Static electric shock

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Jan 25, 2004 | 06:03 PM

robthai92

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: springfield, va

Static electric shock

I get a static electric shock everytime I exit my Ranger. I've only just purchased it ('98 XLT) and so I do not know if this will also be the case in the warmer months. The battery is brand new (dealer installed before I bought it). Any suggestions on how to diagnosis this issue? Thanks in advance.

Jan 25, 2004 | 06:46 PM

Richard4447

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During the winter months, I get shocked from my Ranger, F-250 and Civic. I also get shocked at work touching computers, TV, DVD, doors and my lunch.

Its a curse!!!

I actually carry around a pocket knife, hold it tight and touch object to discharge my body before I touch things. My co-workers laugh everytime they hand me something and I jerk my hand back due to the POP sound and shock.

Jan 25, 2004 | 08:47 PM

maticuno

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From: California Desert

I have the same truck you do and I am always getting zapped by that thing. It is because at no time while in the cab do you ever touch any metal that is grounded. Sitting on that cloth seat bouncing around builds up quite a charge that isn't released until you touch the frame when exiting. I'm still working on trying to put some grounded metal on a place I am always touching while driving so I can be constantly discharging that static buildup. But yes, it is a common problem and it really isn't something to be concerned about. I'll post a solution to this thread if I ever do find an easy fix for this.

Jan 25, 2004 | 10:19 PM

jfarmer

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From: King William, VA

I have a 96 ranger and my uncle has a 94 ranger and we both get that good ole static electric shock. Its just the winter months, I use the end of my jacket to shut the door when i get out of it now.

Jan 25, 2004 | 11:09 PM

AG4.0

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From: York, NE

It's common with any vehicle, espscially with cloth seats, but I even get it with the fiance's Aurora. I have heard the static charge can be dangerous if you are refuelling and you don't discharge the shock before putting the pump nozzle in the tank. I guess it can cause a spark when the nozzle of the pump touches the metel where you fill your tank and can cause an explosion. I read an article on it once but don't remember where or the details, just that it can and sometimes does happen. So, when your gassing up, feeling that little shock can be a good thing.

Jan 25, 2004 | 11:22 PM

maticuno

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From: California Desert

Yes, the shock can start gas fires when refueling. The spark can ignite the vapors that come out when you fill up your tank. And I can't say that it is common with any vehicle. All of our old Chevy's you don't have that problem because every friggin thing in the cab is metal so you are always discharging the static buildup. Even my 77 Toyota never got me because the stick shift was metal, and not coated with rubber. I'm toying with the idea of running a small copper wire onto the gear shift and grounding it somewhere so that I am always in contact with a ground. If I go through with it I'll let you know what happens.

Jan 26, 2004 | 06:07 AM

seangoodwin

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From: Morgantown, WV

EASY solution

Here is the quick and easy fix that has and does work for me. Go to the supermarket and buy yourself a can of STATIC GUARD. It's in the laundry aisle. Just keep it in your truck and spray it on the seats once a week during the winter (I never get a static charge in the summer). And hey, if your skirt sticks to your pantyhose, you are covered. Ha Ha Ha.

As for the electric spark starting fires, just have a good look at the fuel pump the next time you are at the gas station. All the ones around here post a big warning that tell you to touch your door BEFORE you touch the gas pump and to Never get back in your vehicle while refueling.