How often should i start and idle my 02 ranger 4.0 v6 ??

[Gary DuBois]

My ranger is not currently getting driven daily and the last time i started and idled my ranger was almost 2 months ago.

When i do start and idle my ranger i drive my ranger forwards and in reverse maybe 5 times for like 5 or 6 feet

I also let my ranger idle for 15 minutes and check all my lights before i turn my ranger off

 

[Blmpkn]

The more, the better really.. but id say a couple times a month at least.

Apart from moving it forward and backwards a bit you should also be putting it into/out of 4wd and engaging/disengaging the e-brake

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You need to really drive it.

It takes forever at idle for the charging system to recover the energy loss from starting.

 

[Gary DuBois]

The more, the better really.. but id say a couple times a month at least.

Apart from moving it forward and backwards a bit you should also be putting it into/out of 4wd and engaging/disengaging the e-brake

I agree with you the more the better so my ranger does not get problems from sitting to long.

Good idea i will put my ranger into 4wd high and low and move forwards and backwards and before i am done i will engage and disengage the emergency brake a few times.

 

[Gary DuBois]

You need to really drive it.

It takes forever at idle for the charging system to recover the energy loss from starting.

What does that mean it takes forever at idle for the charging system to recover the energy loss ??

 

[Blmpkn]

What does that mean it takes forever at idle for the charging system to recover the energy loss ??

The alternator doesn't create enough amps at idle speed to recharge the battery.

 

[Gary DuBois]

The alternator doesn't create enough amps at idle speed to recharge the battery.

My alternator could not cause a battery drain right ??

 

[sgtsandman]

I find it best to switch each week with my Rangers and drive them for the week.

At minimum, I would recomend driving it for the weekend. It needs more than just idling it to charge the battery. The drivetrain was designed to move and needs to be moved to keep everything lubricated. Plus it minimizes rust build up on the brakes and keeps the tires from getting flat spots.

 

[JoshT]

IMO drive it or leave it alone.

As 85 said will take a long time to charge up the battery at idle due to low alternator output at that speed.

Just letting it idle will also cause moisture to collect in the crankcase. Warming and cooling like that will cause moisture in the air to condense in the crank case. When you drive the truck for a bit the engine gets warm enough to burn off the moisture, just idling won't do that.

Personally I'd let it sit until I needed it. If it was going to be for more than a couple weeks I'd put a battery tender to prolong battery life. If it's going to be for a long time, I'd add some fuel stabilizer to the tank. EFI does pretty good running on old gas, but the stabilizer will help reduce the side affects of ethanol in the fuel, like water absorption.

My 99 often goes a week or more in between uses with no issues. My F-250 diesel goes even longer, but needs a battery tender because takes a lot cranking to start after sitting that long.

 

[JoshT]

My alternator could not cause a battery drain right ??

Bad alternator can definitely drain the battery. Just had to replace the one on my F-250 because of a high constant amp draw. They issue they are talking about though is low alternator output at idle. Needs to be turning at normal driving speeds to put out rated amperage.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The starter takes a fair amount of energy to start the vehicle, and at idle it takes a long time for the alternator to recover that.

A battery tender really helps with battery life on vehicles that don't see much street time.

 

[Lefty]

The alternator doesn't create enough amps at idle speed to recharge the battery.

The stock voltage regulator on the Ranger does not provide a lot of charge, especially if you are often sitting at idle with the air conditioner in summer traffic, even more so if you have an Efan, or other electrical components. FoMoCo knows it too. They make an uprated voltage regulator now. I can't remember, Maybe it cost $40.00. It's so easy I can do it.

 

[Gary DuBois]

The starter takes a fair amount of energy to start the vehicle, and at idle it takes a long time for the alternator to recover that.

A battery tender really helps with battery life on vehicles that don't see much street time.

About how many minutes at idle does it take for the alternator to recover that like 15 minutes ?

My dad owns a battery tender i think it is that helps with his batterys on his 70 and 71 ford muscle cars

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

About how many minutes at idle does it take for the alternator to recover that like 15 minutes ?

Depends on health of battery, alternator, temp etc.

 

[Gary DuBois]

Depends on health of battery, alternator, temp etc.

How long do you recommend me have my ranger idling for