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Alternator?


Super ranger 01

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Mar 7, 2019
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Location
Cumberland Co.Tn
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford ranger
Transmission
Automatic
Hey guys. I just have a quick question maybe one of y'all can ask for me. I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 4.0 four-wheel drive I have now went through two batteries the alternator is charging but seems to be a low charge that it keeps until it kills the battery totally... is there a reason why the alternator is keeping such a low charge on the batteries or do I do just need to replace the alternator?
 


Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
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41N 75W
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2.3 (4 Cylinder)
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2WD / 4WD
2WD
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It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
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Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
Need numbers.

What is the battery voltage with the truck off? Should be 12.5v - 12.8v, any lower and the battery is low. Needs a charge or is dead.

Once the truck starts voltage should shoot up to around 14.5v then slowly settle down to around 13.5v after 10-15 minutes. Test these 3 voltages directly at the battery. Then test these 3 voltages again but attach the positive lead of your dmm to the alternator battery feed b+ and the negative lead to the alternator case. The numbers should match both ways, if not you have a bad wire or ground issue. If they are low on both tests, alternator is most likely failing.

Also may want to check for a parasitic draw. Something could simply be constantly draining your battery slowly. A stuck relay, dome light not shutting off, shorted radio circuit etc.
 

Super ranger 01

New Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2019
Messages
29
Reaction score
3
Points
3
Location
Cumberland Co.Tn
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford ranger
Transmission
Automatic
Need numbers.

What is the battery voltage with the truck off? Should be 12.5v - 12.8v, any lower and the battery is low. Needs a charge or is dead.

Once the truck starts voltage should shoot up to around 14.5v then slowly settle down to around 13.5v after 10-15 minutes. Test these 3 voltages directly at the battery. Then test these 3 voltages again but attach the positive lead of your dmm to the alternator battery feed b+ and the negative lead to the alternator case. The numbers should match both ways, if not you have a bad wire or ground issue. If they are low on both tests, alternator is most likely failing.

Also may want to check for a parasitic draw. Something could simply be constantly draining your battery slowly. A stuck relay, dome light not shutting off, shorted radio circuit etc.
Ok...thanks dirtman..i can always count on u guys havin great info
 

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