Bad Alternator (Voltage Regulator)

[Jazer]

Just got word from the dealer that the source of failure with my Bronco (9.3k mile 2.7) was a bad internal voltage regulator. It died on me yesterday at an intersection.

Voltage dropped, lost a bunch of systems and then it stalled out and died completely. Totally dead.

My dealer is fantastic, got it right in and is working hard to get it fixed. He told me it was just a bad part from the factory.

Curious if anyone else has run into this specific issue or if this truly is a complete freak incident? Obv any part electrical or mechanical can fail, but figured it might be worth a discussion.

It's going to take me a minute to trust it again after having a stall in the middle of the road/intersection and needing to call 911 for immediate aid (no power = no hazards or any helpful warning for people).

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[Vincent007]

I'm hoping it's the same for me. Mine hasn't ran since that charge system service soon message

 

[dejones64]

2022 Bronco 2.3L 7mt, 75k miles. Heading cross country from MN through SD starting a 3 week overlanding trip. Started seeing voltage fluctuations on the dash readout. I drove for a couple more hours. I didn't want to head into the back country in this conidition, so I tried finding a dealer in Rapid City to take a look. Not many dealers and they're 2 weeks out. Went to O'Reilly's to test the battery and alternator. Battery tested fine but told me the voltage regulator failed the test (I didn't see the readout, hmmm). Found a dealer in Sturgis that ordered an alternator and could get me in in 2 days. I stayed at a local campground for 2 nights. The Bronco still ran but for how long? Before installing the new alternator, they tested all and it checked out ok, even the voltage regulator. We hooked up their ODBC/laptop and at highway speeds it ran at 12.5V, low. No other codes were thrown. The ODBC/laptop readouts were lower than the dash readout 13.3V. To me that still seems low. Letting off the gas and coasting at highway speed the voltage jumped to 14.9V. Odd? Turning on AC, lights, fridge, cruise, didn't change the readings at all.

As I write this they're replacing the alternator anyway (thank goodness for the Extended Warranty). I'm having them replace the 3 yr old battery also (out of pocket). Hope this fixes it.

I'll update after the repair. Basically lost 3 days of my trip.

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