really ticked off

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 19, 2003 | 07:36 PM

56fordfool

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

really ticked off

alright everybody...here's the deal....I just got a new alternator, new battery and a new starter for my 90 Ranger. But my battery isn't getting a charge. I took the alternator to the store to test it...it checked out good. But something is drawing power from my battery and i can't find it!!! Any help would be appreciated!!!Thanks

Mar 19, 2003 | 08:21 PM

ka1cu

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 26

Likes: 0

really ticked off

well I don't have a answer for you but I can tell you what I would do.......get a voltmeter...measure the battery voltage with motor NOT running.........then start motor......should be about 12.5 volts NOT running and should be about 13.8 volts with motor running...this will tell you if the motor is getting charged......if something is drawing you need a amp meter in series with the battery and that should be minimal amperage don't know exactly but i would guess under 1/4 of an amp.Hope this helps mike

Mar 19, 2003 | 11:41 PM

mrwizard

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 2,205

Likes: 1

From: Vancouver WA

really ticked off

Battery not charging, and battery getting drained are different things. I would suggest the same thing as the previous post. If you don't have a volt meter I would highly recommend buying one. They come in handy for lots of things. Just make sure you get one that does both voltage and current (amps).

I'm sure someone will recommend getting the truck started and then pulling off one of the battery cables to see if it keeps running. I would stay away from that method if I were you. Too much of a risk to arc the cable and cause damage to the electronics with surges.