2.3L ('83-'97) 89 2.3 Sparks when bolting antenna back on. Also the alternator light is on.

[MaD]

So when bolting antenna back on it threw some sparks, is that normal? In the pic. Also the alternator light is on but the alternator seems to be charging the battery tho... I think. Maybe related? The alternator was replaced in 2017 by the previous owner at a mechanic shop, there was paper work of it in the truck. I also changed the pigtail because it was rotted a bit. The battery cables are old, i want to replace em but i haven't been able to find similar ones. Could the light and sparks be related?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Not sure why there would be voltage to the antenna from the stereo, that's an odd one...

On the battery light, when it's running what's the voltage doing? It should be in the middle of the range on the gauge or with a meter somewhere around 13.2V, the battery light goes through the regulator and is part of the key on circuit to energize the regulator, ignition supplies battery power, engine not running the alternator supplies ground but when working correctly voltage so the light is out (if I remember right, it's something like that). I had a NAPA replacement alternator go out on me after 8 months so new doesn't mean good, in '89 the alternator has brushes, if the commutator is worn or one of the two brushes wore faster or got stuck you'll get the light...

 

[RobbieD]

The battery cables are old, i want to replace em but i haven't been able to find similar ones. Could the light and sparks be related?

It sounds like you've got bad ground. There is no power related to the antenna, just a braided ground for sheilding and the open antenna wire. If you're getting "sparks", an arcing, then something is trying to ground through the antenna sheild.

The radio (especially if it's aftermarket) needs to have its own chassis ground wire.

And, fix the old main cables from the battery to the engine, body and chassis.

 

[MaD]

Okay! There is an aftermarket radio, i don't have that tool to pull it out. I'll see what i can do. I'm put the cables a priority. If i remember correctly my pops checked the voltage before and it seemed fine. I'll call him tomorrow, I'll recheck the voltage tho. I just ordered a battery/alternator tester also. Thanks guys!