Starter relay wire connectors question

[TheOldRanger]

I have a 1987 Ranger STX 2.9l 4x4 manual transmission. I have just replaced the starter motor which had failed. The engine now starts, but the battery drains overnight with all electrical accessories off. The problem appears to be a grounded wire on the feed terminal of the starter relay. There are five wires connected to the feed terminal including the +battery cable. the other four are colored red, orange, yellow and black. There is continuity to the chassis from the black wire. The black wire is in the harness that includes the R/LB clutch interlock switch wire. It is larger in diameter than the clutch interlock switch wire. It is the wire leading straight down in the attached picture of the wires and relay. Is this an ignition switch lead that may be grounded? The starter motor will not run without it. The rubber connector has "FUSIBLE LINK GA" stamped on it. Thanks for any help.

 

[Paulos]

That fusible link should be power to the ignition switch. Mine is the same color (the schematic says it's orange), and travels with the red/blue wire to the ignition switch. Yours should have a "16" inside a circle between the "link" and "GA" (GA is for gauge). Did this happen before you replaced the starter or after? It sounds like the ignition switch is not completely in the off position, and the ground you are reading is picked up through the device that is draining your battery. A dead short to ground on the fusible link would burn it out. The ignition switch is on the steering column next to the ignition key cylinder.

 

[RonD]

Black/orange stripe wire?

Black/white stripe wire?

Only solid black wire should be starter motor "cable" on the other larger post

There are 2 Black/orange one should run to alternator and other cigarette light/horn fuse and main light switch

Black/white was for power door locks

I show a Yellow wire for ignition switch?

 

[Paulos]

RonD, It must transition to yellow at some point (maybe), as my '87 4x4 STX has the same black fusible link; and the power distribution schematic does not even show a black fusible link. Out of curiosity, I'll have to check the wiring at the ignition switch later today to be sure.

 

[TheOldRanger]

Outstanding! All of the symptoms I have experienced make sense with a faulty ignition switch. It may also be why the starter ate itself not disengaging. I've ordered a new switch and will report back on the results.

¡Muchas gracias!

 

[Paulos]

TheOldRanger,
Check your starter solenoid. I installed a new starter and solenoid last November and the new solenoid would not disengage. I made the mistake of getting a cheap eBay part. Never again. Check the voltage on the starter/load side of your solenoid to be sure that your power drain isn't there (unlikely, but possible).

I just disconnected the black fusible link on mine, and it definitely feeds the ignition switch. Somewhere under the dash it changes from black to at least two yellows (probably the back of fuse box), which feeds the switch.

 

[TheOldRanger]

As it turned out, the cable to the starter motor was worn and in contact with the frame. I appreciate the help.