General Technical & Electrical General technical and electrical discussion for the Ford Ranger that does not fit in any other sub-forum.

alternator light on but have 14 volts at battery

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Old Jan 24, 2015
  #1  
we@nb's Avatar
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From: NB
alternator light on but have 14 volts at battery

So driving home in the dark the alternator light came on . I thought I was screwed as the lights would kill the batt. before I got home .Didnt happen and this morn I tested batt. 12.5 v engine off and 14.5 engine running . But the light is still on . Clamped the big red wire to + post and read 8 Amps .

Why is that light on?
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015
  #2  
BigEdge126's Avatar
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From: Havertown,PA
I think the voltage regulator built inside the alternator is bad. You have to replace the alternator. Had it happened to me too.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015
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Light comes on for over voltage as well as under voltage.

Engine running voltage should be 13.6v at battery.

It does go as high as 14.9volts just after starting, to recharge battery, but then it should drop to 13.6v in a few minutes.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015
  #4  
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From: arthur
alternator light indicates that the alternator is NOT generating any amperage output

that is why the light is on
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015
  #5  
we@nb's Avatar
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From: NB
RonD ,thanks for that info I will monitor the voltage again but I'm starting to guess that it is maybe the internal regulator of the alt. as the voltage is reading over 14.4 and I get 3-8 amps with the clamp meter. I don't want to cook the battery . Cheers
 
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Old Mar 28, 2025
  #6  
Red 2010's Avatar
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Same problem

I have been reading of your problem and I am having the same problem changed the alternator twice. Did you cure yours mine is still a issue
 
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