when i crank up my 1996 ranger, there is a loud whining noise--like it's idled too high, but i don't think that's the problem. I don't notice the noise so much on the highway. Any help/advice/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I had a '99 Ranger, if the noise changes with rpm, it could be the power steering pump. Those things are noisy on the ranger's. If ou have a 4-banger, check the cover over the timing gear at the top of the engine , in front of the valve cover, mine was rubbing.

 

thanks travlnman for the suggestions. mine's a 6 cylinder. I've been told that the whining noise could be the alternator. any ideas?

 

When you step on the gas, in park, does the winning noise get faster and louder as the belt spins faster around the alternator, or does the wining sound stay constant?

 

Do you have a system hooked up? Mine does it because the remote wire is too close to the power. I actually have 2 remote wires and 2 powers, and 1800 watts total. They call it alternator whine, which is solved very easily by rerouting that remote wire(s)!!!

Garrett

 

No system in THIS truck, but don't they sell noise reducing filter resistors to get rid of that electrical whine?

 

rchilds30096,

I have no specific ideas on the v6, but all ford power steering pumps tend to be louder than other makers. If the sound is mechanical , then maybe steering pump, water pump or alternator, even idler pulley bearing. If it's in your speaker's, then you can go to radio shack or any local stereo shop and get a filter kit to stop the noise. All it really is , is a capacitor wired in line with the power wire to filter "noise" . That's a little over simplified, but I'm a simple person.