Electical short problem

L

Lone ranger

New Member
Battery light came on this morning and the truck died at a red light.All lights went out and even the dome lamp wouldn't burn.Like magic the lights came back on and was able to start the truck.Battery light stayed on till got to work.Wouldn't start this evening with the battery showing 12.67 volts and no lights again.I boosted the truck off and loaded on the trailer.Battery light was not on after boosting off and showing charging at 14.? volts.Truck started fine when I got it home to unload.The truck is a 95 ranger,4cyl,5 speed.The battery is about 3 months old and I installed a new neg battery cable at the same time.Any and all suggestions are appreciated
 
sounds like a short. Look to see if your new NEG battery cable has any skins in the insulation or is touching any bare wires, same goes for the positive cable. thats all I can think of with the given information unless you plugged something in wrong.
 
I checked the positive and negative cables and all where tight and free of bare spots.It started fine today and I tried to get it to act up but ran fine.My wife is scared to drive it now afraid it will act up again.
 
The wife is right but that why they make Cell Phones.

While it is running check some of the cables, watch the volt meter, maybe you can get it to do it again.
 
Last edited:
Alternator shows to be puting out 14.? volts.I have pushed pulled and tugged at any wire and fuse that I thought might be causing the problem and no change.The part that I can't figure out is the battery showing 12.? volts and not even the interior light would burn.Hook up the jumper cables and the truck fires right up and the lights come on.
 
I guess the question should be, “What component will shut off all of the power in a vehicle and can it turn on and off” ?

Bob where are you…

Did you have your alternator and battery checked under load, sometimes that will reveal more problems but to lose all of your power and then have it come back, funny.
 
im having the same issue with my 93 at the moment. started up just fine and the next time out... nothing. no lights no click no dash or dome. took the battery in and tested fine and still had a full charge. the next thing im going to check is conection from the power wire to the battery terminal. maybe theres some corrosion in there and the extra juice while jumping it off from my ram is getting passed it. it will be a while before i get back to it though. keep me updated and ill do the same.
 
There is a main relay in my 2003 EDGE, not sure if this is in the older vehicles or not.

When I turn on the ignition you can here the relay click in.

Find an electrical schematics for your vehicle and trace out some wires to see what you have and what controls all of the power.
Could be just a bad rely.

Loneranger, where are you, Tonto(sp) is looking for you ?
Also, fill out your info about you so we can tell what year, model vehicle you have,
 
Last edited:
that was my next step after checking the power cable. ive had problems with my distribution box before so i will be checking for power to all of those as well.
 
The truck still hasn't acted up again.I hope I didn't just jinx it by saying that.I'm beginning to think the truck just doesn't like my wifes driving.She got her new car today so she's a happy camper again.
 
I am having a similar problem with my 94 3.0L but can't pinpoint anything. PLUS, there is a short somewhere that is causing my heater core to fail 3 times in the last year!!! This is driving me crazy. The first time it wouldn't start was 2 years ago and while trying to change the starter, it arced by accidently touching the posts on the solenoid while removing the plastic cap with a screwdriver. It then started without replacing the starter and no problem for a year except a power window switch. Now I have off and on problems with the pwr window switch, replaced the heater core 2 times (going on 3) and if it does the no start thing, all I have to do is wiggle the battery cables and it starts again.

Somebody please help with advice.
 
Electrical problem

The number one cause of no engine start is poor battery connections. The number one reason for alternator failure is poor battery connections. The cables must be removed from battery posts then cleaned with special cleaning tools for battery posts. Big rig trucks coat the cable ends and posts with wheel bearing grease after the cables are cleaned and reinstalled. Do not over tighten cables and destroy clamps. Battery voltage should be at least 12.6 volts. A Low battery will destroy a starter. Frank
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top