Hello,
Ive got a 97 ranger 3.0L 4x4 that keeps blowing #24 fuse. Have already replaced neutral safety switch, ignition switch, and ignition lock cylinder. I can start the truck by jumping the starter solenoid. If I do this and drive to work, when I get there if I put in a new fuse and turn the key over truck starts just fine. Please help

 

Fuse 24 only has 12volts when key is turned to START, so that's the only time it can "blow"

It doesn't have 12volts any other time, so can't "blow" when just driving or sitting
ONLY when key is turned to START

If your 1997 has/had and Anti-theft system(alarm) then it will have a 2nd Starter Relay, usually under the dash, and this can be the problem, as the 12volts must also pass thru this relay on its way to starter relay on the fender

It would be in relay box 1, above gas pedal

 

found relay box 1 which relay is it?

 

Ford never had a firm "map" for relay box 1

The starter interrupt relay will be the first in line after fuse 24, ignition switch---------fuse 24-------------starter interrupt relay----------neutral switch----ect
So you can insert a new fuse in 24 and turn the key to START and see which relay "clicks"

Here is a picture of similar relay box under dash: https://www.explorerforum.com/forums...ox-png.155654/

But layouts(map) changed yearly and by Options on your vehicle

 

So found I have a short somewhere between C129 and the CPP. Any ideas what to do?

 

You may not know but C129(connector 129) has absolutely no meaning to anyone not looking at a 1997 Ford Ranger wiring diagram manual
1996 and 1998 would be different

CPP I would think means clutch pedal position switch

But if you know where C129 is then just cut the old shorted wire at both ends and run a new one to splice in

 

So tried running a new wire and still no dice. Ended up wiring in a push button to bridge the solenoid in the mean time so the truck can be started from inside the cab. Thank you for the help