# Electrical ghost

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** ford, ranger\
**Created:** [January 6, 2012, 7:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292 "2012-01-06T07:49:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![olcowboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3be4f8/32.png) [@olcowboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/olcowboy)\
**Post date:** [January 6, 2012, 7:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292/1 "2012-01-06T07:49:23Z")

</div>

I have a 1986 Ford Ranger that the battery light comes on and all lights get bright at 900 rpm on acceleration, and all lights dim and light goes off at 900 rpm on deceleration. I have replaced the battery, alternator and starter since getting the truck. I have also run ALL the wiring and found only 2 breaks which were repaired. I have had to replace headlights 3 times in two weeks, due to them blowing. Any help would be appreciated.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [January 6, 2012, 7:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292/2 "2012-01-06T07:59:11Z")

</div>

Did you try replacing the voltage regulator? It’s seperate from the alternator.

Tester

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MCBMW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/91b2a8/32.png) [@MCBMW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MCBMW)\
**Post date:** [January 6, 2012, 12:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292/3 "2012-01-06T12:16:24Z")

</div>

Yep, classic voltage regulator. Just did one on my Audi TT. Replace that and I’d bet you’ll be good to go. Do it soon too, I think it can damage the alternator if it isn’t working properly. Or maybe it was the other way around… either way, replace it.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![olcowboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3be4f8/32.png) [@olcowboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/olcowboy)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 4:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292/4 "2012-01-07T04:28:43Z")

</div>

Voltage regulator on this truck is built in to the alternator. Cant change independently. Alternator checks out OK

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Honda-Blackbird](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/honda-blackbird/32/3159_2.png) [@Honda-Blackbird](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Honda-Blackbird)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 4:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292/5 "2012-01-07T04:39:05Z")

</div>

Voltage regulator… But in the Ranger i THOUGHT it was IN the alternator… Dodge is usually the only one to leave the regulator outside of the alternator… No?

It IS classic Voltage regulator scenario nonetheless… I will look up where your regulator is… OUTSIDE of that this can be a ground wire issue also. Check your batt connections AND the grounds…the ground is VERY IMPORTANT Sir

Blackbird

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Triedaq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Triedaq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Triedaq)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 4:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-ghost/70292/6 "2012-01-07T04:41:42Z")

</div>

I know that the 1989 Mercury Sable I once owned had an external voltage regulator.