Possible Battery/Alternator Issue

[sdjerry]

I had a new battery installed in my truck a couple of weeks ago, and I've noticed some minor yet concerning signs that I'm curious about. The first thing I noticed was the second time I started my truck after the new battery was installed it started rather rough, as if it was starting with more power than normal. Of course the battery was new so I wanted to wait and see if that persisted, and I have not noticed it start that way anymore since then. What I noticed the other night when driving home though was a section of my dash lights were more dim than normal, every other part of the dash lights as well as my other interior lights looked fine. I did not notice any dimming on the headlights. The section of my dash lights that were dim are not normally that way, so something was causing this obviously. To this point the truck has not had problems starting and has not shown signs of stalling, at least not yet.

I plan to get the alternator and battery tested at an auto parts store this week. In the meantime though I was hoping to hear from others about what might be the issue. I never noticed these things until the new battery was installed.

I'm wondering if the new battery is exposing an aging alternator, or is the voltage regulator the culprit, or could the new battery itself have a dead cell?

 

[Earl43P]

You have at least one instrument cluster lamp burnt out.

 

[Scrambler82]

My thought is the new battery could cause other problems in an aging system, get it checked out first.
In the mean time check the battery terminals, see if they were cleaned, if not clean them. Check all connections from the battery to the alternator and from the battery to the starter solenoid for loose or corroded conditions.
sometimes when connections are disturbed or a new component is added to the mix it will set off a chain reaction in all of the connections and the connections you mention are the high amperage connections most likely to be effected.

Do the connection check/rework first before having the Components checked at the auto store because the connections could cause false readings.
Clean all of the connections to bare metal, use good quality external tooth star lock washers and use a conductive, anti-corrosion paste on all connections.

luck,

 

[Earl43P]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18565

"a section of my dash lights were more dim than normal, every other part of the dash lights as well as my other interior lights looked fine. I did not notice any dimming on the headlights. The section of my dash lights that were dim are not normally that way, so something was causing this obviously."

 

[sdjerry]

Thanks for the answers guys. Although I don't know for sure at this point, judging from your responses it doesn't sound like the alternator might be the culprit after all.

Let me ask you though, should I have the alternator replaced soon even if it's not the issue? Reason I ask is because the Ranger is a 97, I've owned it since 99. I'm almost certain that it's still on the original alternator as I've never replaced it. Is it due to be replaced or should I leave it alone for now?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

If it aint broke don't fix it.

My 91 had the origional alternator on it till I swapped it out for a 130amp model from an explorer last year.

 

[sdjerry]

If it aint broke don't fix it.

My 91 had the origional alternator on it till I swapped it out for a 130amp model from an explorer last year.

Thanks!

 

[desertrat]

If you have a Volt/Ohm Meter check the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine off; it should read about 12 volts. Now start the engine and check across the terminals and you should get about 14 volts or more. If you get more than the battery voltage the alternator is putting out. That is all you can ask of it.