulator can be changed if that is all that is wrong with it. My suggestion is to buy a Motorcraft or at least some other high quality one. I am sick of all the cheap crap on the market, made in China or some country you've never heard of. I can guarantee most of the rebuilts are made with that kind of parts, that's why they don't last. Though I assume the alt. is original and therefore Motorcraft failure, they still are pretty reliable. ALL regulators have been internal longer than most people can remember.

 

Would I be able to purchase just the voltage regulator from the dealership?

 

Probably not, and not at most parts stores, either. You'll probably have to go to an alternator shop, at which point you'll probably find it's cheaper & easier to just pay them to install it. Some require soldering. I think I paid ~$80 to get the older one in this pic rebuilt with a new VR:

 

All it takes is a phone call to find out. No cost involved there at all. I've replaced 'em several times in GM, but I'm sure Ford is different. I would call O'reilly's or another parts store in your area.

 

Go here:

http://www.alternatorparts.com/3G_products.htm