The alternator is the power station for your vehicle. It is important that your 2016 ford explorer alternator is functioning and performing at its best.
It plays a role in everything from radio to the car’s starting abilities as the source of your car’s power and as the device that enables the battery in maintaining its charge. Your electricity comes directly from the battery when an alternator malfunctions, but the battery isn’t designed to supply power for long durations. As a result, failing to pay attention to the signs of an alternator problem could cause be a hazard while driving.
Why Do You Need a 2016 Ford Explorer Alternator replacement?
When your Ford explorer alternator is not functioning efficiently, you find it difficult to even start your car. Other electrical devices, such as windshields, windows, lights, and music systems, start functioning slowly or might even stop.
Symptoms that tell that your 2016 ford explorer alternator needs replacement:
- Battery warning lights are on
If your 2016 ford explorer alternator is malfunctioning, it causes problems with the battery. This can cause the battery warning light to turn on, and when the battery light is on, the whole electrical system is affected. The battery light is an indication that there is a problem with the alternator, and it needs to be replaced or fixed.
- Failure in electrical devices
You can experience issues with other electrically controlled components in your car if your alternator isn’t working properly. The dashboard lights will become noticeably less bright. Wipers and windows will operate slower than usual. Additionally, the other lights could dim or even stop working. Before you have trouble starting your car, be aware of these warning signs and get your alternator checked.
- Weird Noises from the front of your vehicle
Most of the times when the alternator is not functioning properly, it creates noises that you will hear from the front of your vehicle. The grinding or whining noises you hear come from dirty, worn, or broken bearings. This sound is mostly caused by the voltage regulator that sends signals to the alternator to charge more than it is currently doing.
- Unusual rubbery smell
When you smell something rubbery burning in your vehicle, it is an indication that the alternator belt is unable to function properly and freely. This causes friction in the belt leading to this burnt smell from your car. When the alternator is functioning more than needed, then the components get too much electricity harming the wires.
How To Test Ford Explorer Alternator?
The easiest hack to check a ford alternator by yourself is by measuring the voltage at the battery terminals when the engine is on.
- Start 2016 ford explorer
- Then connect the black cable of the multimeter to the negative of the battery terminal and the red cable to the positive terminal of the battery.
- The appropriate voltage level should lie between 13.5 to 14.8 volts while the engine is running.
- Further, switch on the electrical components of your ford explorer, such as AC, headlights, and interior lights.
- The voltage now should be at 14 volts. If it is decreased below 13.5, then it is a sign that there is a problem with your alternator.
- And if you see the voltage below 12, that means the electricity is totally coming from the battery and not the alternator, and you need to get it replaced as soon as possible.
How To Replace a Ford Explorer Alternator?
We have here the process for replacing a ford alternator, but you should make sure you visit a mechanic once so they can guide you on what problem exactly your vehicle is facing.
Here’s what you need for replacement:
- New 2016 ford explorer alternator
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Belt tensioner
- Safely gear
- Memory saver
Carefully follow these steps to replace your alternator:
- First, use the memory saves and back up all the data present in your electrical system. Use the user manual to understand how to back up.
- Then proceed to disconnect both cables with the help of a socket wrench.
- Lose the belt by pulling it back using the belt tensioner. Make sure to check how the belt is connected, as you will have to reconnect the belt around the engine pulley when you’re done replacing.
- Remove the belt and check if there is any wear and tear. Also, check the belt tensioner to see if it’s rotating properly. If not, replace it immediately.
- Proceed to disconnect all the wires from the alternator.
- Safely unbolt the alternator to make sure you don’t damage the surrounding parts.
- Install the new alternator and attach all the wires exactly as they were.
- Reinstall the belt as you removed it.
- Then finally, proceed to reconnect the batteries.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Ford Alternator?
The cost of the ford explorer alternator is calculated keeping a few things in mind. The maximum time to replace an alternator is about 2 hours, so that will add up to the labor cost.
The estimated price for 2016 ford explorer alternator replacement cost at Spare Vehicle Parts can range between $290-$600. And then, depending on your location, the labor charges can be anything between $100 to $ 700.
Hence, the total cost of replacing, including the labor cost and the product cost, is between $1000 – $1500.
Alternator for a Ford Explorer
Use the fitment form at the top of the page to select your exact year and engine for Ford Explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of replacing the 2016 ford explorer alternator is around $1000 to $1500. This includes overall replacement with product and labor costs.
However, the replacement time depends on the make and model of your vehicle for ford 2016 explorer. The estimated time for replacement is between one to two hours.
Yes, you can replace an alternator by yourself. However, that also totally depends on your knowledge of vehicles and if you are facing any difficulty, go through the mentioned procedure.
The approximate time for replacement is between 1 to 2 hours.
The cost of a 2016 ford explorer alternator is around $1100, including the replacement belt.
