2006 Lincoln Town Car Bad alternator and dead battery

KEYLARGOKEN

MEMBER
2006 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
36,000 MILES

I recently took my '06 Lincoln Town Car to the dealer for an oil change. This was a certified used car that I bought 3 months ago and had put only 300 miles on the odometer when the 'change oil' light came on. They did the usual free '29 point inspection', which among other things indicated that the condition of the battery was 100%. I left the dealer and drove 1/2 mile to the local supermarket. When I tried to start the car, the battery was dead. I got a jump, drove 1/2 mile back to the dealer, they checked the electrical system and replaced the alternator and the battery. When I first left the dealer after the oil change, the 'change oil' light immediately came on and there was a chime that I had not heard previously when the 'change oil' light came on.
Although the vehicle is still under warranty and the repairs were free, I am curious and concerned about what might have happened. Is it a coincidence that the previously good battery and alternator went bad immediately after the battery was checked, and, if not, what other damage may have occurred that may show up in the future?

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

According to a guy I know that was with a used car division at a dealership there is a process the incoming car go through. They are looked over and the technician writes up the concerns on a car assuming he is thorough. The manager looks over the items and selects what things will be fixed and what won't be. That car may have come in with that problem and it wqas missed. Or it had gone bad after it was looked at. I'd guess the former.
A change oil light reset can be missed especially if it isn't illuminated at the time of the oil change. I've missed my share.

The car is a machine and repairs and maintenence will always be needed. What will go wrong? A crystall ball might be needed, lol. IF you budget 10-20 cents per mile you drive, that should covers the upcoming unknown expenses.

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Sunday, June 28th, 2009 AT 9:01 AM

KEYLARGOKEN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for your email, but it doe not answer the specific question as to whether the battery and alternator failure immediately following servicing is a reasonable coincidence or was it more likely caused by an incorrectly done test that blew out the battery and alternator? And if it was from an incorrectly done test, what other damage might have occurred to the electrical and/or computer system?

Thank you.
Faith Randall

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Sunday, June 28th, 2009 AT 12:25 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

I can elaborate more. I have seen things happen that if I did not witness them I would have not believed it. So yes it is reasonable.

I don't any testing the would leave you with a either being bad. A low charged battery will cuase excessive strain on an alternater and cause it to fail. If it was on the lot a while and it wasn't ever fully charged it could have pushed both over the edge.

I find Morotcraft batteries generally can last 7-9 years. But have seen them fail in 2. On average 5 years is an approximation on a normal situation.

Had the posts beeen reversed if it was jumped, you would have possibly cause problems with the PCM, but would have known pretty quick.

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Sunday, June 28th, 2009 AT 8:11 PM

KEYLARGOKEN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you very much for your response. Your information is greatly appreciated. Just for your records, I donated $5 initially, and then $5 just now.I kept my last car 12 years ('96 Mercury) and would like to do the same with this one so your info was very reassuring.

Have a good day!

Many thanks!

Faith

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Monday, June 29th, 2009 AT 10:54 AM

SERVICE WRITER