Battery

[tcausey]

Hi, new to this forum. Just bought a 90 bronco and have a problem.

Stopped for gas, after tried to start but acts like the battery is dead.

Tried jump start but it would only click at the starter relay, replaced

the relay but no help. When not hocked up to jumper cables it acts

like the battery is dead, nothing works (radio, no dash lights, nothing)

Someone tould me it could be the voltage regulator. Any suggestions

would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Terry Causey

 

[Seabronc]

Have you tried replacing the battery? If a battery is totally drained, you need to let the jumpering vehicle charge it for a bit before trying to start it. If the batttery is dead and won't hold a charge, you may not be able to give it enough charge to start your truck.

As far as the voltage regulator goes, it could have been the original cause of the batttery not getting charged and allowing it to drain completely. However, it will not be the cause of not starting if the battery is good.

I would try a new battery and as soon as you start the truck check the voltage level at the battery + terminal, it should be in the 13.5V area. If it is less, either the voltage regulator or alternator is probably bad. With the engine running, you can verify if the alternator is putting out by disconnecting the + terminal (don't let it touch the frame or short it to the frame while loosening it). If it is good, the engine will continue running, if it is not putting out, the engine will stop. You may have an alternator that has a built in voltage regulator, not sure about the 1990.

Good luck,

>-

 

[tcausey]

Thanks Fred, turned out to be the battery after all (even though it was showing

good)

Thanks again

Terry