some weird electrical prob....

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Aug 2, 2004 | 07:46 PM

DUKEIN

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some weird electrical prob....

electrical problems ....
<HR style="COLOR: #666666" SIZE=1>1988 Ford Ranger 2.3L, discharges battery overnight. Replaced battery with new, still discharges overnight. Installed newly charged battery, recorded voltage via DVM(some 12ish volts), start engine then rev motor, gets additional 2-3volts. Removed + terminal of the battery (engine still running), wiper ran crazy/uncontrollably. Installed back + term. wiper stopped. Just bought this truck from someone. Does anyone knows where the fusebox located? Is it under the dash? I don't see it on the engine compartment.

any ideas

Aug 2, 2004 | 08:08 PM

Dealford

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Belleville, Ontario

The fuse panel inside the truck should be under the dash and have a black plastic cover on it. There's another one under the hood called the power distribution box.
AL.

Aug 3, 2004 | 02:19 PM

87 XLT

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: SoCal

Remove the negative cable from the battery & connect a 12 volt bulb between the cable and negative post on the battery. With EVERYTHING turned of does the bulb shine brightly? If it does, pull fuses/relays til it goes dim.

Aug 3, 2004 | 05:57 PM

DUKEIN

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Thanks for all the replies.

When i bought the truck, i have noticed hesitation whenever i tried the horn. Battery discharged when i used a Halogen lamp via Cigarette Lighther while the truck isn't running, from that point on battery discharges overnight.

Anyways, just located the fusepanel under the dash (driver's side) this morning. I will try removing cigar/horn fuse then the winshield washer/wiper and see if it helps. Any other advise?

Aug 3, 2004 | 08:08 PM

65CJ5

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Joined: Feb 2004

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I read elsewhere on this forum that a bad regulator can drain a battery overnight. Do a search on regulators and you may find more detailed info on how to check it in your particular truck.

Aug 8, 2004 | 06:52 PM

DUKEIN

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Finally!

Found out that one of regulator's output (Zener diode) had resistance which pose as a load when battery is connected.

Thanks to all who replied!