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Plugs Under Center Of Dash 1987 Ranger


wildbill23c

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Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
0
Total Drop
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215/70-R14
My credo
19K, 19D, 92Y, 88M, 91F....OIF-III (2004-2005)
Does anyone know what the plugs are supposed to be for under the center of the dash area in an 87 Ranger & 88 Bronco 2? On my Bronco 2 the 2 wire plug is connected to something and wires run down under the carpet somewhere, the 2 plugs in the Ranger aren't occupied by anything. What are they for? They have wires run to them, but nothing plugged into either port on the Ranger. There's a 3rd connector with something plugged into it over towards the steering column that I haven't found any information on either.
 

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1984
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2.3
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2WD
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oh hell no
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nope
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Factory electric brake for a trailer package is what it looks like.
But have no idea otherwise
 

wildbill23c

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Location
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Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
0
Total Drop
0
Tire Size
215/70-R14
My credo
19K, 19D, 92Y, 88M, 91F....OIF-III (2004-2005)
Factory electric brake for a trailer package is what it looks like.
But have no idea otherwise
Not even an option in an 87 or 88. No brake controllers no tow package in either.
 

adsm08

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4.0 V6
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4.0
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4WD
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31X10.50X15
I have never figured out what they were for.

I believe they may have had something to do with the premium audio system or the optional factory information center console deal. I think the second option less likely since I got my hands on the jumper harness to hook the console into the dash one time and those plugs don't match it.
 
Joined
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43
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Location
Washingrad
Vehicle Year
1984
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
oh hell no
Total Drop
nope
Tire Size
15s with moon eye flats.
My credo
Rev On The Red Line
Then must be after market
 

adsm08

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Location
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4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15
Then must be after market
You clearly still have no clue. They are not aftermarket, they are part of the factory harness. All four of the 1st gen Ranger/B2 vehicles I have owned had all those plugs.

Also, they are not for a brake controller.
 

wildbill23c

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Location
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Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
0
Total Drop
0
Tire Size
215/70-R14
My credo
19K, 19D, 92Y, 88M, 91F....OIF-III (2004-2005)
I have never figured out what they were for.

I believe they may have had something to do with the premium audio system or the optional factory information center console deal. I think the second option less likely since I got my hands on the jumper harness to hook the console into the dash one time and those plugs don't match it.
They don't have anything to do with the premium audio, my bronco 2 has that and the right hand connector under the dash isn't used for anything, the left one in the bronco 2 is connected to something and the wires run under the carpet somewhere I assume to the back maybe for rear power for wiper/defroster? It has nothing to do with the stereo all those wires are in the dash or under the trim along the sides by the doors I assume, I unplugged it but didn't really check to see what stopped working other than the radio was still 1/2 ass working as normal LOL.

I can't find anything in diagrams or manuals as to what they go to either. I do know the one closer to the steering column is connected to something but have no clue what.
 

wildbill23c

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Messages
3,917
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Location
Southwestern Idaho
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
0
Total Drop
0
Tire Size
215/70-R14
My credo
19K, 19D, 92Y, 88M, 91F....OIF-III (2004-2005)
Then must be after market
Nope factory plugs, been in my 84 Ranger, 87 Ranger, 88 Bronco 2...but the small 2 wire one on the left is the only one that has something plugged into it but only in my Bronco 2....I have no idea what the larger plug on the right is supposed to be for, I've never heard anyone say, and I don't know what that black one goes to closer to the steering column either, its hooked up to something that runs up into the dash somewhere.
 

wildbill23c

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Ham Radio Operator
Joined
Aug 22, 2012
Messages
3,917
Reaction score
577
Points
113
Location
Southwestern Idaho
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
0
Total Drop
0
Tire Size
215/70-R14
My credo
19K, 19D, 92Y, 88M, 91F....OIF-III (2004-2005)
The 2 wire plug from what I can tell in the manual is for the cruise control, I think it runs down to the speed sensor on the transmission or transfer case in my Bronco 2. The Ranger doesn't have cruise control so that plug isn't used. Still have no clue what the larger connector is for though, my assumption would be a factory test port?
 

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