2000 Alternator issue
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2000 Alternator issue
Got a 2000 Ranger, V6 Flex, Manual. Anybody know what would cause the (+) connection on the alternator to 'melt' and become disconnected (this is is the wire which connects back to the battery). The wire 'melted' at the connector to the alternator. I'm hoping that it was a only a short in alternator causing the battery to quickly dischage through that connection verses bigger electrical issue. Common problem??
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Like Ken, seems to me it's likely some kind of internal alternator problem, as it should have blown a inline fuseable link if it were downstream from the alternator!!!!
I'd pull the alternator & have a no cost bench test done, at your favorite autoparts store.
If it checks out ok, then you'll have to look further downstream for the problem.
Using a multimeter to check for shorts on the B+ line & if you have a blown inline fuseable link. These could provide clues as to how far you'll have to probe.
I've found a 12 vot test light & battery charger, with a analog amp meter & inline circuit breaker, set on a low state of charge, say two amps, can be used to test out the B+ wiring for shorts, or continuity, if you don't have a multimeter.
Let us know what you find, as this isn't a common problem as far as I have heard.
I'd pull the alternator & have a no cost bench test done, at your favorite autoparts store.
If it checks out ok, then you'll have to look further downstream for the problem.
Using a multimeter to check for shorts on the B+ line & if you have a blown inline fuseable link. These could provide clues as to how far you'll have to probe.
I've found a 12 vot test light & battery charger, with a analog amp meter & inline circuit breaker, set on a low state of charge, say two amps, can be used to test out the B+ wiring for shorts, or continuity, if you don't have a multimeter.
Let us know what you find, as this isn't a common problem as far as I have heard.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,245
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It could have been some corrosion that ate away at the terminal and what bit of it was left wasn't making enough contact to support the load of the electrical system without overheating. The power wire to my Mustang's alternator was melted in a couple of spots due to corrosion inside the in-line connector between the alternator and starter relay. Ford has a habit of using too small cabling and connectors going to/from the alternator. When you fix the wiring, run a 6 gauge cable from the alternator to the starter relay terminal, eliminate the factory fusable link and install a heavy duty 175 amp fuse.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Good find fix & fedback on the alternator!!
Good to hear your back on the road & charging norally.
I hope you recharged the battery slowly with a good charger, & aren't letting the new alternator do it, as that can over work the new alternator & put too many amps into the battery, over heating it & causing the plates to warp, boil the electrolite & otherwise do bad things that'll shorten the battery & alternators life.
So be sure to do a proper, nice & slow, battery recharging cycle, before you drive it!!!!
Good to hear your back on the road & charging norally.
I hope you recharged the battery slowly with a good charger, & aren't letting the new alternator do it, as that can over work the new alternator & put too many amps into the battery, over heating it & causing the plates to warp, boil the electrolite & otherwise do bad things that'll shorten the battery & alternators life.
So be sure to do a proper, nice & slow, battery recharging cycle, before you drive it!!!!
