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  #1  
Old 12-28-2009, 05:47 PM
big green big green is offline
Ford Tough
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 301
Default low idle and low charging gauge

can anybody tell me what might cause a low idle when in gear and stopped (idles between 400 and 700 rpm, it used to idle at 1000)
also the battery gauge is a hair off the low line when lights and heater are on, but this mainly happens when i am in gear and on the break pedal. but i can be in park and pushing the break pedal down and the battery gauge will drop, while the lights are on and heater running. not really sure what to do it just started doing this within a month and a half ago.
i just put a new battery in today and the alt was replaced in may of this year.
any help would be appriciated
-thanks
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1999 ranger 4x4 supercab, 4.0L
-3 inch PA body lift
-16 inch pro comp alloys
-33x11.50 BFG all terrain
-Go Rihno roll bar with 4 KC Daylighter lights
-weston bull bar
-dual exhaust,
-air box mod, tightend throttle cable.

Last edited by big green; 12-29-2009 at 04:31 PM.
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  #2  
Old 12-29-2009, 05:27 AM
big green big green is offline
Ford Tough
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 301
Default

bump
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1999 ranger 4x4 supercab, 4.0L
-3 inch PA body lift
-16 inch pro comp alloys
-33x11.50 BFG all terrain
-Go Rihno roll bar with 4 KC Daylighter lights
-weston bull bar
-dual exhaust,
-air box mod, tightend throttle cable.
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  #3  
Old 11-27-2010, 05:57 AM
Jimbo Jimbo is offline
Ford Truck Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 81
Default Re: low idle and low charging gauge

Did you ever find the problem to your low charge needle at idle? I have an 02 4.0 and recently realized the same issue. I don't recall seeing this before. I'm leaning towards bad/dirty grounds and/or alternator on verge of failing. Battery is less than a year old. I also seemed to notice hearing the alternator more than ever. Like its trying to charge a dead battery/under heavy load.
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  #4  
Old 11-28-2010, 07:22 PM
Giangrosso Giangrosso is offline
97 ranger
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 106
Default Re: low idle and low charging gauge

Try changing your brushes, and before you put your new ones in spin the pulley while holding a ereaser where the brushes go
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  #5  
Old 11-28-2010, 08:25 PM
Rocky Mountain Ranger Rocky Mountain Ranger is offline
'02 EDGE 3.0L 2wd auto
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 21
Default Re: low idle and low charging gauge

Jimbo, does the engine drop in RPMs while you are having the voltmeter hover around the bottom?
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  #6  
Old 11-29-2010, 05:22 AM
Jimbo Jimbo is offline
Ford Truck Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 81
Default Re: low idle and low charging gauge

Its a normal idle but all the lights dim significantly and as soon as you get the rpms over 1200-1500 the charging needle jumps way back up and the lights all go bright. The alternator wines like its charging a drained battery.

----------

Alternator looks like its in an easy place to get out. How long should I expect if I have to R&R it? Anyone know?
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  #7  
Old 11-29-2010, 05:29 AM
tonrogs tonrogs is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 10
Default Re: low idle and low charging gauge

Check the ground strap between your engine and your frame as well as the battery's ground to be sure they are connected well and not corroded.

Also, do you own a multimeter? It would help in diagnosing....
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