02 ranger with problems with amp draw
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02 ranger with problems with amp draw
My 2002 ranger has had problems for the past week. To set the stage the A/C froze up last week on Monday. I didn't think much of it and turned it off. The next day Tuesday the battery was dead. I charged it up enough to get to the store and bought a new one. Thursday morning the new battery was dead again. I then charged it again and started looking for the real problem. I then found that with the key off, the battery has a 4.5 amp draw. I then pulled each fuse individually trying to make the meter go to zero amp draw so I could ID the problem. I never made the meter read zero. I then pulled the connections to the alternator. I still had the problem. I did notice that the electric clutch on the A/C compressor pulls in as you connect the battery. I thought this was the problem, but when I disconnected the compressor I still had the amp draw of 4.5 amps. PLEASE HELP I don't know what to do next. This truck has a 4.0 liter engine and a automatic transmission. I have also just found out that if I disconnect the 10 gauge wire from the alternator and leave the battery connected I get the same amp draw at the loop on the wire?? If anyone knows wat that means let me know. Troy troyandsusan@bluemarble.net
Last edited by 257robertsimp; Jul 1, 2007 at 02:24 PM.
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The meter won't read zero, as there are kep alive memories in things like the computer, radio, clock, but it shouldn't read any where near 4 amps, more like 50ma.
What does it read with the key off, all lights off & the hood down, or the under hood lamp disabled & doors closed????
What does it read with the alternators large B+ lead disconnected?????
What does it read with the key off, all lights off & the hood down, or the under hood lamp disabled & doors closed????
What does it read with the alternators large B+ lead disconnected?????
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I have the amp draw with and without the large lead connected to the alternator. I also jacked the truck up and tested the starter. I have no amp draw there. I don't know what system would draw this much amperage if it was left on. i realize there will be minimal amp draw from the radio and such, but 4.5 is high enough to drain the battery in less than 24 hours.
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From: pensacola,fl
Originally Posted by Pablo-UA
You may probably have problems with alternator. Try to disconnect it and check the draw. one ore more diodes may be damaged.
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From: Montana
You may want to look for a chafed wire. I had a problem of not charging this summer, found a soddered joint had come loose. The insulation was worn out also. Try wiggling wires and see if that changes the amp draw.
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I just had a dead battery issue like you have. It was a relay under the hood. The box it is in is under the hood near the brake master cylinder. Your A/C clutch will use almost 2 amps, given that your A/C just froze up I would suspect the A/C clutch relay in that box is stuck in the energized position. Pull the relay and watch your ammeter. If it's not it, try pulling the others one at a time and watch your meter. You can also check the relays with an ohmeter. If you look on the side of the relay it has a schematic. Most of the relays you are looking for infinity ohms between 3 and 5 when deenergized. My stuck relay was for something different and drew a lot less current than yours is doing, it would still kill the battery overnight.
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