Electrical System Fire.

[Pairaalia]

Let me start off with the story of what happened, and what I have done so far.

As I was driving, I noticed a burning smell inside the cab. I looked down at my dash and my battery light was on. I checked the gauge and the gauge read that the battery was almost dead. SO, I pull off into a parking lot and pop the hood and it appeared that my alternator was on fire.

I put the fire out, and I managed to save anything else from burning. I'm not sure what caused the fire, but I replaced the alternator and re-made the wiring harness that was melted.

I fired it back up again last night and it ran fine. The gauge read that it was overcharging by JUST a little bit. Maybe a couple of volts higher than normal. I'm afraid to drive it, but I need it for work. Also, there's a small clicking sound coming from the area now and I can't determine exactly where it is.

It's a 1990 Ford Ranger, 4.0L, automatic.

Any information on what I should do next? Has this happened to anyone on here? Is this something that Rangers are famous for?

-Jason

 

[MAKG]

Unfused short to ground. Probably (but not necessarily) between the alternator and battery. It COULD have been inside the alternator housing, such as from a broken brush.