Lighting & Volt Meter Problem - Ford Ranger Forum

ocmulgeeriverrat · 10-14-2010, 03:49 AM

New to Forum & Thanks in advance for any advice received !!

94 Ranger, 2.3L, 5 speed, 2 wheel drive
(1) Volt meter needle steady bouncing up & down, never goes below the half
way point, not real rapid but just steady
(2) Does not cause any problems with charging of battery, running of engine,
etc.
(3) The only thing that I can find that it is effecting is when the the headlights, running / tail lights, etc. are on every time the needle bounces the output of the lamps goes up & down along with it, lamps neve go completely out
(4) Had battery & alternator checked, said both was okay, later went & got new one anyway & still the same problem
(5) Any suggections ?

**Hooligan** · 02-06-2011, 05:37 AM

Thread moved to the new electrical tech section

DiabloBlanco · 02-06-2011, 01:05 PM

Check fuses

EricFi1 · 11-20-2011, 06:02 PM

You should get a volt meter and check for the voltage swings you're experiencing from the guage to verify the problem. It could easily be a faulty guage, bad connection to the guage, loose wire or ground, even a heavy electrical load like a stereo system or
extra lights or whatever.

I actually recommend putting an ammeter inline so you can see the alternator putting out power.

fuses wouldn't cause a fluctuation.

10-14-2010, 03:49 AM	#1
ocmulgeeriverrat Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1	Lighting & Volt Meter Problem New to Forum & Thanks in advance for any advice received !! 94 Ranger, 2.3L, 5 speed, 2 wheel drive (1) Volt meter needle steady bouncing up & down, never goes below the half way point, not real rapid but just steady (2) Does not cause any problems with charging of battery, running of engine, etc. (3) The only thing that I can find that it is effecting is when the the headlights, running / tail lights, etc. are on every time the needle bounces the output of the lamps goes up & down along with it, lamps neve go completely out (4) Had battery & alternator checked, said both was okay, later went & got new one anyway & still the same problem (5) Any suggections ?

02-06-2011, 01:05 PM	#3
DiabloBlanco Those Damn Kids Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: California Posts: 340	Check fuses __________________ 2005 Ford Ranger Edge 3.0L V6 5-speed L/s 8.8 4.10 Swap.\|20% tint\|BFG 31x10.5x15 A/Ts on Eagle alloy's\|Flowmaster 40s\|PIAA 4000k\|K&N drop in. YZ the way to be! Mods to come: Camburg entry 6.0 system. FiberwerkX Fenders. Tube bumper YZ the way to be! The Brotherhood!

11-20-2011, 06:02 PM	#4
EricFi1 Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 24	You should get a volt meter and check for the voltage swings you're experiencing from the guage to verify the problem. It could easily be a faulty guage, bad connection to the guage, loose wire or ground, even a heavy electrical load like a stereo system or extra lights or whatever. I actually recommend putting an ammeter inline so you can see the alternator putting out power. fuses wouldn't cause a fluctuation. __________________ 1993 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab 4.0L v6 4x4, 5spd manual 213k miles, 3.73 gears, stock suspension & tires, MSD Wires, Motorcraft OE plugs, (soon to have Pulstar's). Flowmaster 3-Stage with dual outs, homemade cold-air intake with K&N cone (and K&N panel filter for stock airbox for smogging). AutoLoc aftermarket power windows and locks, Dual Head Unit with HD Radio and carrying enough tools to fill a tool truck (ok.. maybe a Ford Ranger)

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