1999 Ford Ranger 98 RANGER speedometer/ battery connection

1999 FORD RANGER
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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YELLAH12
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first off it was a stormy night and water was standing... i parked my truck and turned it off having no problems. when i went to start my truck 20mins later it was acting dead the inter lights will come on but very dim and the open door chime will work the inside light display is on but my headlights wont work!i jumped the truck next i put the truck in drive and the speedometer gos from 0-60mph back and forth when only going 20mph! now it wont turn back on will make the crank sound when turning over the key just wont start . when i try to start ot the positive battery conncter gets hot and smokes a little. what is going on!! just got a new oil change
Aug 15, 2010 at 9:00 AM
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LEGITIMATE007
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hi, I think you may have an alternator problem, or even a combination of alternator and battery, . we need to fix this problem otherwise it may cause some damage to the computer. I think the voltage regulator may be bad. the best thing to do is bring it to autozone and have them test it.
Aug 15, 2010 at 10:23 AM
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YELLAH12
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i did forget to tell you the ABS light turned on too!
Aug 15, 2010 at 10:27 AM
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LEGITIMATE007
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that may or may not be related to the alternator/battery
Aug 15, 2010 at 10:32 AM
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LEGITIMATE007
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https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_alternator.htm
Aug 15, 2010 at 10:33 AM
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LEGITIMATE007
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https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/battery.htm
Aug 15, 2010 at 10:33 AM
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YELLAH12
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thank you ill check out the videos! also a while ago when driving my truck started julting hard when pushing on the gas... like a misfire sound .... i changed the spark plugs but they may be bad again
Aug 15, 2010 at 10:47 AM
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LEGITIMATE007
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again, that too may be an alternator problem. but like you said plugs,wires(arcing). could be many things. check that out first though
Aug 16, 2010 at 9:43 AM
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