Okay, the on going saga of the Mustang that was possessed (i.e. shutting off whenever it felt like it) continues.

The mechanic who replaced the alternator is saying it's the wiring harness now, but more specifically the wiring that goes from the fuse box to the lights and battery, etc., so I'm not sure what that's actually called. He says the alternator was giving eradic charges and they had to replace it to continue checking for the problem, which was the wiring. He offered 10% discount towards this new charge. Bastard.

Questions: Can I install this myself? Do I need a manual and special tools? Can I buy a non-Ford part cheaper from a parts store? The cost from the garage is $295 for the wiring and $390 for labor.

Any suggestions?? I refuse to pay those @ssholes another penny.

390 bucks for labor sounds like it is a 4 hour job per book.  The book wouldnt give it a 4 hour time if it were as simple as unplugging the old an plugging in the new.  Either that or they are taking advantage of you :(

I have no clue what replacing that wiring would entail, but if it is supposed to take a certified mechanic that has done it before 4 hours, expect it to take twice as long for someone who hasnt done it before.

Very good point. They got me by the perverbial gonads I think. Thanks for the reality check, I appreciate it.

I sure do like this site. You guys have been most helpful. Thanks again to everyone.

SweetSally,

Wiring a Mustang. --  Painless Wiring - Sells the complete wiring kit for the Mustang.  It's not as complicated as most may think, just takes a little patience, careful reading and MORE than 4 hours for a regular joe (in ur case jane...hahaha).  --  They are colour coded, they supply ALL the wires you will EVER need (just remember to specify fuel injected or not - I suggest if you are going to take that route to call them up...they are also pretty good at helping out).

I use to be terrified of wiring until Painless came along.  I've done two cars, one Shelby Cobra Replica (with a carbed 351) and one Mustang (EFI).  <read twice, do once> --- 

As for special tools.....painless provides crimpers. 

Have you taken the car elsewhere <not the dealer, but a mustang place> for the problem?  --  you may want to do that, probably worth the $$.

Thanks guys. I tried to get the dude at the Ford shop to put the cost of the alternator towards this repair, and he won't.  So I said "Screw you guys, I'm going home." I'm picking up Sally tonight.

I called another garage, small town guy whose been around forever, and was told he specializes in electrical problems. So I'm taking her to him for a second opinion. I think this job is over my head, I don't have my tools anymore and don't have the $$ to buy new ones.

*sigh* Cars used to be so easy to work on. Points plugs n condenser, generators and alternators, starters and carbs, batteries and gas...a simple tool box and a pack of matches and you could fix almost anything. Well, at least you could keep it running *S*

SweetSally,

ahhh...the good ole times.   Probably why I don't buy new cars anymore.  I know what you mean.

Oh yeah, I remember being under the hood on Sat morning, grease up to my elbows, tweaking the carb or setting the gap on the plugs, trying to get a few more miles out of 'em. Now you have to know how to 'talk' to the car, hook her up to a machine to find out what's wrong.

What ever happened to visual inspections and common sense??

the EPA

390 bucks for labor sounds like it is a 4 hour job per book.  The book wouldnt give it a 4 hour time if it were as simple as unplugging the old an plugging in the new.  Either that or they are taking advantage of you :(

What ever happened to visual inspections and common sense??

Well this one is. She gets the best and has never left me without a ride.

Now I've had a few others (20 or so) that were definate bitches, the Kaiser Jeep was one, nasty old thing. I actually did name her The Bitch!!

yeah..it doesn't talk back*L*