88 Ranger plow truck dies - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

doug rooney · 01-08-2010, 08:53

Battery checks out at 12v and clamps are tight but had to jump it to get it going a bit ago. Worked ok for awhile but has died twice and won't turn over without a jump. Seems to me if it were the alternator, it wouldn't have 12v?? Any thoughts?? Thanks, Doug

wont do anything now. Even with the charger on it in 80 amp start mode. Not even a click??

thefonz · 01-08-2010, 09:48

12v doesn't really mean you have any umph to start the truck. Test to see that the alt is putting out proper voltage. (about 13.5) If that is ok, your battery is probably bad. Also check connections are clean and tight.

**360ci** · 01-09-2010, 12:58

having a plow will put additional load on the battery and alternator. If the plow uses hydraulic assist then it would be wise to upgrade to a higher output alternator to keep the battery at full charge, or add a second battery (somewhere). The alternator should put out close to 14V as mentioned above. Not even a 'click' sound means the battery is dead. Your best bet is to get it charged, and then take it to a shop to get both the battery tested, and the alternator load tested to make sure it can charge the battery enough to maintain at least 12V

doug rooney · 01-09-2010, 19:04

Thanks guys. Alternator tested out fine and you were both right. Battery is shot so has been replaced. Plows fine now. Will keep in mind the tips about beefing up the alternator and/or battery. Good tips and didn't know that.

Thanks again, Doug

**360ci** · 01-10-2010, 07:50

Doug, if the battery fails again, or unless you've done this already, besides adding a second battery to the system you might want to see if a larger deep cycle battery will fit under the hood. I had one on my boat, and it was great more in the sense that I didn't have to run the generator as often for minimal power requirements (micro, etc) whereas the old lead-acid 750CCA battery that I had previously before getting the spiral cell Optima would turn the generator on within a couple of minutes of it noticing power drain from the old battery.

doug rooney · 01-10-2010, 10:13

Another good thought. Thanks