Engine cuts out and instrument lights flicker when I turn on headlights or flash high beams

Asked by PrescottGuy Dec 28, 2014 at 08:46 AM about the 1999 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab Stepside 4WD SB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

While driving at any speed and turn on headlights or flash high beams, my engine will die also causing all gauges and warning lights to come on.  Even the tachometer and speedometer dance up and down as though an alien space ship is hovering over me.
A friend suggests this could caused by my alternator has gone bad.
What is your opinion?
MARK

2 Answers
200,965

dandyoun answered 9 years ago

Could very well be just a loose/dirty battery connection. Also tighten and clean the negative battery connections going to the frame and motor

Mark helpful
75

Karink1 answered 9 years ago

Your friend is on the right track. One of mine went out cold turkey after a busy intersection. All lights flashing, engine stutter and then gone.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Shortcuts

Search Ford Ranger Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,420
  • #2
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    3,010
  • #3
    Jennifer Gorham
    Reputation
    2,620
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,071 listings starting at $8,708
Used Nissan Frontier
22 Great Deals out of 878 listings starting at $5,998
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975
Used Toyota Tundra
35 Great Deals out of 1,184 listings starting at $8,500
Used GMC Sierra 1500
148 Great Deals out of 7,258 listings starting at $3,950
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Jeep Wrangler
145 Great Deals out of 5,071 listings starting at $5,450
Used Toyota 4Runner
10 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $9,700
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
24 Great Deals out of 1,204 listings starting at $7,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.