ford_ranger_88

i have a 88 ford ranger, and something is killing the battery, and the only thing i can see out of whack, is my fuel guage is working with the key turned to the accessorie position, what could cause this, a bad ground?...but it doesnt seem to have power to it with the key off it sucks to have to undo my battery everynight so i wont have to jump it in the morning..

mre_power

are you sure you are putting a fully charged battery in to the system?

might be that the alt is not charging the battery.

ford_ranger_88

well, i have had the battery checked twice, if i let it sit over night, it wont start in the morning, but during the day, if i let it sit, it will start, the alternator on the other hand, i dunno about it, (when running) i take the positive off the battery, it would spit and sputter like its gonna die, but then it comes back, im on the 2nd ignition module, the guy at the parts store says that i got a surge going thru somewhere to keep blowing ignition modules like that, *shrugs*

thefonz

Pulling the battery cables off while it's running is old school and not recommended on todays vehicles. When you have the no start condition in the morning, does it turn over?

ford_ranger_88

well, its not exactly a new vehicle, its a 88, and no, the battery is dead in the mornings, i have no dash lights, and it wont do nothing when u turn the key

thefonz

I know it's not a new vehicle. anything from mid 80's up, I wouldn't be pulling the cables off while the vehicle is running. But hey, if you don't mind risking toasting some of your electronics... go ahead. If it were mine I would start with a known good battery that can show good after a load test. Check voltage while running and check connections. Check for 'parasitic' drain on the battery.