Alternator OEM FORD or OEM Volkswagen

I just replaced the one from my 1996 Passat Tdi. 326k miles on it. The alternator still works too!

I have experienced my share of faulty Ford alternators from the chain stores. I now get OEM from Ford. Yes, they are expensive but I have better things to do than replace month old alternators constantly.

After installing it, all of the intermittent electrical issues disappeared. I'm guessing the old alternator couldn't power all of the electrical issues at once, particularly since the battery light would not come on with the higher rev's of a cold start, but would come on with the low rev's of a warm start.

Did they put in an OEM ford alternator? Fords switched to their “smart charging” system and its a little more complicated than your average alternator diagnosis.

When I had mine I had to replace the alternator just outside of warranty.

I've had 3 issues with the car: 3. recently - replace alternator (the car just knows I'm about to retire it).

Had issues with every single Ford alt I replaced (from autozone, Napa, Oriellys) didn’t matter. Only had luck with either dealer parts or from a local rebuilder.

I once went through 3 alternators in 2 days from the Ford dealer on one job.

Go with a new OEM. I had a Ford E250 I put a remanufactured one in and it lasted like 2000 miles and gave out.

Upon only 3 days of ownership, the alternator went out due to the battery going bad, that took out the internal voltage regulator.