Electrical problem

DEWBERRY CHRISTOPER

MEMBER
1995 FORD RANGER
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I was driving to work one day I seen my speed indicator needle jump start twitching stop the red light it went to zero. When I went to take off again it didn't work anymore. Figured it was just a fuse. Got to work then started noticing numerous things were not working anymore; my windshield wipers do not work, motor pump doesn't work, my turn signals doesn't work, my dome lights don't, work radio don't work, brake lights don't work. I checked all fuses and relays everything is working. No blown fuses. Could it be the windshield wiper switch? Taking all suggestions.

Thursday, May 28th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM

4 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

Good evening,

Did you verify power to the fuses? This is not a visual test but a power test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check the instrument panel fuse block for power with the key on to see if there is power there. That fuse block controls all the functions that do not work.

Roy

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Thursday, May 28th, 2020 AT 4:05 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

When you have multiple systems that stop working, the best suspect is what they have in common, which is the charging system. First check the battery's voltage. If you need help using a digital voltmeter, start with this article:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

If you have to buy a meter, you don't need the auto-ranging feature. Harbor Freight Tools has a good meter for less than ten dollars. You can find them at any hardware store or at Walmart too. I can help with setting it up if necessary.

The battery will read 12.6 volts if it's good and fully-charged. If you find it's around 12.2 volts, it's good but fully-discharged. Charge it at a slow rate for a couple of hours, then check it again.

Once it's fully-charged, check it again with the engine running. Now it must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, we'll need to diagnose the cause of the charging system not working.

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Thursday, May 28th, 2020 AT 4:10 PM

DEWBERRY CHRISTOPER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you both looking into both suggestions. The battery voltage might be a issue try to start the truck this morning and it would not start. Drove it for about 30 minutes parked it for about an hour and went back and it almost didn't start again. So it definitely could be a battery issue.

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Thursday, May 28th, 2020 AT 4:51 PM

ASEMASTER6371