Ignition fuse blows..

[nktidwel]

96 2.3 manual


Every single time I attempt to crank the ranger (with just the key), the ignition fuse blows, and it does not crank at all. I followed the ignition wire (red/blue) from the ignition switch. I have continuity with the bottom terminal (black/heavier wire) of the fender solenoid. I do not have continuity to the red/blue lead to the solenoid, as I would expect to have. If I wire the ignition wire from under the dash directly to the s terminal on the solenoid and crank, it fires right up and runs. Is there a good diagram to follow? Or does anybody know whats going on? And why are there 2 solenoids? (one on the starter too). I would like very much to get rid of my awesome push button.

The only diagram I have is:

..

My wires here are in the correct locations.

 

[martin]

Don't have the diagrams for your truck but I might be able to answer one of your questions that might help. On my 91 with a 4.0, the battery is directly connected to the starter mounted solenoid and the fender mounted solenoid just works as a relay.