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1988 Ranger Battery light


CowBoyDave

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The title kind of sums it up. Battery light on, what should I check? I've read other form that say probably alternator and checking battery is pointless. Common sense would be to check the battery because that's what the light indicates.

But to fill in more the story I pulled off the road and the truck died. If I jump it, starts fine. Low battery, bad alternator?
 


lvwill

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The battery light usually means that it isn't charging. If you have a volt meter check battery voltage with the truck off, should be around 12.5 volts or so. Then start it up and check again should be around 14 volts. If there is no change probably the alternator. Any parts store should de able to check it for you if you don't have a meter.
 

coyotefiveoh

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it indicates there is a problem with the charging system which could be, alternator, battery, or a wiring fault.
 
lvwill

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After reading your other post, if I recall correctly there is a fusible link in the charge wire. Should attach at the starter solenoid on the hot side. Look for wires that look swollen.
 

CowBoyDave

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Great, thanks for the info. Ill look into both of those.
 
adsm08

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CowBoyDave said:
Common sense would be to check the battery because that's what the light indicates.
Click to expand...
I do agree with you that the light runs counter to common sense. Many people think it means a battery problem, because hey, it's a battery light. But what it means is that the battery is being discharged.

GM had it right back in the 70s. Those cars didn't have a battery light. They had a generator light. It came on when the charging system had a problem and no body thought they had a problem with the battery.
 

CowBoyDave

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adsm08 said:
I do agree with you that the light runs counter to common sense. Many people think it means a battery problem, because hey, it's a battery light. But what it means is that the battery is being discharged.

GM had it right back in the 70s. Those cars didn't have a battery light. They had a generator light. It came on when the charging system had a problem and no body thought they had a problem with the battery.
Click to expand...
Great thanks for the info.
 
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