Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

Battery light came on my 2003 Ranger and radio quit. the battery was discharging. when I stopped I thought maybe a loose cable or something but found the ground side terminal cracking and couldn't be tightened down. I replaced the terminal with clamp type. I had no charge to turn engine over but got a jump and got the truck home, all the while with battery light on and signals working oddly, etc. I hooked up the trickle charger and got it where it showed a partial (about 1/4 way) charge with battery light still on. I thought the battery was shot so got a brand new one. Still have battery light on and low charging showing on the guage. Any ideas? Alternator? Bad cables? Fuse? Not sure which direction to go first. ???

Re: Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

The light comes on when the key is on but the alternator is not generating power. There is a fuse in the underhood power distro box you should check. But most likely, the alternator or integrated voltage regulator is just shot.

Re: Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

Bump--Agreed, x2 ^

Re: Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

I started having issues with my battery light coming on at around a constant 3000 rpm, both while driving and if I purposely idel it that high. Once the rpm lowers, it will start charging again and the light will go off/gauge return to normal. Any thoughts? Voltage Regulator?

Re: Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

Very common in a failing alternator. If they're going to fail gradually, it usually starts with the higher RPM. You can try replacing just the voltage regulator if it is removable on yours. Or you can just replace the whole thing.

Re: Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

Kind of what I figured. Thanks for the help.

Re: Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

I agree with the Alternator idea?

as an FYI.....my Battery died yesterday so I called around and they all wanted over $100 for a 3 year warranty one...........I went to Costco and got a 3 year warranty one for $58

----------

also a $5 multimeter will give you a good idea if your alternator is charging....

Re: Battery Light - Charging Problem?
 

Thanks for the help guys! Put a new alternator in the other day and she's been running like a champ ever since!