I am presently trying to resolve an issue whereby when the negative bat cable is touched to the post, a spark occurs and I can hear a relay clicking somewhere under the dash, ignition switch off, and key removed. I connected a push button with wires between the bat post and the cable so I could run the contact from inside the cab. I found the relay above and behind the glove box after removing the panel which would have had a passenger air bag on newer vehicles. I have also removed the radio/CD player. My truck is a 97, B4000, 5 speed manual tranny, and has no pass air bag.The relay is identified as a FOAB-14B193-AB and has 5 spade terminals. Without a doubt. this energised relay will drain battery over period of time. Can anyone tell me what this relay is supposed to power, I don't think it should be" hot" off the battery. The pathetic wiring diagram I have is usless!! Courierlenny

 

A 1997 Ranger will have a Battery Saver relay
It should activate when a battery is connected, then it will deactivated after 30minutes or so, if key is off and doors are closed

You have a GEM module behind the radio it operates the battery saver relay, when powered up by hooking up a battery its timer will start up IF......Key is off
If key is on relay is on
When you turn key off the GEM timer starts and will turn off the relay after 30min. or so, which will cut power to interior lights in case one was left on, "saving the battery"

So totally normal for this relay to activate when battery is connected after being disconnected
BUT.........battery saver relay should be with several other relays in Relay Box 1 which is above gas pedal not glove box

I assume you have tested the battery first, and when disconnected from vehicle is holds it voltage EXACTLY, i.e. if it shows 12.6v at 8pm it still shows 12.6v at 8am
Its far more common for a battery to be self draining than for a vehicle to have a drain
Don't assume a new battery is OK, test it, "new" stuff is far more likely to not work these days than 30 years ago, lol

There are 2 things that have a draw with key off, besides battery saver relay
Radio/clock will draw .02amp
Engine computer will draw .01amp

If you have keyless entry that will draw .03amp<<<has to stay "awake" for 24/7 lock/unlock

So Ranger spec on draw with key off doors closed and after 40min, is .03 to .06amps, depending on options
But .03amp would always be there

So there should ALWAYS be a spark when reconnecting battery, always

FOAB-14B193-AB is a generic 12volt relay part number, not specific to a circuit
Can you see any wire colors on its connector?
That could narrow it down

 

Greetings: Reply much appreciated. I have removed the mysterious relay, started the truck and function every electrical system I could. Everything working however, I did dis-connect interior lights years ago, along with key buzzer, and seat belt buzzer, got rid of unwanted annoyances. Note you are in YVR, my truck was originally bought by the first owner in BC. I suspect there are differences between vehicles made for export to Canada, relay location could be one of them. I have easy access to this relay now, and am going to leave it removed for a few days. I have been chasing electrical issues since first week of November along with a trashed ring gear on the flywheel; have just got all tranny/clutch/drive train work done. Very fortunate to have heated workshop and all the time I need, plus access to wifes' car. Am probably chasing ghosts also. Major reason I joined Ranger group instead of Mazda one, don't even know if there are any Mazda trucks around. It was 8 years ago when I last had to pull tranny for a clutch replacement, not as limber these days. Aiming to be roadworthy by XMAS.