2021 OB alternator replacment

[stimwhistle]

I have a 2021 OB with 120000 miles. The alternator has locked up and needs replaced. Ford shows I need the GL9026 which is $1154 and on back order. This one has the 110 power converter. Can I replace it with the GL8990 alternator without the 110 converter. I know I will lose that power outlet (I never use it). Is there any other functionality I would lose?

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[Quashish]

hard to say these modern vehicles are more computer than machine

 

[Rogerthat898]

It looks like Rockauto has it.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2021,bronco+sport,1.5l+l3+turbocharged,3447155,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

 

[cprcubed]

Dang! I'm glad I have one without the 110V! If I ever need that capability, I'll just use an inverter. Cheers!

 

[sajohnson]

It looks like Rockauto has it.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2021,bronco+sport,1.5l+l3+turbocharged,3447155,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

Wha?! ?

~$395 (~$320 after core refund) for the GL89990 isn't bad, but $820 for the GL9026 -- not to mention Ford's price of $1154(!!) -- is insane.

As Patrick said, "Dang! I'm glad I have one without the 110V! If I ever need that capability, I'll just use an inverter."

Exactly.

When pricing gets this stupid I feel like I'm missing something. Why wouldn't Ford simply use an inverter? That's what RV mfrs (and I assume most other auto mfrs) do. It goes without saying that carmakers are very competitive. They are highly focused on cost -- which is why many parts have been deleted from the BS since 2021.

With that in mind, there is no way Ford (or any competitor) would use an alternator that costs ~$400+ more than the base unit when a cheap inverter could do the same (or better) for MUCH less -- <$50.

 

[Dude]

Dang! I'm glad I have one without the 110V! If I ever need that capability, I'll just use an inverter. Cheers!

Do all Bronco Sports not have the 110V inverter? (150W inverter for the 1.5L models and 400W inverter for the 2.0L models) (you have a Big Bend which I thought had the 150W 110V inverter but maybe you are referring to something else)

 

[Mark S.]

With that in mind, there is no way Ford (or any competitor) would use an alternator that costs ~$400+ more than the base unit when a cheap inverter could do the same (or better) for MUCH less -- <$50.

I believe the rear 110 outlet is rated at 400 watts. That requires nearly 40 amps at 12 vdc. You could wire an inexpensive 400 watt inverter to your battery (a typical 12v cigarette lighter outlet won’t pass that many amps), but your alternator would have to support both the car engine’s needs and the inverter. I suspect the alternator in use includes a voltage regulator and control system offering variable power output to support the BMS. It might be worth the additional cost if it worked properly, but the evidence so far suggests it does not.

 

[RSH]

Normaly you don't think about having to replace an alternator so when it happens it catches you off guard and not prepared.
For a little perspective, these days a set of name brand tires for the Sport cost about the same as the GL9026 alternator price and the tires wont last as long.
The Op did get 120000 miles out of it, that's in the window when the more costly maintenance items typically start coming into play.

Another option is there are independent shops out there that rebuild alternators, I have used them back in the day to upgrade the output of alternators to power crazy automotive stereo and lighting systems, they were much less costly than purchasing a new factory high output alternator.

 

[NMhunter]

In the old days I rebuilt an alternator or two. It turned out that the main problem was a $1 diode that burned out. I'm not sure about modern alternators, but I know the dealer is probably the most expensive place to get it repaired.

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