Went to start my 2000 ranger this morning, hit the key and everything went black (well ****), opened the hood wiggled the battery cables a little got dash lights hit the key and again blackout. So I grab the keys to my 99 ranger fired it up turned the headlight switch and (WTF) no headlights! I get running lights, turn signals and dash lights but no headlights. Turn the switch on and off a few times and I get lights, ok off to work. 2 miles down the road headlight go out (****) good thing I keep the fog light on! Wiggle switch and I get headlights, this happened again and again the whole way to work. (20 miles). So I'm definitely looking at a headlight switch and maybe a battery. Hope the rest of the day goes better!

 

Yes, new head light switch, very common on most vehicles that didn't use relays for head lights, lots of AMPs go thru that switch

And yes, clean the battery cables, BOTH of them

You can test a battery after it has set for a few hours
12.8volts is a new battery
12.5v is a 3 year old battery
12.3v is a 5/6 year old battery and time to shop for battery sales

12.2v or lower is a drained or failing battery


After startup test battery again
14.3-14.8v means alternator is working
After running for 5min or so 13.5-13.8v should be seen, this means voltage regulator is working
If volts stay above 14v then could be voltage regulator is failing OR you battery is, see above voltages, if battery tested 12.2v or lower then voltage regulator is trying to recharge a bad battery

 

Alls well in ranger land this morning, Cleaned the battery connection on the 2000 green truck and all is good, battery tested good with 600CCA ( I have a digital battery load tester) Did the same on the 99 black truck. Ordered a new headlight switch for the 99.

 

Replaced the old headlight switch in the 99 black ranger, real fun pulling half the dash apart. Found the mounting tabs were broken off, epxoyed them back into place and reinstalled for a nice fix. I also replaced the faulty mirror switch in the 00 green truck. Next up is replacing the cruise control switches on both trucks, the 99 works its just broken loose on the left side and the right side is falling apart. the 00 doesn't work at all. was also lucky to find a center console in good condition for the 99 for just $20. The truck it came from had a like new replacement rear bumper and I purchased it for $75. both of mine have rust spots coming through on the rear bumpers.

 

My 2 rangers