Alternator plug melted:( Help please?

[ChuckT]

Hello all,
I own a 1989 Grand marquis wagon and noticed today that something didn't smell right. It was the alternator plug on top of the alternator, it was melted and smoking. On the way home the amp light came on.
I'm fairly retarded when it comes to things like this, so if anyone could give me any info as to whether:

this is a common occurrence in these models,
whether I just need a new plug or is the alternator shot,
Anything else outside my comprehension and the cheapest way to fix it (I'm poor)..

..I would more than appreciate it.


Thanks in Advance,
Chuck

[marquisman]

im gonna say, since you have a "2G" alt, it will be wize if you do a "3G" conversion. its straight forward and wont be much more than the cost of a new alt. in the long run, its safer. from reading your story, sounds like you were very close to having an engine fire. ill let someone else chime in though...

[gadget73]

+1 on the 3g conversion if possible

If thats not in the cards, my best advice is to pull the alternator, visit your local auto parts store that happens to have an alternator tester, and let them tell you if its toast or not. At a minimum, you're going to need the plug and probably some wiring harness repair work. The section between the fender and the plug tends to melt down with the plug. The fuse links are in that part, and they burn up when the plug melts.

[sly]

the cost of the new 3rd generation alternator and a charge cable (because the current one is not up to the task) along with a megafuse. There's a little bit more to swapping in a 3g than just swapping the newer alternator in. Also, you need to find a small case 3g alternator.

94-2000 v6 mustangs
94-95 cobra/GT mustangs
95 Mustang GTS
94-97 Tbird/Cougar

different clock (connectors are in a different position)
Windstar and Taurus with the 3.0L V6 (I forget which years)

make sure to get a 130A version.

check this site: http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/3ag/3ag.htm
the picture of the alternator at the top is what you're looking for. This also shows all the wiring needed.

the 2G alternator that you have is known to have issues. I have the old 2G harness from mine still if anyone wants it. It's still good. and hasn't lost it's grip on the spade lugs. I also have my known good 2G alt. as well.

[pantera77]

Another +1 on a 3g swap. 2g's are just fires waiting to happen.

[ChuckT]

Thanks, great advice. What are the chances my alternator is fried? I deliver food for a living, and unfortunately it's the only car I own. More unfortunately, I only have about 30 bucks. I could make enough to do the swap if I can at least run it for a few days. It seems that parts stores don't carry the alternator wiring harnesses, so the junkyard is my only option? Also, are there any other cars that use this 2g alternator? If so, I could hopefully find one at a junkyard and get the harness and plug. All of course contingent on the hope that the alt. isn't toast..


-Thanks again

[gadget73]

dont know, I'd say yank the alternator and go visit the parts store so it can be tested. That'll tell you one way or the other, and the testing is free normally. They used to include that connector with replacement alternators, and I've seen it sold seperately too. The new alternators used to void the warranty if you did not install that connector with the alternator, it was that well known of a problem.


Lots of 80s cars used that alternator.86-91 box Vics and Grand Marquis, 86-90 Towncars, similar era Mustang, Thunderbird, Couger. I'm sure theres other stuff that isnt immediately coming to mind. On the other hand you can get a 3g off a 3.0 Taurus, 94+ V6 or 5.0 Couger, Tbird, Mustang, 90 Towncar, etc. Just something to think about if you're going to the yard. No reason you can't upgrade it from yard parts rather than replacing it with the same turdy alternator. The upgraded part is probably slightly easier to source too since it'll be in a newer vehicle.

[85crownHPP]

Clifford has a 2G, it makes me nervous.

[sly]

if you're in the Dallas area of TX, I can have you sorted by the end of the day since I still have my old harness and alternator. They do work. But if not, you'll probably have to look for something near you. I do know that the last alternator I got from a yard was $50, but others have gotten them for $20 so you might luck out. Definitely call for pricing before going though. If they won't tell you, then tell them you won't even show up if they don't want to say. (lots of that garbage around here).

[jaywish]

That link is very useful.
Thanks,
Jay

[85crownHPP]

welcome Jaywish!

That red dash pad you sent is still making the interior of the 85 something to be proud of!

[GM_Guy]

Thanks, great advice. What are the chances my alternator is fried? I deliver food for a living, and unfortunately it's the only car I own. More unfortunately, I only have about 30 bucks. I could make enough to do the swap if I can at least run it for a few days. It seems that parts stores don't carry the alternator wiring harnesses, so the junkyard is my only option? Also, are there any other cars that use this 2g alternator? If so, I could hopefully find one at a junkyard and get the harness and plug. All of course contingent on the hope that the alt. isn't toast..

Napa has the wiring harness. Worst case, cut off the offending plug and crimp on some 1/4" female spade terminals, and connect directly to the alternator. Not the best way, but if its the only option, it'll work. Make sure the harness can't pull the plugs and short them to the alternator case.

Alex.

[1987cp]

^^^ That does work in a pinch!

Hard to imagine a place where you couldn't get your hands on a 2G repair pigtail, though. No parts stores in your town?

[88grandmarq]

you should be able to find replacement pig tail at most autoparts stores. Check the electrical repair isle and the HELP Isle.

Dorman makes this one; http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-16514-85123.aspx

it retails at Advance for $6.99