Weird electrical problem on 07 ranger.

[yamaha6]

Behaving like it has a bad voltage regulator. Started with the stereo cutting in and out when pressing the breaks, or window switches, or anything electrical. Now battery is completely dead. It requires a jump to start and it only lasts for about 10 km at which i lose all electrical functions. It begins with interior dash lights flashing, then headlights flashing, and then dimming lights and then no lights. Just wondering if you can replace the voltage regulator on this truck or do you have to replace the entire alternator.
thanx

 

[shane96ranger]

I would check your ground connections (negative cable) first and foremost. I really think it sounds like a bad ground/connection. Yes your voltage regulator can be changed. Do brushes while you are at it if you do it. I did some pics and such when I did mine.

Here's the thread I made:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94951

 

[yamaha6]

That would be sweet if it was a bad ground! I'm having trouble picturing anything to do with my electrical system going wrong in 80 thousand k. I'll def check out the pics. Thanx!

 

[LearjetMinako]

It could be a bad ground, bad diodes, bad regulator, it could many of things. First test to try is to start the truck and then disconect the neg (-) cable from the battery. If the engine is still running, the alternator seems to be good. But go ahead and start giving it a load. Turn the lights on, operate the power windows, etc. Now if the engine dies when you discontect the battery, you need a new alternator.

 

[Earl43P]

It could be a bad ground, bad diodes, bad regulator, it could many of things. First test to try is to start the truck and then disconect the neg (-) cable from the battery. If the engine is still running, the alternator seems to be good. But go ahead and start giving it a load. Turn the lights on, operate the power windows, etc. Now if the engine dies when you discontect the battery, you need a new alternator.

DON'T do that^^^. Just checking the voltage should suffice.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/chargetroubleshooting.htm

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/chargingsystem.htm


I too think you may have a bad ground.

 

[yamaha6]

Ok so how do I tell if it is the ground or, alternator or, regulator?

 

[shane96ranger]

Ok so how do I tell if it is the ground or, alternator or, regulator?

I would start at the battery connection and work your way back. Clean the terminal(s). I've seen some battery cables that look fine on the outside, but they are an absolute mess on the inside.

 

[LearjetMinako]

I would start at the battery connection and work your way back. Clean the terminal(s). I've seen some battery cables that look fine on the outside, but they are an absolute mess on the inside.

+1.