'01 3.0 Elec. issue

[arpe-89]

My alternator went out a few months ago, battery light/trifecta. I replaced it with a Bosch reman that I screwed up (I didn't seat the plug entirely) but ran with a flickering battery light that would go away at higher RPMs or would come on and off at idle, with RPMs fluctuating. My A/C clutch started to melt that first run as well, I'm assuming from the voltage fluctuating. I let it sit and returned the alt for a Valeo reman, and it seemed to be fine after. I had replaced the coolant expansion tank that day as well. My battery (bought in July '23) died the day I installed it, so I purchased a new one, and it ran well.

Three days later, my upper radiator hose blows, throwing coolant everywhere. I replace it, and the next day, my battery dies. I'm not sure if the coolant may have killed the alt, or if the alt was a dud from the beginning and has been running on battery power since I installed it. I returned that alt and am getting my next, and hopefully last, replacement tomorrow. I got a multimeter as well.

I'm hoping to get some insight on this; this is the first car I've owned and worked on. It's been a blast to drive, and this forum has been a huge help in getting so many things done. This is the first problem i've had no success with.

[andrewwynn]

Coolant is very likely to kill alt. All repair directions warn about getting coolant on the alternater

[X5chemist]

Welcome to the site. Oil dripping on it will destroy the alternator too. Mine was so bad. The dripped had oil all the way inside. A new steering fluid reservoir fixed the leak. The OEM hose clamps were loose due to old hoses.