Charging problems PLEASE HELP

[moparnut1971]

My '91 ranger is driving me crazy. The battery will go dead over night and not charging enough when running. I have done the test with the positive cable off and the test light. lights up really dim but goes out if I unplug either alt. plug (main or regulator plugs). Could the short be inside the alternator? I know my battery is good. tried 3 different ones and it drained them all. thanks for any help.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes, an alternator that is internally shorted out will cause a draw that will drain the battery.

Sounds like its time for a new alternator.

 

[moparnut1971]

thank you I will try a new alternator first. will update with results.

 

[Yellowsplash]

Please dont remove the battery cable from the battery while the engine is running. Thats a good way to fry your ecu. It may be okay to do it on 70s and older vehicles, but dont try it any electrical controlled vehicle.

Second, remove your alternator and take it to advance and they will test it for free on the bench tester. Probably a good idea to fully recharge the battery while your doing this.

 

[moparnut1971]

Thanks for the help. new alt and a new ecc relay fixed it. the ecc relay was shorted out too. happy thanksgiving.