Just a question in general about the electrical system. My dashboard indicator for the battery stays on, even though I've had the battery and alternator checked, and they both are putting out the proper amperage and voltage. Any ides?
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Welcome to the site Bobby. I will promise not to call you Bobby if you will tell us year and engine, please. Older vehicles power went to the lite and found ground in the voltage regulator,(lite on). When alternator started to charge the ground in the regulator became 12volts. A bulb with 12 volts to both sides and no ground is off. Hope this helps. Really need year and engine.
highjack Well instead of asking this exact same question I'll Highjack the thread, since the OP never responded with his year and motor, I'll respond with mine. you can call me bobby if it makes this light go away. 1995 Ranger w/ 2.3L 4cyl. and 5spd manual. 137,xxx miles. The battery light comes on and off, sometimes flickers. makes me think bad connection. the battery cables look old and they have those "fancy" clamp on style terminals...so figure those should be swapped out first and foremost. The alternator and battery were checked by local Autozone.
Haven't had the experience myself, but do believe the alternator is at fault. Other forums talk of the brushes bouncing at higher RPM's, thus causing the alt to charge intermittently. Would be interesting to have a voltmeter connected to monitor voltage during the light illumination event. Either way, an indicator problem or a charge problem, its pointing towards the alternator.
I've been noticing that sometimes just sitting at a stop light it will come on...but its very sporadic. Guess I"ll just wait for an issue. I'm not going to start throwing parts at it quite yet. I have a voltmeter...but lack the knowledge on how to use it. which settings would I put it @ to watch the Alternator?
OK got an alternator question... bench tested at O'reilleys good... believe them as I bought a new one and they tested the old and bought the new one back. Tested Battery... it charges on charger just fine...... but put the two together in the truck and NO CHARGE.... wiriing harness just replaced... 1997 ranger 2.3 4 cylinder XLT
