1998 Ford Ranger Voltage Drops after driving for a short wh

1998 FORD RANGER
115,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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KKAPINSKI
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  • 1 POST
I just replaced the alternator, because the previous one would drop voltage under high acceleration. the guage would show half way between the battery indicator and 0. but would rise again when the speed was dropped to like 60 Mph.. the problem was the voltage regulator and the rotor. were bad.. i decided to just replace alternator.

with the new alternator, initially the voltage is right on target when the vehicle is first started.. indicated by the voltage guage splitting the picture of the battery diagonally. then after a few minutes of driving the voltage indicator drops and crosses the bottom of the battery.. and pretty much stays there..

When i shut the vehicle off and let it sit for a few minutes, the cycle is repeated ..
Jun 13, 2008 at 11:10 PM
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KHLOW2008
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  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi kkapinski,

If you have a volt meter, check the voltage at the alternator main battery wire and the battery with engine running.

If the alternator is not giving 13.5 to 14.5 v, then it is faulty.

If the charging voltage is correct but at the battery the voltage is lower, you have a poor connection from the battery to the alternator.
Jun 14, 2008 at 9:08 AM