Troubleshoot: Ignition dead - blackout dash - not starting

[snohobo]

Hi all,

89 Ranger, 2.3L manual w/ 115,000

Just this morning I drove the car to a friends house. Let it cool down and when I went to leave, the car wouldnt start. No cranking, no lights on the dash, total blackout. Took the steering column cover off and kinda fiddled with the key and eventually the dash lit up and I was able to drive it home. Once I got it home - same issue - dash blackout.

Where should i begin to look? I read here about known issues with the ICM? Also should I replace the actual ignition switch? Loose connectors?

I also noticed that the battery ground cable to goes to the motor has been burnt by resting against the block. There's bare ground exposed. I'm assuming I should replace this or at least tape it back up and zip tie it away from the block.

I'm mechanically inclined but don't know much about these trucks. With a bit of direction I can figure it out.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mark_88]

Ground wires would be a good start...if you turn the key and get nothing but wiggling the wires under steering column got a result then it could be something loose in there...

It could also be the ground under the hood...wire wiggling is probably the best test...unless you can actually see something that is not connected...could also be a loose battery terminal...or dirty...but usually easy to fix.

Mine was in the connector under the hood on the driver side...it was just barely connecting a few wires and the main power feed was holding on by a single copper strand...

 

[armadillon]

Bad grounds can ruin everything. Start with the ground before going anywhere else.

EDIT: GRRR! NINJA'D!

 

[snohobo]

Yup it was the ground. Replaced it and made new grounds for the front rad and ecu. Fired right up.

Thanks