88 Ranger electrical/starting/wire issue

[WcRanger88]

Hey guys I have an 88 ranger 2.9l auto.

Well the truck wont even turn on, as in I turn the key and nothing happens as if its not getting any power. SO i asked my brother for a jump. We placed both connectors onto the batter terminals and tried to start it. Nothing. Then all of a sudden we saw smoke and smelled burning plasic and quickly took off the cables.

Any ideas on to whats wrong? Ive pulled off all the connectors and cleaned them and installed new termals but its still doesnt start and I have checked all fuses.

 

[martin]

You're obviously losing power somewhere. So take your vom. or if you don't have one, a test light, and starting at the battery work your way outwards until you find the place where the power drops off. Bad connections are sometimes easier to find if you turn on the headlights, it loads the circuit and if you find the bad connection the light will come on brightly.

 

[copperminer2002]

Sounds like you have a direct short in your system somewhere. Find out where the smoke and smell came from and you will find your short. A hot wire grounded to the frame or body.

 

[mihulka3]

Short location?

What area did the smoke come from?
Check the wiring below the brake booster.