Key Information
- Product: Motorcraft OE Replacement Alternator, Remanufactured
- Price: From $165.99 (Note that price may change from the time the review is published.)
- Vehicle: 2006 Ford Explorer XLS 6 Cyl 4.0L; 4th Generation (2006 – 2010)
- Reviewer: Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Why You May Need A Motorcraft Replacement Alternator
My existing alternator charges but it has a bad ripple pattern. The ripple pattern on an alternator can be measured with a scope or a good charging system tester and serves as a solid data point of alternator health. The ripple pattern comes from the stator and diode assembly as current is generated in the stator by the magnetic field of the spinning rotor.
Note: You can see the bad ripple pattern the old alternator was producing in the reviewer’s video.
Product Review
Motorcraft Replacement Alternator
This remanufactured alternator perfectly matches OEM, looks brand-new (except for the pulley, which appears to be bead-blasted and painted), and works perfectly, producing an excellent ripple pattern viewable on a scan tool, but may be a bit pricey compared to other remanufactured alternators.
Why You Should Trust This Review
Initial Observations
The Motorcraft alternator appears to be remanufactured to perfect OEM specs with the rear cover indexed perfectly (some alternators aren’t). Overall, it looks like a brand new alternator except for the pulley, which, it appears, was the original pulley but bead-blasted and painted.
The Fit
The alternator unit was well-packaged and perfectly matched the OEM – direct fit, no modifications necessary.
Installation
On the 2006 Explorer 4.0L, the alternator replacement is very simple due to the modular design.
Note: You can watch how the reviewer installs the new Motorcraft alternator, including how he handles connections and wirings beginning at the 3:44 mark.
Performance and Overall Quality
The ripple pattern on the replacement alternator was perfect. The original alternator’s ripple pattern was ugly and uneven, which can be an early warning sign of a failing alternator.
Note: The reviewer compares the old ripple pattern vs the improved ripple pattern from the new remanufactured unit at the 6:17 mark.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Motorcraft remanufactured alternators are typically superior to other remanufactured units in quality
Cons
- The Motorcraft unit is a bit more expensive.
The Verdict
Great overall value. I highly recommend this alternator and all other Motorcraft remanufactured electrical components. The quality is superb.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
