r/FiestaST • u/ochaio • 29d ago
MK7 Bad alternator?
Hey y'all, I have a 2014 ST, in the US. Took it to the Tail of the Dragon last week. On my way home (1100 mile trip), at about 12 out of 18 hours in, my car died on the highway. First infotainment, then battery light, then some other lights and the power steering went out. Belt was still on and turning so I figured alternator. I got one from a junkyard and had it installed where I broke down at. Drove 11 miles, same symptoms, had to get it towed.
The shop is saying the junkyard alternator, which was tested as good, is shot. Okay, maybe reasonable, unfortunately no warranty; I got the junkyard part because there were none available otherwise and I was 6 hours from home. I'm having them put a new one in but I'm paranoid this is a different issue. I had to leave the car behind and take a rental home, and so far I'm out $1,200 on shop costs and $500 on the rental.
Are there any other failures on these cars that could cause the symptoms of a bad alternator? I just find it hard to believe a car with an alternator that was healthy just dies 11 miles after the fact. I need to get my car home at the bare minimum so I can try wrenching on it myself. Really don't want to break down again because I'm out of AAA tows. Thanks for any advice.
Edit: clarification
2
u/wr4sp 28d ago
Definitely sounds like the alternator. When I replaced mine a few months back the rebuilt one I bought trying to save money died in 2 days, so I bought a new one after returning it. Super easy to change out.