Battery Lights on
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Union Grove Wis
Battery Lights on
First off I have a 1996 Ford Ranger 4.0 4x4 auto XLT Crew Cab
What my problem is the battery light is on and when I take the battery terminals off the truck stays running and the light go's out.But when I reconnect them the light comes back on and seems to be running off the battery. Also if I don't start it every couple of days the battery goes dead Any and all help would be greatly appreciated THANKS
What my problem is the battery light is on and when I take the battery terminals off the truck stays running and the light go's out.But when I reconnect them the light comes back on and seems to be running off the battery. Also if I don't start it every couple of days the battery goes dead Any and all help would be greatly appreciated THANKS
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Battery light usually (indirectly) means an alternator or charging issue. Check for adequate charging voltage at the terminals around 2500 RPM with lights and accessories on, while under load.
Probably have a couple things going on. The battery going dead may be an indication of a parasitic or "phantom" load on the battery, sort of like a light left on, but different in that it isn't obvious. It's also possible the battery is worn out or defective and will no longer hold a charge. YouTube has some decent DIY video instruction on troubleshooting a parasitic draw if this is part of the problem.
In situations like this it's important to find the source of the trouble for certain, because a defective battery can damage a good alternator, and a defective alternator can damage a good battery. Have both battery and alternator tested if necessary, use your best judgment on the battery, even if it tests OK a five year old battery is probably in many cases suspect. Cables and grounds at engine block and firewall are important and often overlooked.
Probably have a couple things going on. The battery going dead may be an indication of a parasitic or "phantom" load on the battery, sort of like a light left on, but different in that it isn't obvious. It's also possible the battery is worn out or defective and will no longer hold a charge. YouTube has some decent DIY video instruction on troubleshooting a parasitic draw if this is part of the problem.
In situations like this it's important to find the source of the trouble for certain, because a defective battery can damage a good alternator, and a defective alternator can damage a good battery. Have both battery and alternator tested if necessary, use your best judgment on the battery, even if it tests OK a five year old battery is probably in many cases suspect. Cables and grounds at engine block and firewall are important and often overlooked.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
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From: Kansas
Find if your vehicle has a good battery or if your vehicle has a parasitic draw.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Second, the vehicle is meant to run off of the battery voltage, not what the alternator is trying to output.
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aviatorcal
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Feb 23, 2013 09:16 AM
