Charging problem

[sixfootdan]

I have a 1996 Ranger 2.3 with a fairly new alternator and a brand new battery. The three prong plug on the back has a red/green wire that should have 12v with the key on. My test light barley lites up but elites up bright on the yellow/white wire. The 7.5 alternator fuse in the truck looks good, What else should I look for?

 

[Dirtman]

Im not 100% sure but there may still be a fusible link on that year. It's part of the wire that acts like a fuse. Follow the alternator harness to the battery and see if there is a "weird" spot in the wire... the wire insulation will feel different. That's the fusible link. Check continuity on both ends of that wire.

 

[sixfootdan]

I left my meter at work so testing isn't an option today but it getting some voltage because the light comes on very dim with the test light.

 

[RonD]

Unplug the 3 wire connector
put Test light on battery to get brightness level

Should have same brightness on yellow wire
And On the stud on the back of the alternator

Turn key on, Green wire should now also show same brightness
You can only test this wire unplugged from alternator
This is the Battery light wire on the dash, so its also a test light if alternator is plugged in, if its not bright then its fuse or wires are corroded
If Battery light is dim but your test light was bright then voltage regulator is most likely issue

 

[sixfootdan]

The test light is nice and bright on the B+ and the yellow and white wire when I move it to the green/red wire it is very dim.