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Old Bastard !
Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Location: California USA
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Thanks for the info about the faint spark. Let me back up a bit. I had installed an aftermarket tachometer with a shift light, late last summer. In late fall, I found the 5+ year old battery was all but dead. I swapped in a bad lawnmower for a new battery for the truck. Installed the new battery and started the truck, but glanced at the wrong gauge on the dash and thought it was not being charged. I installed a new alternator and looked at the right gauge this time.
After 6 weeks, the new battery was dead. Took it back and they said it had a dead cell. They gave me a replacement. Several weeks later, I happened to glance through the window of the truck and the red shift light was on and the battery was near dead. If I turned the parking, or headlights on, the shift light on the tachometer went out. I unplugged the sensor wire from the tachometer on both ends and recharged the battery. ---- A few days later, I plugged the sensor wire back in and the shift light did not come on. I checked every day for the light and nothing. Went to start the truck and the battery was near dead. If I turn on the headlights, the shift light comes on. I unhooked all 4 wires on the tachometer and recharge the battery.
I am now thinking that the circuit in the tachometer is somehow causing the problem. I`ll wait and see now if the battery stays charged. ----- John
OK... so my first step is disconnect the Tach with Shift Light.
Leave it for a month or so to determine if the New Battery is up to the task.
Does your Ranger have an in dash Tachometer ?
Also, have the truck checked out (AGAIN) with the "Disconnected Tach/Shift Light", I would have the charging system tested, even if you did it once when you purchased the new alternator !
Have Auto Zone or another similar Shop check out the system under load. Load testing is sometimes the only way to determine if the alternator, battery, and even wiring is up to the task !
Also, quick question, "Is the new battery rated for the Ranger" ? I wouldn't want to think some how the "Lawn Mower" Battery got SIZED in there.
Now what else have you connected as "New Electronics or Electrics" in the Ranger ?
Sometimes it is easier to start with the most recent connected electronics to determine if something is either shorted or the wire color is off in the connections.
Sorry I can't be more specific, I am not an auto Electrican or even a mechanic... I just hunt and peck until I find something !
____________________
Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !