87 Ranger, 2.9 / 4 spd, - Perplexing Problem.

[P T Williams]

A friend gave me this truck as a rebuild after it sat for several years.
Replaced the starter relay and the two relays next to it. replaced the plugs and plug wires, replaced the keyed starter switch on the steering column. All of this with the battery disconnected.

Went to connect the battery and the engine started turning over this with NO key in the ignition and the clutch not depressed ( required to start the engine).

I am at a loss. Anyone have any ideas?

Would appreciate a little help here.

Thanks Paul T.

[Earlyboomer]

Its been a few months already, surprised you haven't got replies and or fixed this yet. Assuming you installed the starter solenoid/relay correctly as far as the wiring, I suggest this: Remove the control wire from the starter relay (this is the small wire, just to be sure) then connect the battery cables to the battery. Make sure the control wire isn't touching anything, because I think you will find that it is hot, meaning it has 12 volts on it.

I think the control wire is hot, and as soon as you connect the battery the starter relay is gets energized and the starter kicks in. If I am correct? You need to check it with a voltmeter or test light to be sure and then work backwards in the wiring to find out which wires got miss-wired, shorted, or whatever. Could be in the ignition switch? You said 4 speed, that's an automatic? (My 86 manual is a 5 speed) Maybe they did put 4 speed manuals in also?

Automatics have a safety switch on the shifter, so an automatic can't be started in drive as you must know. This safety switch or a switch on the clutch linkage used with manuals will need the wiring checked.

Somewhere that control wire is being powered, I suspect.

Hope this helps.