88 2.3L wont run with alternater plugged in

[DantechOffroad]

OK guys, i'm a new member but have been on the explorer forums and powerstroke forums for a while. I got a buddy that has a 88 ranger 2.3L. I havent looked at it because he lives 2 hours away but after talking to him neither one of us can figure it out. With the alternater plugged in , it will start then die withen seconds. With the alternater unplugged, it will start and run fine, until the battery goes dead. He has replaced the battery , alternater, and computer, and also searched for bad wiring. Any ideas on what it could be? I searched and found one guy said something about "the old unplugging the alternater trick", i wasnt sure what that was about. Any info would be helpfull. Thanks

 

[Mark_88]

Weird that a replacement alternator did the same thing...I was thinking the voltage regulator was pooched...and it could be on the new one too if it was remanufactured...I had bought a remaned one once and it was fried...he may need to take it to a shop to have them test the alternator and regulator...if that turns out to be fine...???

Did he put the belt on backwards by any chance? Not easy to do unless it has power steering or A/C and he's gotten it winding backwards...it might even work, but would overheat and may blow out the diodes...

 

[paulhoss]

Just had the same problem on a 91

Take the ignition Modual off and take it to your nearest auto parts store to have it checked. In my case it was that and the ignition modual and the tps sensor were bad.