I've been having an issue with cold starts. When it gets down to about 5 F (as it does here in Iowa) the battery can become too weak to start the truck. A jump is then required to get it going. This can happen after just a couple of hours in the parking lot on a cold evening. Also, the turn signals will "freeze" and not work, or work sluggishly. Sometimes the dome light will fail to light as well. You might think this is a cold door switch, but the slide switch won't get it on either. These are cold weather problems only. Could they be related? My next step will be a new battery, even though the one I have in there is only 18 mos. old. Advice?

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'97 4x2 Regular cab XLT 2.3L EFI 4 Auto

get the alternator checked , it may not be put out enough to charge the battery . do a load test on the battery to see just how good it is

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2003 Ranger totally stock for now ,mods coming soon .
SOLD 1996 Mazda B3000

Your battery has reached the end of it's useful life. A new one will fix the problem.

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

My truck does the same thing, hasn't gotten too cold here yet. getting to 16 tonight but thinking on changing the alternator when i can scoop up the cash for it. Battery is only about 3 months old

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Changing the alternator is not going to fix a bad battery. If you're getting 13-14 volts with the engine running, then the alternator is doing it's job. Your engine would be be stalling out if the alternator was shot too because it wouldn't have electricity to run let alone start.

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

Definitely check the battery first. Because every time that battery dies it shortens it's service life and your battery may be dead already if you've let it die a lot.

Thanks to everyone for your replies! I've since purchased a new battery and all is fine. The new one has a substantially higher rating for cca. I have had no problems afterward. However, it's been unusually warm around here for this time of year. If we do get a few -15 F mornings like we normally would ??? We'll see!

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'97 4x2 Regular cab XLT 2.3L EFI 4 Auto