I have a 1997 Ford Ranger and I'm not sure if the alternator is charging the battery.

Asked by Frogman64 May 17, 2013 at 08:02 PM about the 1997 Ford Ranger XLT Standard Cab LB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I disconnect the positive terminal after I start it and it idles fine, but when I go to rev it up, the truck dies. Any advice?

3 Answers

49,005

Get a volt meter and check what the voltage is at the battery

4 people found this helpful.
815

It should be fairly easy to remove both battery and alternator if you have an autozone, oreilys, or advance type store nearby. They should also have a device that'll attach to your battery that'll be more helpful before taking those out to have them checked, and they usually check items for free. Removing the positive cable could short out if disconnected while running. Just don't forget to unhook battery if/when you remove the alternator or starter...

Thanks for the advice guys. Turns out my alternator was failing. Went to a Pull A Part and got one. Truck runs like a champ now.

Your Answer:

Ranger

Looking for a Used Ranger in your area?

CarGurus has 1,606 nationwide Ranger listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,420
  • #2
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    3,010
  • #3
    Jennifer Gorham
    Reputation
    2,630
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
320 Great Deals out of 13,991 listings starting at $1,712
Used Toyota Tacoma
45 Great Deals out of 1,079 listings starting at $9,399
Used Nissan Frontier
22 Great Deals out of 854 listings starting at $6,000
Used Ford Mustang
60 Great Deals out of 1,365 listings starting at $4,995
Used GMC Sierra 1500
132 Great Deals out of 6,515 listings starting at $3,975
Used Toyota 4Runner
15 Great Deals out of 301 listings starting at $9,995
Used Ford Bronco
24 Great Deals out of 1,289 listings starting at $37,000
Used Jeep Wrangler
139 Great Deals out of 5,006 listings starting at $4,500

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.