2.3L ('83-'97) help with electrical issue

[Jeeker]

I have a 94 Ranger with 2.3 Turbo there seems to be an electrical short somewhere in the power system when I turn the key all I get is a click then the throttle cable starts to heat up and smoke???
this truck was running fine until last year when i parked it and now finally got around to just change head gasket! I dont have a wiring diagram the truck was a trade but I was told it has a pro wire harness installed that was purchased? I am a bit confused on what goes were as far as connections I was hastily removing connections and never took any photos!
any help greatly appreciated
thanx Marc

 

[Dirtman]

The throttle cable is not connected to a power source... at all... no voltage... the only way the cable could become hot is if a postive wire has rubbed through and come in contact with the cable causing it to ground out. Simply follow the cable and find what's touching it. The cable is mostly sheathed so not much area it could be in contact with a stray wire.

My best guess would be near the pedal. Possibly a brake/clutch switch wire.

 

[RonD]

You need to GROUND your engine to the firewall, there was a factory ground strap from the head to the firewall, it often gets left off after engine work, look for it, may still be attached to firewall but not the head

The throttle cable sheath is acting as the ground for ALL cab electrics, so its getting hot as its not meant to do that, lol

So find the strap or make a ground wire, and connect it to engine and then firewall, should be 12gauge or so

 

[Jeeker]

thank you very much Ron i seriously need to get this back on the road also i also really agree the cable wasnt supposed to get HOT!!! 2x LOL!!!