My alternator died, and dealer says $600.00 for replacement! Wow, seems really high. Years ago, I would do it myself, but I'm too old for that stuff now.

 

I understand the age thing, and how it still hurts to pay their price. You may find that the alternator solved your instrument cluster problem.

 

I hope it does. I could probably get an alternator from NAPA, or other company, but probably not as good as FOMOCO one.

 

I found them at ford parts for under 250 for a new motocraft one. I don't know your engine so I used 5.4 and the 4.6 for the search. If you can order one it would be a lot cheaper than the dealer. I also understand how much getting older hurts. I do everything I can and that usually gets me bed ridden now. Alt should only be 3 bolts, a wire and the belt. I would help but Texas is a long way out.

 

My speedometer problem:
First photo is sitting still, with ignition off.
Second photo is on the Interstate @75 MPH per my GPS.

 

I guess I'll bite the bullet and have the dealer do it. Then I can complain to them if that's not the problem. :-)

 

Take it to and independent shop and get them to install the OE unit.

 

That doesn't look like an alternator issue to me, it looks like the needle has slipped on the shaft.

 

It's at the dealer overnight waiting for the new alternator to be shipped in. Should be ready to go about noon or so tomorrow.

 

Strange thing is, after two or three days, it works normally again. Service guy at Ford says he's never seen that. I showed him both pics. Maybe the new alternator will take care of it

 

$600 for an alternator????? How many hours are they billing for? The 4.6 and 5.4 alternators sit on top and are easy to remove and replace.