# Alternator **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [April 28, 2009, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator/29744 "2009-04-28T15:42:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jeannep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@Jeannep](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jeannep)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator/29744/1 "2009-04-28T15:42:30Z")
(1) Has anyone had alternator issues with late model Ford products? I do not see anything on the recall list. (2) Are “new” alternators ever used in repairs or is it always re-built A? ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 3:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator/29744/2 "2009-04-28T15:54:11Z")
Alternators are a common replacement part and “new” ones are seldom used. The quality of rebuilds varies greatly. You get what you pay for…The best ones have a “lifetime” guarantee. ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 3:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator/29744/3 "2009-04-28T15:58:30Z")
You might get a new alternator if you had one replaced at a Ford dealer. Otherwise you’d get a rebuilt one. Over the years I’ve installed rebuilt alternators on several of my vehicles and never had any problems. ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 5:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator/29744/4 "2009-04-28T17:25:01Z")
My Chevy V8 had a Bosch rebuilt alternator, which, I’m sure had never seen Germany. If the alternator model is new, and it fails on a new car, you would likely get a new one. Otherwise, even dealers use “factory approved” rebuilt units. ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator/29744/5 "2009-04-28T17:44:00Z")
I changed a GM alternator under warranty. It was on a S-Blazer and the SUV had a “Batt” light and showed no charge. Several months later I was told GM tested the alternator and found nothing wrong with it. I was made to demonstrate my diagnostic procedure or be back-flaged. To answer the OP, even the Dealer will use re-built alternators. I can’t say for sure when it is determined that a new part will be used, perhaps on a problem car?