Alternator replacement on 97 Ranger
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Yeah, which engine is this,
BTW, before I went to all the trouble of replacing the alternator I would take a quick look to be sure that the "Generator/voltage regulator" fuse was not blown.
Edit, regardless of the engine, there should be a sticker under the hood that shows how to release the tensioner.
About a year ago PawPaw & I were working with a guy who had replaced the alternator on a 97 Explorer, but it still would'nt charge.
The guy found that the fuse that I mentioned was blown.
As the old saying goes: "test dont guess."
BTW, before I went to all the trouble of replacing the alternator I would take a quick look to be sure that the "Generator/voltage regulator" fuse was not blown.
Edit, regardless of the engine, there should be a sticker under the hood that shows how to release the tensioner.
About a year ago PawPaw & I were working with a guy who had replaced the alternator on a 97 Explorer, but it still would'nt charge.
The guy found that the fuse that I mentioned was blown.
As the old saying goes: "test dont guess."
Last edited by 87 XLT; Aug 23, 2007 at 12:52 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
If you have the 2.3 4 cyl. the tensioner is on the right/passenger side in the area just behind the lower right corner of the radiator. Over time the tensioner can wear out, losing its ability to flex, and that can affect performance of the belt. I'd also look at how all the pulleys are turning and the condition of the belt before I'd yank the alternator. They are pretty reliable.
