Battery Cable Replacement Issue

[siletiopk4]

Hello,

I'm trying to replace my battery cable harness on my 2001 Ranger.

The wiring that goes to the alternator goes behind the water pump bracket, so I need to loosen it, or take it completely off.

I'm not sure what I'm doing and could use some tips (what to do, what not to do). The photo shows me pointing to the cable and the bracket is in the center of the pic.

I'm a little over my head in terms of knowing what to do or not do.

Thanks.

 

[Curious Hound]

Mine is a 3.0l engine. So I don't have exact info for you. But this is one of those times that you probably have to remove some other pieces/parts to gain access to what you really want to do. Just be careful and pay attention as you disassemble things so you can put them back the right way. Take pictures with your phone to help your memory. Trust me. We all do that occasionally. Also, make sure you disconnect the battery end of the cable before you mess with the alternator end. That's a safety item.

I replaced that cable on my truck because I installed a bigger alternator that required bigger wire. Mine runs through a tight spot behind the thermostat housing and under the throttle body. Not having time to remove everything necessary to get the old cable out, I just ran my new cable along the same route, leaving the old cable "abandoned in place". I cut the ends of the old cable so they can't accidentally touch anything and cause a problem. That old cable will irritate me one day. But it's not hurting anything. That's another choice you have.

 

[adsm08]

That's the power steering pump bracket there chief.

Take the belt off, take the bracket bolts out, lay it off to the side. Don't break stuff.

IIRC it helps, but is not necessary, to unbolt and lay the AC compressor over too.

 

[siletiopk4]

Thank you, guys. I'll report back with pics, so it helps the next person.

Pat B.

 

[adsm08]

Thank you, guys. I'll report back with pics, so it helps the next person.

Pat B.

Good plan. I've done it once before, and IIRC its a pretty straight forward job. You need to get the compressor and PS bracket out of the way, but it really is just follow the wires and take off the parts that are in the way. I think it is push-pinned onto the block in one spot, that was kind of a pain to get at, because the tape pulled off and left the clip hanging. A pair of dikes solved that issue PDQ though.

 

[RonD]

Geeze I am old

IIRC................???

If I remember correctly, IIRC, geeze I am getting old

 

[adsm08]

Geeze I am old

IIRC................???

If I remember correctly, IIRC, geeze I am getting old

Time will do that to you Ron.

 

[siletiopk4]

I'm a little further, but I'm kind of stuck.

I have the belt off and three bolts loosened on the bracket for the power steering pump and the AC compressor. (See pics.)

The bracket is now wiggly loose on the left, but the right side (as facing it from front of vehicle) doesn't budge.

So there's another bolt holding it somewhere, but I can't find it. I've tried finding a picture of the bracket online, so I could figure out what to take off to get to it, but no dice.

Anyone know where the fourth bolt is?

 

[adsm08]

Take the PS pulley off, IIRC it will be behind there.

 

[Maine Ranger]

Thank god for this ..im looking at the same issue and just posted the same question mine is an 04 4.0 v6 that ive been working on 4 a long time

 

[rumblecloud]

DOH!....I'm looking all through the tech section to find out what IIRC is SMH

 

[Maine Ranger]

DOH!....I'm looking all through the tech section to find out what IIRC is SMH

Ill tell ya it must have been designer hangover day at ford for that one geez ..I searched the Factory manual for it and there is nothing about how to replace the cables

 

[adsm08]

Ill tell ya it must have been designer hangover day at ford for that one geez ..I searched the Factory manual for it and there is nothing about how to replace the cables

The shop manuals are written for the techs at the dealership. There is a certain level of skill and knowledge assumed in their writing, and some things are assumed to be simple enough that they don't need to be included.

If it is there it will be in the battery/charging system section.

 

[Maine Ranger]

The shop manuals are written for the techs at the dealership. There is a certain level of skill and knowledge assumed in their writing, and some things are assumed to be simple enough that they don't need to be included.

If it is there it will be in the battery/charging system section.

I am well aware of that fact ..Its just if you have never done it before its a question of why the heck did they do it that way..cause of point they could have made it longer and rerouted it to make it easier for everyone involved

The shop manuals are written for the techs at the dealership. There is a certain level of skill and knowledge assumed in their writing, and some things are assumed to be simple enough that they don't need to be included.

If it is there it will be in the battery/charging system section.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Longer wire... more money... more weight... more area to short... bigger carbon foot print... more money...

Tuck it in nice a tidy... and easiest access during assembly. That is how they build them... they also have to warranty it.

That said... now is your chance to improve upon their design. It isn't hurting a thing if you do as Eric stated from the start... leave it there and run new stuff however you see fit. Just ensure you secure it well and keep it out of harms way... poor planning will ruin a perfectly good day.