The alternator in your Ford Taurus charges the battery and provides power to all of the electrical components in your car. Without the alternator, your Taurus would not run because the power steering and even the electronic fuel injection system would not work. When the alternator starts to fail or malfunctions, you'll need to know how to check the alternator. Fortunately, Ford uses an integrated diagnostic system that can quickly tell you if there is a problem with the alternator. Once you've confirmed that there is a problem, you can have the component replaced.
Pull down on the fuse panel cover under the steering column to remove it.
Locate the fuse for the alternator using the fuse diagram located on the underside of the fuse panel cover.
Pull the fuse for the alternator using the fuse puller in the fuse panel.
Check the metallic strip inside the fuse. If the metallic strip is burned or broken, then you'll need to replace the fuse with a new fuse of the same amperage.
Start your Ford Taurus' engine. If a red light in the shape of a battery comes on and stays lit, then your alternator is malfunctioning and is about to fail. The alternator for your Taurus uses an integrated voltage regulator on the alternator, which is what typically fails. When this happens, your system will either overcharge or undercharge the system. Either way, the alternator needs to be replaced.
