I have a 2005 ranger 3.0l 6 cylinder.I have a problem with the battery going dead.I checked the battery with the test light.I took the negative battery cable off and clipped one end of the test light to the negative cable and the other end to the negative battery post and the light stays lit with everything turned off.I started to pull all of the fuses one by one to see if the light turns off but it does not.So does that mean the fuse panel is bad,also I hear a clicking noise in the fuse panel in fuse #11 which is labeled the smart junction box.If anybody has any other Ideas I would appreciate the help.Also the fuse panel with the clicking noise coming out of is the interior fuse panel.

 

Welcome to FTE.

Good troubeshooting so far.

The computer, clock & radio station memory are drawing current all the time, so there is always some curent draw from the battery, so did the intensity of the test light brightness change by a larger amount, during the fuse pulling scenario?????

If so, then back up to that fuses circuit & investigate the items on it.

If you don't have a battery saver, interior lights that don't cut off, or faulty aftermarket equiptment or maybe even leaky or shorted alternator diodes belong on your suspect list.

So you might try disconnecting the alternator & see what happens.

Also don't forget, if you have a door open, or a under hood engine bay light, when you have the hood up, or door open it's light will be on & drawing current, so that could muddy your test water some.

Also If the under hood light isn't turnng off when you close the hood, that will be a constant source of current drain.

You might consider running this puppy by your favorite autoparts store, for a no cost electrical system checkup, via their in vehicle portable electrial system tester.

When used by an experienced operator, It can properly load test all the electrical systems components for excessive parasitic drain, like leaky or shorted alternator regulator diodes, or battery cells, or other faulty electrical components.

Have you added any aftermarket electrical items????

Another thought, Is this vehicle still under warranty????
if so, then make it the Dealers & Fords problem, as you've already paid big bucks for that warranty, let it do it's thing!!!!

Just some more thoughts for pondering, let us know what you find.

 

Thanks for getting back to me.I did not even think about checking the alternator.I'll give it a try and post back the results.Thanks

 

Even after pulling all the fuses, the test light stays on? On my Ranger, there is a load distribution panel, mostly relays, under the hood. Next place to check. Also, does the truck have trailer wiring? If so, check for abaraided wires or a short. Good luck.

 

Did you ever find and resolve your issue ??

 

My '05 Ranger was doing the same thing and it was the dealer installed alarm causing the battery drain. Once it was removed it, the battery has stayed charged just fine. It sometimes sits for a week before it gets driven and before I removed the alarm it would be dead.

 

Aftermarket, non-OEM accessories are always a natural first place to inspect.