Rogue Wire

[JerrySab]

Hi everyone!

First post, super stoked to be submitting. Just picked up an 88 Ranger. Still going through everything and getting my head around how much I plan on sinking into the little guy.

Full disclosure, I’m still very green when it comes to working on your own vehicle. Thanks for bearing with me.

Was replacing a fuse and heard a sound like something sliding. Looked down and saw this wire hanging from larger wire bundle fixed to steering column.

Anybody know what this Is and what it should be connected to?

 

[Snoranger]

It’s an aftermarket fuse holder... it could go to anything.

 

[RobbieD]

It’s an aftermarket fuse holder... it could go to anything.

That's exactly what it is. With that free end cut wire, what ever it used to supply looks to be gone. In that case, you ought to just remove the fuse holder from the truck. Follow the uncut side back to it's source and disconnect it. Most times, added fuse holders were plugged into fuse box, or just stuck behind an existing fuse.

 

[JerrySab]

Super fast thank you both!

 

[RobbieD]

Just noticed it was your first post; sorry, I forgot to say "welcome".

Don't sweat being "green" on working on your own stuff. This is the right place to learn, without getting beat up.

 

[adsm08]

That style of fuse holder often comes with a CB radio.

 

[JerrySab]

That style of fuse holder often comes with a CB radio.

great info thanks! The truck is missing the radio, could it possibly connec there once I have a replacement?

 

[RobbieD]

If you're talking about the radio that's in the dash is missing, using the original power wire would be the best choice, even if the original plug has been cut off. The original switched wire (yellow/black if I remember correctly) will be properly powered in the ignition "run" and "acc" positions. There is also a constant power for the dash radio's clock/memory, it's light green/yellow (again, if I remember correctly).

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I was gonna say maybe it used to have an alarm, but could be for a missing CB radio.

Either way its not factory so it shouldn't mess w/ anything being disconnected.

Maybe you can put a test light to it with key on and see if its getting power, which if it is maybe tape up the end so it doesnt spark on anything, or pull the fuse inside the holder.

 

[JerrySab]

Just noticed it was your first post; sorry, I forgot to say "welcome".

Don't sweat being "green" on working on your own stuff. This is the right place to learn, without getting beat up.

so grateful for all of the support!

 

[lvwill]

Honestly the very first thing I do with used vehicles is get rid of all aftermarket wiring that doesn't work.
It just turns into a royal pain in the ass later

 

[JerrySab]

Great tip. I traced it back down the frame and I think it’s running to the busted camper shell that I plan on pulling off.

 

[19Walt93]

When installing an aftermarket radio keep in mind that the blue and orange wire in the factory connector is for the dash lights. Radio installers often try to use it as a ground and blow the fuse.

 

[JerrySab]

When installing an aftermarket radio keep in mind that the blue and orange wire in the factory connector is for the dash lights. Radio installers often try to use it as a ground and blow the fuse.

Great insight, thank you! I'll keep it in mind once the unit arrives.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

whats up w/ the busted camper? is it fixable? wanna sell or trade it?