Got a 99 Ranger, 4.0 V6 with a 3g alternator having charging problems. Newly rebuilt alternator from a rebuilder I trust, not a store rebuilder. Charges about half the time, but if you run lights and AC it can't keep up and will discharge the battery pretty fast. New battery, new cable ends all clean. 12 volts going into stud on alternator. Sometimes it will pick up and start charging if you go around a turn to the left or hit a bump, then stop again. Did this with previous alternator, so I think it is something losing connection, but don't know where to look. Followed battery cables from battery to end, look and feel good, no bulges like a coroded section or a break that I can see or feel. Also, the oil pressure gauge starts wiggling when it's not charging, stabilizes when it starts charging again. Anything special that I need to look at that I might have missed? Could it be a short in the dash voltmeter causing it to quit charging? Not familar with the current flow on the 3g, so not really sure which plug and which wire does what. Trying to save a friend a few bucks and not take it to a shop. Thanks for any help!
Just sshooting here,,, is there a big fuse for it? Check it real good, some of our trucks wired that way. I`ve always had luck in going in back door of dealership and asking mechanics
Check the energizer wire. I think its light green with a black stripe. It might be damaged or loose. That might explain why it charges on and off.
I'm not sure if 99s have fuse links,but if they do,the one for your alternator will be attached to the b+ side of the starter switch. They can go bad and look perfectly fine on the outside. Try moving these around while the engine is running and you may find where the connection is bad. Good luck with it! Iv'e had these cause problems before. They are obtainable at most auto parts stores,and they are reasonably inexpensive.
