Questions and Answers
Ranger Has A Short Problem
Q. I need help with a problem in my 1993 Ford Ranger pick up truck, 2.3 liter and 160,000 miles. The big problem I am having with it is, first thing this morning I went to crank it to go to town and it blew the 60 amp ignition fuse in the power distribution box as soon as the key turned to the on or "run" position.
It never made it to start position. I was afraid of what I would find,but I removed the steering wheel cover, dash instrument cluster panel, and dropped the steering wheel to observe the actual ignition switch and all other near by wiring harnesses.
I do not have a book on this truck yet or a wiring diagram, but I can tell you that there are no melted or shorted wires where I can see them. I even went as far as to remove the inside courtesy lamp, headlight switch, door sensors, and radio. Then I made a very tiny jumper wire and put it neatly where the fuse went. I stayed there holding it for more than one minute and nothing happened. So I went and sat in the seat, with all this stuff hanging out where I could see it, and quickly turned the switch to the on or run position. Needless to say, that little jumper was gone before I could turn it off.
Do you happen to know, with all I have disconnected what could possibly be hot enough to cause this truck to blow a 60 amp ignition fuse in the on or run position in a split second. I really mean a "split" second, no if and or but about it, it blows.
David
A. The 60 amp Ignition fuse does feed only the Ignition Switch, but the Ignition Switch feeds a ton of other stuff. Too much for me to go into detail here. And since the only way you're going to find it is with a Wiring Diagram, here's one to work with.
One thing you might find useful. I made a special light by taking a blown fuse and scraping away the plastic on one side so the metal terminals are exposed. Then I soldered the wires of a small light socket to the exposed ends. Then I simply plug it into the fuse box and if there is a short it will light. Start unplugging things and when the light goes out, you found the device or circuit causing the short.
I wish I could tell you where the short is, but as you know, it could be anywhere.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
