i have a 90 ranger with 2.3 and for some reason it only runs fine when alternator is unplugged. when plugged in run horrible, starts shaking. have tried different alt and it still does same thing. does anyone have any idea what to do to fix this, anything that may have to be checked,replaced? any idea much appreciated thanks alot -DeJay

 

sounds like you got a couple bad alternators.......

 

Verify the integrity of the engine to chassis ground, the engine block to battery- and alternator+ to Battery+. There may also be a Maxi-fuse (~125 Amp) in the engine bay fusebox: verify it's not blown.

Quite frankly, with a vehicle that old, the first thing I'd suspect is bad cables.

Do you have a multimeter (and know how to use it)?


Welcome to Ranger Forums.

 

hey thanks and yea i have multimeter and know how to use lol, where and what can i test to find the problem if things to said are all fine?

 

Check the battery voltage at the battery terminals, engine off. Should see ~12V

Check again with engine idling, then again at about 3000 rpm, high beams on, then off.
Should see ~ 14.3V.

Place your meter's black lead at various places to compare. Try radiator support, then engine block, then fender. All voltage readings should be the same, whether you are using the - battery terminal for your black lead (ground) or the block, rad support, or fender. If they vary significantly, repair your grounds.

Most auto parts stores will test your battery and alternator IN THE VEHICLE for no charge.

 

tested all the voltages and grounds and no problems that i found.tried different battery and had alternater tested and all came up good. i was bored and lil ticked that i could not find problem so i pulled a spark plug out to find it was while like it running lean too. so anyone got a idea about that?

 

could this problem be caused by the dis module? could it short out with intake heat and heat from voltage runnin thru it and causing problems so when it unplugged it there is not a high amount of voltage? just an idea

 

could the dis be the problem?