I replaced my timing belt on my ranger last weekend, everythings fine and dandy. I go to start my ranger this morning and the battery idiot light comes on after the truck being running for about 3 seconds. The volt gauge reads 15 volts. Whats wrong ? Or should I just reset the computer ?

 

15 volts sounds pretty high, the voltage regulator might be bad. I know on my truck it never goes over 14 volts, atleast not by much at all.

 

its like 14.5 volts most of the time, but when i have the heat/ radio, lights on it goes down to like 12. Any quick test I can do to test it ?

 

You can get the battery and alternator tested for free at autozone.

 

sounds like the alternator is going out......only way to check it is to have everything tested.

 

yeh like the others have said sound like the alternator/voltage regulator maybe going. overcharging=not good situation. hasten thyself to autozone....

 

15 volts is on the high side and dropping down to 12 with those accessories on is also bad. Sounds like it is toast.

 

I don't know why my truck even has one- the battery light never even came on until after my battery was completely dead. Worthless.

 

Thats because it is for alternator problems, not battery problems.

 

Ahhh, I guess I should be thankful to not have to yank the alternator out then

 

Make sure you plugged in both harnesses to the alternator.

 

I followed my dads instructs and I put a volt meter across the battery. 14.6 volts. Crank the radio, turn on the high beams and blast the heat. Still have 14.6 volts. I'm thinking something with the idiot light is bad because it is having no problems at all charging.

 

got to autozone, they will do a load test. it could be either your battery or the alternator.

 

do I have to take the alternator out ?

 

Your alternator is probably fine if its pumping out 14... volts.

Check the little wire that plugs into the alternator.

 

no , don't need to remove it.

and as Blhde said check the smaller wire that plugs into the alt.
for corrosion

 

I moved the connector around a little, started the truck up and bam no more light. It flickered a couple times but never came fully on. Thanks guys its nice to go to a forums where people actually know what they are talking about ! I need some more help with my truck but I'll need to post different threads in a couple days. Thanks !

 

glad you got it sorted out