1999 Mercury Grand Marquis. Consumer writes in regards to defective alternator. The consumer stated on May 29, 2012, he purchased a re-built alternator from a local parts store and installed it himself. The alternator failed on July 16, 2012, while in a parking lot. The consumer stated the started solenoid clicked, but the engine would not turn over. After getting a jump, the vehicle would run for about 30 seconds after the cable was disconnected. The consumer returned the alternator to the parts store to have it tested, in which it did fail. The consumer purchased another alternator and once it was installed, the vehicle ran for only 30 seconds after the jumper cables were disconnected, as the previous alternator. The consumer then purchased a voltage meter and the alternator was putting out 11 volts, instead of 14 volts, which was normal.

- Dendron, VA, USA