I have a 95 ford ranger with the 4.0. one day out of the blue my truck wouldn't start. I found the ignition fuse was blown. i replaced the fuse, and right off the bat it blows again. I have replaced the ignition switch and starter. I have checked the clutch safety by jumping it and checking resistance. i can push start the truck and everything is working fine. im starting to think i have a short to ground somewhere on the ignition system. Has anyone had this problem? my next approach will be installing a button, witch engages the starter. can anyone help me out?

 

Welcome to the forum


Fuse #24 in cab fuse panel should only have 12volts when key is turned all the way to START

So it shouldn't blow with key out or anytime until key is turned to START

If it only blows with key turned to start then yes, there is a short to ground somewhere between that fuse and the starter motor RELAY

Fuse #24------------clutch switch-----------Starter Relay

1995 shouldn't have anti-theft normally but dealer could have added it, if so then it looks like this

Fuse #24---------------Anti-theft relay-----Clutch switch--------Starter relay

Anti-theft relay is in Relay box 1, up above gas pedal by steering column, several relays in there