Voltage Problems
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Voltage Problems
Just yesterday my '99 3.0L Ranger started giving my a problem that I'm having a hell of time diagnosing. It will randomly (meaning there is no pattern to it, and I havnt noticed anything that might be triggering it) will drop volts and make the battery light come on. It may stay like that for 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes....who knows, but then it will all the sudden jump back up to regular voltage and of course the battery light will then turn off. Its a fairly new alternator; I just put it on last summer. I took it to AutoZone and had them put their diagnostic machine on it, and it all checked out fine......good voltage, and amperage. Does anyone know whats goin on and how to fix it??
Thanks for any help,
Anthony
1999 Ranger, 3.0L, 188,000 miles
Thanks for any help,
Anthony
1999 Ranger, 3.0L, 188,000 miles
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
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From: SW Va
Kinda sounds like a diode or slipring/brush problem in the alternator.
Did they do the load test with everything in the vehicle????
If so & seeing as how the alternator has been messed with, check it's electrical connections for tightness & make sure they're clean.
Then check your serpentine belts condition & make sure there isn't any coolant ( like a weeping water pump seal) or oil on it, that could cause it to slip & the belt tensioner is ok & doing it's thing.
I believe the 3.0L has a tension gauge indicator on the tensioners casting, so you can determine if it's tension is within range.
Just some more thoughts for pondering.
Did they do the load test with everything in the vehicle????
If so & seeing as how the alternator has been messed with, check it's electrical connections for tightness & make sure they're clean.
Then check your serpentine belts condition & make sure there isn't any coolant ( like a weeping water pump seal) or oil on it, that could cause it to slip & the belt tensioner is ok & doing it's thing.
I believe the 3.0L has a tension gauge indicator on the tensioners casting, so you can determine if it's tension is within range.
Just some more thoughts for pondering.
