EX dash gauge for battery issue

[kimcrwbr1]

I have a schematic for a 90 ranger it shows that they share the same ground it is the black wire off the drivers side switch. If your going through batteries you need to figure out why. Start off taking all the grounds you can find apart and sanding them metal to metal and getting them tight. Checking the charging system is fairly easy with a volt meter. Fully charge the battery first and measure the voltage say 12.8 volts. start the engine and run it at around 1500 rpm and measure the voltage at the battery, when it stabilizes after a few minutes you want no more than 2.5 volts over battery voltage or no higher than 15.3 volts at 1500 rpm, that is the no load check. Turn the lights on and a/c on high if you have it or turn everything on heater radio run it at about 2000 rpm and measure the voltage at the battery it should be no lower than .5 volts over battery voltage or no less than 13.3 volts at 2000 rpm, that is the load test. The tech library has a section on troubleshooting if you fail either one of those tests.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Make sure the battery posts and cable clamps are clean and tight!

 

[tjs4x4]

Yeah, I'll have to pull the pw switch out and see if that black wire has come apart. I replaced the switch once thinking that was the problem.

I'll check what I can.

 

[trail B2]

What i'm reading is your not concerned about the gauge moving your concerned about the lights dimming at the same time.The thing you need to determine is does it only do this with the window or any large draw with the lights on mess with your other accessories to see if you can duplicate it.If you can't put an amp gauge on the source for the windows and see what it draws to determine if it needs repair.If it does check the ground strap between the body and the motor and the block and starter connections on the battery cables.

 

[tjs4x4]

I've checked the alternator cables, the battery cables on the battery, the ground from battery positive to the right fenderwell. I noticed that with ANY lights on, the voltage goes down. Battery is staying at 12.63-12.65 when engine off. When engine on, its running at 14.05-14.15. Isn't it supposed to be above 15? I have an electrical problem that i can't figure out.

 

[Shran]

Get us a voltage reading when you have every light and every accessory turned on. I bet it is very close to the 14ish volts you are at now. BTW, around 14 is normal - what you describe sounds like a healthy electrical system.

 

[tjs4x4]

If that's the case, then WHY are my lights dimming and my power window switches causing craziness? That's never happened to me on any of my other rigs I've owned.
Do I HAVE to upgrade my alternator? If I do that, what does that do essentially?

 

[tjs4x4]

Yes, its like 14.06-14.10 with all the lights on, the stereo, the heater.

 

[Shran]

Go through and clean up all the grounds under the hood and anywhere else you can find then if you are really worried about it. How much is it really dimming your lights? Stuff draws power, I am really betting you have a corroded ground somewhere that is causing the problem. Putting a higher amp alternator in is not going to do anything for you.

 

[tjs4x4]

I will have to check the starter ground, the block ground, I've already checked the battery cable and alternator. Gonna have to check the power window switch ground in the switch and in the kick panel, maybe the instrument cluster itself....a/c compressor ground, what am I missing haha.

 

[Shran]

The vehicle wiring harness has multiple ground, look under the hood for anywhere that has a wire screwed to a body panel. Most of the older RBV stuff I have worked on has grounds on the core support and inner fenders. Your negative battery cable may also ground to the frame somewhere in addition to the engine block, make sure that is clean.

 

[tjs4x4]

I will see what I can find
New symptom: the gauge is fluctuating with me pressing on the gas at a stop, then going.

 

[4.0B2]

yeah, i think you have a major lack of ground.

does the gauge ground anywhere? how does that work?

 

[Earl43P]

That's because as you increase engine rpm, the alternator puts out higher voltage.

I really don't think there is any problem with your trucklet.

If the PW were drawing too much current, the fuse would blow.


I will say, a lot of people eliminate the frame ground when they replace a neg battery cable. The original goes from Bat- to frame, then engine block, with a smaller wire going to the core support.

Most replacement cables skip the frame, so it may help to add one from block to frame. Otherwise, your battery stays charged, your trucklet starts every day, and your lights get brighter when you press on the gas.

Could your idle be too low?





If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[tjs4x4]

What's the average idle for the ex? Mine runs about 500 or roughly that. I have the positive cable connected to the frame by way of starter relay on right fender. Its also grounded to frame and motor and the frame rail I think.