1999 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L V6 Flex Stepside Sport
96000 Miles
Stock Everything


I was driving home from work today and I noticed that my battery light was blinking and staying on.. then turning off soon after. I saw the charge gauge is a little low so I'm thinking it could be the alternator? I'm about to replace the belt tensionors but I couldn't imagine this might effect anything with the battery but I could be wrong.

Has anyone else had this problem? Lets hear your thoughts or suggestions, I'm gunna go check the battery cables.

 

Hah, just lived through this last weekend and got lots of good input from the FTE gang. Here's the thread. Let me know if you have any questions, happy to comment. Pat

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ably-dead.html

And Welcome to FTE.

 

Thanks man, really appreciate it! I took it to kragen auto, not thinking and the guy there couldnt even tell me what was wrong even after testing it. I took it to a local auto shop, smaller, and the guy tested the alternator and it in fact was the alternator. NOW, .... do you have any tips on changing it? Its all up front (AMERICAN; laughs), right where you can see it it's just I've never changed one so I'm sketch about it. I did buy it though so any input is better than none. Again I appreciate it tons! Let me know!

 

Great, glad you got the diagnostics to determine the problem.

Changing the alternator is a simple 15 minute task, 1 on a scale of 10 just above changing your tire. If you can turn a wrench, you can replace the alternator. Others here are encouraged to enhance the instructions.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Release the tension on the serpentine belt. The tensioner pulley is located just to the driver side of center behind the fan. You'll want a long wrench (closed end or socket) for leverage. Placing the wrench on the tensioner pulley bolt (15mm I think), push down to release tension on the belt sufficiently to provide enough slack in the belt to slip it off the idler pulley. Be careful the wrench does not slip off the bolt and watch your knuckles. If it is your first time doing this, you might want to have a buddy help to slip the belt off while you work the wrench to release the tensioner.
3. Remove the two wire leads to the alternator....one is attached with a plastic spring clip - look carefully at this and take your time so you don't break it forcing it off....it is a simple release and it slips off. The other wire lead is attached with a 10mm nut (remove the rubber boot first).
4. Remove the 3 bolts (13mm?) holding the alternator to the mounting bracket. Then the alternator simply lifts off.
5. Install the replacement alternator in the reverse of the removal. Be sure to get the serpentine belt installed correctly.

About your replacement alternator.....did you have it bench tested first? Does it have a warranty? Sometimes they can cut you short on remanufactured alternators.

If it is not clear or if you have other questions, just ask....the guys here are great to help out. Good luck. Pat