i knew I was getting hosed.
I had kidney stones going and it was about -15F last week. I just wanted it done.
Then the starter went. .... .... .... .... ....
..last round of folly, I got the lifetime warranty starter. ...at a different dealer - so - better, so I went back to them. They checked the alternator (batteries, lifetime warrany, weren't charging - one of them tested bad the other - good, no lifetime warranty on the alternator). The last time I got batteries I asked this non-branded shop to go and get me Motorcraft with 3 year unlimited warranty. The warranty was going to be over in February. FoMoCo gave me one new battery free. I bought the other one new for peace of mind. I got the new alternator as lifetime warranty.
They cleaned all the connections and replaced bolts in the terminals etc. Parts were $500.00 for the stuff not under warranty.
LABOR WAS ONLY $100.00
I don't know if I'll own it for another 3 years for the batteries. The charging light that was on on the dash for 6 years (diagnosed as un-diagnose-able) magically went out. It's in the thirties for temp this week - maybe rain on Christmas. I'm thinking it should start well when the -20F stuff comes through.