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I have a 1991 Ford Ranger XLT 2.9 4x4 standard truck.
Truck stop starting, replaced the battery cables and started right up. the negative cable was grounded to two spots, one frame, one to engine, and then to the battery itself.
The grounds from I believe is the the solenoid is where i’m having issues. I connected it directly the battery but now everything is out of wack.
My instrument cluster is showing high on everything (see attachment) and even fluctuates or when i hit the brakes the instruments go. My 4x4 no longer activates when i hit the button. When these grounds are not connected to the battery (to the negative cable), then the truck will not start.
Do these need to go somewhere else? If someone presents a wiring diagram, please explain as if i were a 5 year old because i don’t quite understand it fully.
Checked fuses, all are good. I believe though all the issues i’m seeing to have are from these grounds coming from the solenoid. (wires i’m talking about will be attached as well) Thank you in advance!
Battery negative is connected to the engine, usually on a starter motor attachment bolt
In some years it can also be attached to the frame on its way to starter motor
There also needs to be a ground wire/strap from engine or frame ground to the metal inner fender it is a ground for the relays on the inner fender
There should also be a ground wire/strap from engine head to metal firewall, that's the ground for cab electrics
On a V6 its usually on the back of drivers side head to firewall, often to wiper motor bolt, grounding the firewall
Frame ground is for tail lights and in the front for headlights and horn, grounded Rad support
When in doubt run a new Ground wire
The only larger ground wire needed is from battery to engine, that has to pass 60-75 amps to power starter motor, and get the 20-50amps from alternator
All the other ground wires are smaller 16-18gauge or bare metal straps(flat)
Read the codes and it is saying ECT sensor and IAT or VAT Sensor is out of range.
Are these bad or could it still be a ground issue?
Would a bad ECT or IAT sensor cause my 4x4 not to work?
Thanks
Battery negative is connected to the engine, usually on a starter motor attachment bolt
In some years it can also be attached to the frame on its way to starter motor
There also needs to be a ground wire/strap from engine or frame ground to the metal inner fender it is a ground for the relays on the inner fender
There should also be a ground wire/strap from engine head to metal firewall, that's the ground for cab electrics
On a V6 its usually on the back of drivers side head to firewall, often to wiper motor bolt, grounding the firewall
Frame ground is for tail lights and in the front for headlights and horn, grounded Rad support
When in doubt run a new Ground wire
The only larger ground wire needed is from battery to engine, that has to pass 60-75 amps to power starter motor, and get the 20-50amps from alternator
All the other ground wires are smaller 16-18gauge or bare metal straps(flat)
Any idea where to find the ground for the tail lights? Thanks
