Flicker Flicker

[DangerRanger97]

Im driving along and my battery light randomly flickers and some times stays on. I noticed if i floor it it goes off. I thought it must be the alternator but its been like it for over a month and it it was surly my battery would be loosing energy. Any ideas what it might be and what wires to check?

 

[ati190]

Here's a few thoughts, and a few things I would check.
1. Battery Connections (corrosion) and also to see if positive or neutral is loose.
2. Check the belt for proper tension (just incase its slipping, the alternator wouldn't be running at top efficiency)
3. Go to a local autozone, advance etc and have them test your battery/altenator (this is free).
4. Check the ground on your alternator (one nut that can vibrate loose overtime)



I had this same problem with my first ranger, it turned out to be a bare spot grounding out near the connector that's on the alternator. Everytime the battery light would come on, never drained my battery though.

Do you have dim headlights? Harder time starting? Does this occur when damp/humid, or is it just random? Do you ever have to be jumped?

 

[DangerRanger97]

Ive noticed my belts slips on occasion so that could be the culprit the lights dont go dim or anything and it dosn't have a hard time starting. In canada its very cold atm and i notice it the most when it starts to warm up a bit like
-5 c

 

[ati190]

That belt slipping is most likely your problem. Check the belt tensioner to make sure it is operational, and depending on how old the belt is, just replace it. Belts are cheap, and very easy to replace. If the belt is new, I would just check for proper tension.