Some History First: In March after a bench test on the original alternator told me it was toast I replaced the alternator. Bought a new battery also so all was solid.

About 4 or 5 weeks ago the hand brake light and battery light would flash on occasionally after about 20 minutes of the car running. This became more frequent and the lights would stay on longer over time. Pulled the new alternator for a bench test which showed the unit in perfect condition. The battery also tested good.

This week the power windows stopped working, power antenna, blower for heat and AC all stopped working but the car started and directional, brake lights, headlights and running lights all work?

Driving on the highway after filling up the car with gas, everything is running smoothly. About 20 minutes into the drive I notice the MPH reads I'm traveling at 30 MPH but I know I'm around 55 to 60 MPH......then joining the brake/battery lights I see the low fuel light come on plus the SRS airbag light. Now the fun begins, the engine starts to lose power and fade with a bucking. Then recovers and performs normal this all happens within a mile and 3/4 of the exit I need. I'm able to make it to the exit ramp and the apron of the ramp where the engine and the whole process stops. No codes have ever come up during this whole adventure. Tried to read for diagnostic codes this morning and the message is user error check your connection.

I have been through quite a few episodes with Peugeot's, Fords, Mercury's, Toyota's but to go from a great running vehicle with a new suspension put in about two weeks ago to this? I'm not sure what the hell happened?

After reading some other treads on this site it sounds similar but not exactly like some Montero issues. The common denominator is the 3.5 Liter engine. Any insight would be much appreciated. My perception prior to this week was the car was running great with new tires, suspension and BAM.....now what? Thanks Tom

 

is that alternator a factory one?? if not i have seen many issues caused by faulty ones, mostly ones that have been replaced with an aftermarket one. what usually happens is, the diodes inside the alternator are not rated high enough in amperage and the voltage regulator charges intermittently due to false readings due to faulty diodes. that would make your battery light and brake light come on intermittently because its not charging like it should. the electrical system in that car has to maintain 12volts or wacky things can happen as you describe. wouldnt surprise me if the car cut off. your new alternator can fool you and show charging when tested, but under normal operations in the vehicle can act up. seen this happen on that model and a few others. the factory one is expensive, but you see the alternative. its cheap for a reason.