Just bought an '88 T-bird sport w/ 5.0 AOD.
Alternator is only charging at 10.25 at idle with no light or accessories on, will run the battery down after about 10 starts. So I decided to replace the alternator. I get one at the local parts house and it comes with the plug permanently attached to it, with 3 wires you have to crimp/solder onto the harness after cutting off the factory plug.
My problem is, the factory plug only has 2 wires on it. (Large black with orange stripes). The new alternator has a 3 wire plug (2 large black, and one small white). Besides that they are aesthetically the same alternator.
I thought maybe the original plug has a wire cut or burn off, however it never had the white wire ever in it.
Any clues as to what I'm dealing with here?
Thanks,
Don
Take a picture of the old one.
Every one I've had has 5 wires total with two plugs.
The white wire is not needed if your car has an ammeter. It is used on cars with just an alternator warning (idiot) light.
If your stock cable connector is in good shape, use it. They supply the new connector because the stock connector is frequently damaged from over heating.
Thanks softtouch. The new alternator has the plug permanently attached to it with the wires with crimp connectors dangling off of it. So I can't use the original plug.
I'll just not use the white wire.
I'd take it back and get a different alternator. Never seen one with the plug molded in
May be perfect time for the 3G alternator upgrade. You can do a search on here.. Nice ride also.
3G is certainly a good idea. I did it years ago. Great mod and very functional.