ST220 Problem

[anonymous-user]

I'm struggling to determine how serious this one is.

Driving to a meeting today and I started to hear a loud low-pitched whining noise from the engine, strangely it sounded a lot like a cow moo-ing and it rose and fell directly with the revs. At the same time the dashboard seemed to have a minor heart attack and threw up a few warning lights (airbag and traction control I think), at which point the battery warning light came on - and has stayed on since then.

When I stopped the engine and re-started it the moo-ing noise stopped but the battery light is still showing. Normally I'd assume it was either the battery or alternator, but the bizarre engine noise at the same time is making me nervous. Does anybody know WTF is going on?

[Xtriple129]

Sounds like an alternator bearing has died. I am not an expert on these Fords but I have had this on other cars.

[GaryST220]

Does it sound like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itDRFbDFehw

[anonymous-user]

It was similar I suppose, but the sound was directly linked to the engine's revs.

[anonymous-user]

Garage reckons just the alternator, thank fk.