Parts for your Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Alternators
Buy Ford Explorer alternators online from 14 units for 1997-2019 SUVs, priced from $86.98 to $262.98. Brands include Pure Energy, SKP, Bosch, Powermaster, AC Delco and BBB Industries. Fitment is listed by engine, VIN code and output, covering the 4.0L V6, 4.6L and 5.0L V8 and the 3.5L V6.
Year
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Engine, VIN code and amps
Explorer alternators change with each generation: 1997-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 and 2011-2019. Within each, the engine is the main selector. Listings here split the 4.0L V6 by VIN code E or K, and by OHV or SOHC, and list the 4.6L V8, 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 separately.
Output matters too. Several 4.0L units are 130 amp, and earlier catalogs also show 95 and 115 amp versions. Read the label on your old alternator. The Explorer Sport and Sport Trac are separate applications, so do not mix them with the SUV. Police and heavy electrical packages can need a different unit.
Warning signs on an Explorer
Look for a battery light on the dash, headlights or dash lights that dim or flicker, slow windows and a battery that keeps going flat. Left unchecked, the Explorer can stall once the battery runs out.
A whine or grind that rises with engine speed often means worn alternator bearings. A squeal is more often the serpentine belt. A dead battery alone does not prove the alternator failed. Test the battery, output voltage, cables and grounds before you order.
Swapping the alternator
Disconnect the negative battery cable before you touch the main output cable. Release the serpentine belt tensioner, slip the belt off the pulley, unplug the wiring and remove the mounting bolts. Some engines need intake tubing moved for access.
Compare the new unit with the old one before you install it. Check the pulley groove count, plug and mounting points. Replace the belt if it is cracked, glazed or oily. After the job, recheck belt routing and confirm charging voltage. Test the battery too, since a weak one can strain a new alternator.
More about alternators
Read our alternators buying guide for how the part works and what to look for in any vehicle.
Explorer questions
What amp alternator does a 4.0L Explorer need?
It depends on the year, VIN code and equipment. Several 4.0L V6 listings here are 130 amp, but earlier Explorers also used lower ratings. Match the rating on your original alternator label.
Does the Explorer Sport Trac use the same alternator as the Explorer?
Do not assume so. Sport Trac and Explorer Sport are separate catalog applications. Choose a listing that names your exact model, engine and year, and compare the plug and pulley with your old unit.
How can I tell if my Explorer alternator or battery is bad?
Have both tested. Measure charging voltage with the engine running and load test the battery. A weak battery, loose cable or bad ground can mimic a failing alternator.