It figures...

[Ashua]

So, I have a 2003 Mustang that I let my mother use because her SuV has had it. Thanks to her it's now pushing 78,000 miles. Anyways, I noticed a very loud serpentine squeal a couple months ago. I'm almost certain that the cause is the diodes in the alternator are giving out. And because I don't drive too terribly much, I decided to milk the rest of the use out of the alternator before I break down for another one.

Well, a couple months later, the squeal has greatly diminished in pitch, volume, and consistency; but it is still very present. The reason that I'm asking is, now the piece of junk has developed some sort of acceleration problem. It is extremely sluggish and doesn't want to accelerate. I don't think this is related to the diodes in the alternator, but am by no means a mechanic. Has anyone a similar experience or any ideas as to what might be causing very noticeable acceleration issues? I had a gut feeling that it wouldn't be long before the whole thing started falling apart in rapid succession the second I let her get her hands on it, but whatever. That's life. :/

 

[jasoncran]

So, I have a 2003 Mustang that I let my mother use because her SuV has had it. Thanks to her it's now pushing 78,000 miles. Anyways, I noticed a very loud serpentine squeal a couple months ago. I'm almost certain that the cause is the diodes in the alternator are giving out. And because I don't drive too terribly much, I decided to milk the rest of the use out of the alternator before I break down for another one.

Well, a couple months later, the squeal has greatly diminished in pitch, volume, and consistency; but it is still very present. The reason that I'm asking is, now the piece of junk has developed some sort of acceleration problem. It is extremely sluggish and doesn't want to accelerate. I don't think this is related to the diodes in the alternator, but am by no means a mechanic. Has anyone a similar experience or any ideas as to what might be causing very noticeable acceleration issues? I had a gut feeling that it wouldn't be long before the whole thing started falling apart in rapid succession the second I let her get her hands on it, but whatever. That's life. :/

check engine light on? and diodes arent usually a problem with ford alternator, those go and the alt wont charge as they keep the current in pulsed dc not ac.

 

[Ashua]

check engine light on? and diodes arent usually a problem with ford alternator, those go and the alt wont charge as they keep the current in pulsed dc not ac.

Lol. that light is always on. It was on before the squeal even came.

I don't think all of the diodes are bad, but if you take the belt off and spin the alternator part with your hand, you can make out the feint whimper. It does not sound like bad bearings, so it has to be a diode or two. I have been watching the indicator when I drive and it's still getting the job done, but yeah.

 

[jasoncran]

the if one of the diode is bad then it wont charge as the all alternators are wye wound. that means each looped of wire has its own diode.

take a look at the mil light and let us know what is says.go to advance auto and let them read it for you.

i may be a bad maf. but i need more symptoms. and the 4.6 alt has some slight noise to it when spun. is the serp belt cracked? if not spray silicone, if it quiets then the belt is dry and dry rotting. if not remove belt spin the idler bearings and and the tensioner pulleys. loofk for play, and replace.those have bearings.

 

[Ashua]

meh. Idk. Im not a mechanical person. When I figure it all out ill let you know though.

 

[jasoncran]

if you didnt live on the other side of the state i would look at that for you.

 

[Ashua]

if you didnt live on the other side of the state i would look at that for you.

Most appreciated. My dad has got it though. He fixes most of the problems with his own vehicles, so as soon as we take it to get diagnosed, hopefully it won't mutilate my funds too bad. :P

 

[jasoncran]

Most appreciated. My dad has got it though. He fixes most of the problems with his own vehicles, so as soon as we take it to get diagnosed, hopefully it won't mutilate my funds too bad. :P

does the car have a fluxuating idle? ie when you stop the car and let idle either it idles fine or idles at a fast rate.

 

[Ashua]

does the car have a fluxuating idle? ie when you stop the car and let idle either it idles fine or idles at a fast rate.

Idk to be honest. I know the squeal is a little more noticeable while idle.