I'll tell the whole story to try and gauge what may be happening. Went to leave the shop today and my battery light was on - and my voltage gauge was low.

Did some voltage tests and realized that the alternator wasn't working. Well I had my receipt at home (I just changed the alternator in July) so I drove 15 minutes home to get the receipt and exchange for a new one.

Well when I was removing it I noticed a bad electrical smell and saw this:


Additionally I saw transmission fluid around the plug (oopsie). Must have dripped a little while I was checking the fluid levels before leaving (the sole purpose I was at my shop that day). Could that have caused this?

Welp, in any case, that didn't seem too good. So I cut that off as well and brought it with me to the store. Came home with a new alternate and a new plug. I spliced the existing wires for the plug and installed the new alternator but it is still not charging. I took it off and plan to take the alternator to the store for a check to ensure it's working, but if it isn't I thought I'd begin a discussion so I had direction after church tomorrow.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Information:
96 Ranger
3.0L

 

Alternators have an ON/OFF switch, otherwise they would drain the battery when engine is off.

On the 3 wire connector on alternator you will see a Light Green/Red stripe wire, that is the ON/OFF wire, it comes from the Battery Light in the dash board.
When key is on that wire should have 12volts and if connector is hooked to alternator the Battery Light should be on, if not then fuse could be blown or voltage regulator is blown.
With key OFF test for 12volts at B+ on alternator, that's the post and nut were the bigger wires are hooked up.
If no 12v then fuse or fusible link is blown.
Also test for 12v at the Yellow/white stripe wire on the 3 wire connector, key OFF, if no 12v then a fuse or fusible link is blown

 

Wow! Thanks Ron!

Found the fuse (in the engine fuse box). Apparently looking at them in the dark isn't too effective.

You rock!

 

Thanks, and good work finding/fixing the problem.

 

Anyone know why I'm not getting power to the alternater fuse in the box under the hood?

 

You should start your own thread and include the year and engine model of your Ranger

1999 2.5l?

Diagram below
Alt Sys Fuse 30amp gets 12v from the 175amp MEGA Fuse on the outside of the engine fuse box, check that connection
Pretty much ALL fuses in the engine fuse box get 12v from that connection