My battery is not charging what should i be looking for?

Question

I've been having some problem w/ the electrical system on my 1990 ford ranger. Specifically the battery not charging. So I changed the alternater right away but problem has persisted.

Now I'm having trouble get the problem an diagnosed and Im wondering were I should go from here. It's an old truck so I don't want to put a lot of money into it. I don't want to hand it into a mechanic and not have clue of whats going on either, my finances are very limited.

Any advice on what should do, or how I can diagnose the problem myself.

the battery is also new

Answer 1

I would have the battery load tested, most parts stores will do this for free, if thats not the problem, make sure all connections are good with the alternator. Also that truck may have a fuse for the alternator. Check it. Start with the free load test though.

Answer 2

Reversing the cables might reason important harm as quickly as you tried to crank the engine, if no longer in the previous. the reason your battery is flat is between the customary ones. it fairly is previous, the charging gadget isn't working suitable, the terminal posts are corroded, there is not any longer adequate acid interior the battery, you have been making too many short journeys or an electric fault is draining the battery even on an identical time as the ignition secret's on your pocket. those are the customary ones. in case you're uncertain it is advantageous, beg, borrow. scouse borrow or ideally purchase a affordable multimeter. this promises you an unambiguous answer. Then use a grease pencil to mark the battery so which you commit it to memory.

Answer 3

The battery must hold a charge and if it's over 4 years old, I'd buy a new one. The charging voltage should read at least 14.0 volts DC at engine idle, especially in cold weather. Use the Sears DMM meter below to measure voltage across the battery terminals. The truck must be driven at least 30 minutes once every week (minimum) to charge the battery because even when the truck's parked, up to 1/4 ampere (250 milliamperes) can be being drawn from the battery. Test the "parasitic draw" from the battery as specified below to make sure less than 1/4 amp is flowing from the battery when the truck's parked over night.
http://www.ehow.com/how_512_replace-car-battery.html
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010636/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2010636/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=battery+post+cleaner+brush
http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Parasitic-Battery-Drain
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=BK&PartNumber=7823304&Description=Circuit+Tester+Fuse+Adapter

Answer 4

You already threw at least $100.00 at the old Ford by guessing.
You would have been better off having a mechanic test the battery and charging system first so you knew what to spend your money on.

Answer 5

I'd buy a charging system tester. However it would be cheaper to go to a reputable repair facility and having it properly diagnosed. We charge 20.00 at my shop to test the charging system and this will determine the source of your problem.

Answer 6

It could be something as simple and cheap as replacing the battery wires, or just cleaning the terminals.

Answer 7

Sounds like the battery itself is dead. Have it checked for free at a place like AutoZone.

Answer 8

get voltage tester and the regulator, or try a different batery, if yours has a dead cell it won't stay charged

Answer 9

go to an auto part store they do have ways to check your car with tester

Answer 10

Change the so called " CUT OUT" .