the-kidd

As my car gets to the 5 yr mark, it's had it's share of problems. None bigger than waht happened yesterday. I was called to the parking lot of my job, b/c the hood of my car was on fire.

Once they got the fire out and looked over my car, the inspector said that it looked as though the fire started from my alternator and spread.

From what I saw (and I'm no car expert), the wiring to the alternator was all black and charred, the power steering cap was melted shut over the power steering reservoir, and what looks like a hose or piping infront of the power steering reservoir had a huge gaping hole in it.

My insurance (S.O.B's ) won't cover this, b/c they are claiming that it was a maintenance problem that caused it. Don't know how, b/c I just had the alternator replaced in Nov 06.

Without being able to actually look @ my car, what do you think I should do? Please help. I only have like 3 car payments left on this car.

thefonz

Ford has had issues with fires. I know one was alternator problems, (at the connector, I think) I remember hearing of vehicle fires because of ignition switch problems and if memory serves me correct coil problems too. I don't know how much damage you have, but it will probably be a pain to repair. I've had two vehicle fires that I repaired myself. After the first one, I swore I'd never do it again. When the second one happened, I thought no way!! Next day popped the hood and thought, aww it don't look to bad and fixed it too. Neither one was much fun. If you do the repair yourself, just make sure you check the wires back far enough before splicing into them. Also make sure you do your splices correctly.
Have fun!!

the-kidd

Ouch. Thanks for replying. I wish that I would've known about that before. I definitely won't be making the repairs myself.

I'll be taking my car in sometime next week. Any idea how much my pockets will be hurting? I need to prepare myself. . .

SHOZ123

Only time I've heard of fires or melting parts due to the alternator is the post/cable end being corroded on the older cars. I would think the cable shorted out as it runs right under the PS reservoir and at that point is unfused.

Bearings seizing and slow death due to regulator/brushes or diode pack are the usual alternator failure modes of the +'96 cars.

thefonz

When I replaced an alt on my 1985 F150, the replacement alt had a tag on it, stating something along the lines of..... clean the elect connector and use dielectric grease on the connection because fire damage could result.
(2 cents)