Sounds just like what happened to my (now totaled) '07 V6 last winter. The alternator was failing and it took several batteries with it over the year prior. It was scary in 15 F weather at night, without headlights, ABS and dash lights and all. Best of luck!

 

That's just too much. I just checked at my local dealership...$280 for a remanufactured, or $380 for a new one (both Motorcraft from Ford). Like I said, AutoZone for ~$200. The reason I mention AutoZone and not other parts stores, is because they're the only one I found that offered a lifetime warranty.

$220 for labor is terrible. They shouldn't be charging any more than 1hr of labor, but it shouldn't actually take them longer than 30 minutes.

Getting the alternator changed at the dealership is like letting them change your air filter for $50.

Here's a video showing the swap:

 

So I spoke with another Ford dealership (just down the road from the one my car is at.) They'll charge significantly less. $334/part and $120/labor = $454 - compared to the $670. I think I'll just bite the bullet and have my car towed (for free) to them and have it done.

 

I also found a small shop that supplies/repairs alternators. The shop seems to have pretty good reviews. He said he can supply a rebuilt alternator for $198 but he'll need to take the front housing of mine to accommodate the clutch pulley. Would this be a good idea or should I just take it to a Ford dealership for $454?

 

That's your call. I get the feeling you want as little effort as possible (not saying that as a bad thing). So in this case I'd say just go with the second dealership...It sounds more reasonable than the first one.

Buuuut...If you wanna turn a couple bolts, I still say aftermarket and change it yourself.

 

PA alternators have a fixed pulley but I guess you could swap the pulleys if you want. Either way I would replace it with a 2010 alternator. In 2010 Ford switched over to a triple phase alternator over the archaic single phase from the previous years. it will bolt right up and plug in fine.

 

You can always check the local bone yards to save a decent amount of change

 

try rockauto.com and DIY