98 Ranger battery indicator problem
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New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 13
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From: San Antonio USA
98 Ranger battery indicator problem
Last Thursday as I was driving my 1998 Ford Ranger, I noticed the battery indicator was lit. The battery guage was showing between low and normal. I didnt have any problems starting the truck and everything seemed to be running fine. I went out and purchased a new battery and installed it. The battery indicator light is still coming on and the battery is still showing between low and normal. Truck still starts fine. Sometimes the guage will move back into normal and the battery indicator will go off. But then it goes right back to between low and normal and the indicator comes back on. Any suggestions on what the problem could be? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 471
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From: Michigan
I hope the alternator isn't your problem, but it sounds very similar to my recent experience and that was my problem. I didn't have a light or anything, but my truck was doing pretty much the same thing. Check out my thread if you want the details. You can get your alternator tested at a parts store (or a Haynes or Chilton's manual has a test if you've got some tools and a multimeter), but I wouldn't be surprised if it's the alternator going bad in yours too. You might also check the battery cables and ground.
Oh and a simple test my friend told me about to see if your alternator is working... start the truck, then disconnect the battery. The alternator should keep the truck running after the initial start. Good luck!
Oh and a simple test my friend told me about to see if your alternator is working... start the truck, then disconnect the battery. The alternator should keep the truck running after the initial start. Good luck!
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
Start it up and connect your voltmeter to the battery, if the alt is OK you should see around 14 volts.
I read someplace that on these newer electronic marvels removing a batt cable can cook the alt, so I wold'nt try that.
I read someplace that on these newer electronic marvels removing a batt cable can cook the alt, so I wold'nt try that.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 471
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From: Michigan
87XLT, you're exactly right. Especially if your stereo is on in the vehicle, disconnecting the battery can cause voltage spikes that have the potential to fry your system. Sorry for the misinformation! I'll be setting my buddy straight on that tonight. A better test would be to park by a wall with your headlights on at night and note the brightness, then turn the motor off. The lights should get dimmer. If they don't, it means the alternator isn't working sufficiently.
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KsHighboy
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