Hey guys,

I have a 99 Ranger 3.0L and this just started happening yesterday after I let the truck sit for about 4 days. When I went in to start it, I had full power to the dash lights and dome light, when I make the last key turn to start there is a POP from what sounds like the fuse box under the hood. After that happens there is no power to anything in the truck, the only thing is the ding that happens when the door is opened. I let it sit overnight and I had full power again to the dash lights, but when I went to turn it over, I heard the POP sound again. The battery is brand new and so are the + and - connectors to it. Any ideas on what this could be? cable going to the fuse box? a relay? seems like something is shorting out.

 

Not shorting, just a bad connection that is separating when AMPs are being passed thru it.
Heats up and POP, when it cools down again you will get connection again.

Yes, Check battery connection at engine fuse box, that powers the dash, and the dash power sends the 12volts to starter motor to activate it.

On my 1999 Ranger power distribution drawing I show a smaller 12volt wire from battery terminal to Fuse box
And a larger 12volt cable from battery terminal to starter motor

Also make sure Ground cable on battery is connected to engine and that connection is clean and tight
There should also be a Ground Strap from engine(back of drivers side head), to the firewall, thats the main Ground for the cab, check it, clean and tight at both ends

 

yep! it was a connection problem, the cables to the connecting clamps were pretty loose, and wires were corroded, I briefly wire brushed the ends after separating from the clamps and re connected, had full power in the truck and it started. When I have some more time I am going to clean all the connect points with baking soda and water.

 

Good work

Thanks for the update and fix info