OT: Ford Ranger inition issue Options

[Freezin 914]

Hi all, my Stepson just bought a 96 Ranger for a daily driver. So he can store his beetle for the winter. The truck won’t shut off with the key, starts and runs fine. he replaced the tumbler, then changed out the ignition switch/module under the dash.
Everything works as it should. Just can’t turn off anything in the truck once it is turned on.
He is stumped and so am I, any help would be great.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif)

[emerygt350]

Have you tried sacrificing a chicken?

[Superhawk996]

1) get the wiring diagrams

2) Something is probably feeding the PCM even with the ignition off. I would immediately suspect improperly installed aftermarket radio and or alarm systems.

Start by tracing backward from PCM with a Multimeter once the ignition has been turned off and it’s still running. A multimeter is preferable over a test lamp. A DMM cannot backfeed current or damage a PCM. A test lamp can.

I believe there is also a PCM diode that should be checked in the fuse / relay box. This was primarily to prevent damage to the PCM if battery was hooked up wrong but I can theorize scenarios that someone would jumper this or replace with a plain old cobbled fuse that would provide alternate path for power.

Hopefully someone that still has an old Ranger can chime in. I haven’t worked on one in decades.

[Freezin 914]

Have you tried sacrificing a chicken?

Not yet!

[Freezin 914]

1) get the wiring diagrams

2) Something is probably feeding the PCM even with the ignition off. I would immediately suspect improperly installed aftermarket radio and or alarm systems.

Start by tracing backward from PCM with a Multimeter once the ignition has been turned off and it’s still running. A multimeter is preferable over a test lamp. A DMM cannot backfeed current or damage a PCM. A test lamp can.

I believe there is also a PCM diode that should be checked in the fuse / relay box. This was primarily to prevent damage to the PCM if battery was hooked up wrong but I can theorize scenarios that someone would jumper this or replace with a plain old cobbled fuse that would provide alternate path for power.

Hopefully someone that still has an old Ranger can chime in. I haven’t worked on one in decades.

I have had several Rangers and have never had this issue. Been looking at maybe replacing the ignition actuator rod in the column…… (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Just not sure how it works, but sounds like it could be the culprit……

[Front yard mechanic]

Actuator rod in the steering column must be broken.

[technicalninja]

2 T30 Torx takes it off of the column.

Has a pin sticking out of it that connects with linkage. You can operate switch via the pin.

Do that first. If it works discoed, look to your column.

If it doesn't, look for where the monkeys have been at it...

Weird electrical gremlins almost ALWAYS are created!

If I can't figure it out in ten minutes, I'm calling the customer to get what I call "service history".

You're as much a "detective" as a technician at this point.

"Oh, I had an XXX installed two weeks ago" can save lots of time.

As a "new to you" vehicle you don't have that option but "look for the furball" is a good way to go.

[brant]

Sorry no help

Haven’t heard of this problem yet

Picked up a 2000 ,next gen this summer
Love that thing

[Freezin 914]

Actuator rod in the steering column must be broken.

I think so….

2 T30 Torx takes it off of the column.

Has a pin sticking out of it that connects with linkage. You can operate switch via the pin.

Do that first. If it works discoed, look to your column.

If it doesn't, look for where the monkeys have been at it...

Weird electrical gremlins almost ALWAYS are created!

If I can't figure it out in ten minutes, I'm calling the customer to get what I call "service history".

You're as much a "detective" as a technician at this point.

"Oh, I had an XXX installed two weeks ago" can save lots of time.

As a "new to you" vehicle you don't have that option but "look for the furball" is a good way to go.

The kid took apart the module and manually moved pin, it appears the plastic rod is broken….

Sorry no help

Haven’t heard of this problem yet

Picked up a 2000 ,next gen this summer
Love that thing

My daily is a 07 Ranger 4x4 rust free. As stated before, have had many, they aren’t luxurious, but very utilitarian. I would even say they are pretty reliable. I have had very few problems with any of them over the years.
P.S. That thing looks CLEAN!!!

[hndyhrr]

I have a 2021 Ranger STX. I love my truck except for one thing. The BMS (battery maintenance system) I don't drive a lot (retired) and the BMS only charges battery to
to 77%. When it falls below that it start turning things off like Auto stop/start, Remote start. It has a little chip on one of the battery cables that enables the BMS and I would love to figure out how to get around that so battery charges to 100%.

Used to have a 2011 6 cyc ranger. Loved it sold it to a friend and it's still going strong.

[mrholland2]

I had a completely stock 97 (purchased new by me) that wouldn't shut off the dome light (had one of those stays on and gradually goes off) when the door shut. I mean, it might FINALLY shut off. Or, it would shut off and then come back on for a while later. Never ran the battery down, but electrical gremlins are a reason to trade it off. . . which I did.

[partwerks]

My 95 had a once in a while, only when you started it, sometimes, ghost wipe.
Changed out the wiper switch, then timer module, and cleaned all the grounds with no success.

I changed out the cheapo ignition cylinder with a more expensive one, and the whole problem went away.

Then I put in some seats from a 2006 Ford Escape, and a console from a 97 Explorer.

[windforfun]

I don't touch Fords with a ten foot pole. Our last one was a Fusion & it had five recalls. It was a nice car, but very unreliable like my last Audi. Where are Deming & Taguchi when you need them?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Freezin 914]

My 95 had a once in a while, only when you started it, sometimes, ghost wipe.
Changed out the wiper switch, then timer module, and cleaned all the grounds with no success.

I changed out the cheapo ignition cylinder with a more expensive one, and the whole problem went away.

Then I put in some seats from a 2006 Ford Escape, and a console from a 97 Explorer.

Looks like some nice upgrades.

[Freezin 914]

The Kid and the truck in question…..slowly making progress, replaced leaking fuel line, new brakes, will be fixing ignition issue this weekend. Need to get it wrapped up, he will be parking the Beetle for winter soon. Thanks for the support on this!

[Root_Werks]

Actuator rod in the steering column must be broken.

Sort of what I was thinking. My 94's hasn't ever done this....yet, but heard about it.