What Does a Bad Alternator Sound Like??? #alternator #short #diode #noise #diagnosis #stator

I noticed a familiar sound while working on this car. My tested showed that there was an internal short in the alternator. Likely a shorted diode or stator. I don't know how many of you are familiar with this sound but if you can recognize it, it can save a lot of time in diagnosing a faulty alternator. This on was a little bit difficult to discern due to the alternator being under the car. Much easier when the alternator is on top and you can easily lay a hand on it. Usually if the noise is pretty loud you can also feel a matching vibration in the housing. The vehicle I was working on was a 2002 Thunderbird. My intention in doing this video was to point out the noise and not to recommend disconnecting the alternator harness without knowing the alternator operations and possible consequences. For instance I would not recommend disconnecting the harness while the ignition is on with a computer controlled alternator. Always read and understand the manufactures service information before working on any vehicle.