Battery Light / 98 Ford Ranger

[Jon/xpm]

Howdy Stangers.

I have a 98 Ford Ranger 4 Cycl. and the battery light came on when i started the truck yesterday night. The meter had a low read and was close to the bottom.

I was thinking about taking it to the dealership around the plano area. I figured it could be either a battery, fuse link, alternator, fuse or something crazy.

Any advice would be appreciate.
Thanks
Jonathan

[JC316]

Almost always the alternator.

[krazy kris]

You can have it tested for free at autozone or oriellys

[Jon/xpm]

I went over to autozone as suggested. The battery tested fine and the guy said it is the alternator.

I called around the local dealership and got crazy prices. Anyone have a "hook up" on parts or labor?

Autonation ford
Parts 277.48
Labor $250 (WHAT!)

5 Star
Parts 231.33
Labor $330 ()

Bob Tome
Parts 231.23
Labor 163.50

Colony Car Care
Parts 289
Labor 136

City Garage
Parts 260 reman
Labor 99.37

Does it make a huge different between reman and new?

My brothers friend might be able to do it for $50... I just need to track down the part.

I am now wanting to just tackle this myself with labor cost. But i live in an apt complex and have zero tools. Plus the apt complex does not like you working on your cars and last thing i need is the golf cart chasing me down.

Thanks
Jonathan

[JC316]

http://www.alternatorpros.com/1998-FORD-RANGER-2.5L%204%20Cyl-Alternator.html

I use them religiously. They have great prices and I haven't had a single problem with any of their alternators. $89 for yours.

[Jon/xpm]

JC316-Thanks! Placed the order.

[Jon/xpm]

nvm

[mstng86]

don't pay someone to change the alternator. It's one of the easiest jobs you can do on a car.

[Jon/xpm]

mstng86- I have a friend going to let me work at his house and provide tools.

[TexasT]

Or, just do it in the parking lot of the part house. Seem everyone else does, and you can borrow their tools. I don't consider myself prepared without tools for road side repairs. You may need to invest in some.

[Jon/xpm]

The alternator got put in today. The volts went back to normal and the battery light went away. Woohooo


I just need some further assistance. The ball joints on the truck seem to be in really bad condition.

I was going to have them put in tomorrow.

Can anyone recommend which brand I should go with?

Moog or MasterPro?

I was going to pick up the upper and lower from either O'Reillys or Autozone tomorrow.

Thanks
Jonathan

[kingston250]

Yes alternator is very important so always try to keep alternator. I will never face this type of problem with my car.