2.3L ('83-'97) 1995 2WD, 2.3L Ranger a Starting Circuit Problem

[Johnrc22]

Hey All,

I have a 1995 2WD ranger with a 2.3L engine and manual transmission. It was working fine until this afternoon. When I turned the key on I got dash lights and the fuel pump spun up. When I turned the key to the start position, nothing. The battery checked out fine and I could start the truck either by jumping the large relay posts, or by applying 12V to the small relay post. I determined that the clutch interlock switch is working correctly. I found fuse number 24 in the interior panel was blown. I replaced it but the new fuse blew as soon as I turned the key to the start position. I eventually determined that the pink wire out of the connector to the clutch interlock switch (which becomes the blue and red wire at the starter relay) is shorted to ground somewhere between the interlock switch and the relay.

I cannot see any practical fix other than running a new wire between the interlock switch and the relay. Am I missing something? Also, I can't see a good spot to pull a wire through the firewall from switch to the relay. Does anyone have any suggestions on how best to do that?

Thanks
John

 

[franklin2]

Usually the easiest place is to poke a hole through the rubber around the steering column, If you end up going between the rubber and the metal firewall, get a short piece of small vacuum line and run the wire through the center of the vacuum line, and then put the vacuum line in position through the firewall to protect the wire.

 

[Johnrc22]

Thanks, Franklin.