overcharged alternator

[redmeat]

I am thinking about buying a 99 expedition and the owner tell me that the alternator was overcharging and he continued to drive it. He said that then the lights bulbs blew out and now it does not shift from 2 to 3rd when in drive. It does shift all gears manually including 2 to 3rd. It was in 4wd when this happened and now the 4wd low light is on but it is not in 4wd and does not go into 4wd at all. No noises just nothing happens. Any idea? Could it be something, solenoid or relay got fried from the high charge? Thanks for your help. First post, hoping this is not a big fix.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Unless you're getting it for a steal or you're looking for a long term project I'd walk away. It sounds like it's going to be one of those projects where when one thing is fixed you're going to find two more problems.

 

[stamp11127]

If the output voltage was unregulated you take the chance of buying new electronics in the future due to the overvoltage. But if the alternator was regulated & stuck on charge then it only fries the battery.

Good that he/she was honest - bad that they didn't fix the problem. To me that indicates the level of preventative maintenance it has had - none.

 

[redmeat]

$600 and it needs new battery and brake lines plus tranny issues and everything else.

 

[Bedrck47]

sounds like something to walk (run) away from