1990 Ford Ranger electrical problems

Filed Jul 12, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 275,000 miles · FL

When vehicle is either stationary or in motion the passenger head lamp melts, something is causing that one light to over heat and has melted the entire head unit. I have very little visibility with head lamps on. Battery is constantly corroded, no mattet how much I clean it. Ac/defrost does not work. Right blinker does not stay on, shuts off with the slightest movement of steering wheel. Gauges do not function properly nor do the light indicators. Check engine line comes on after exceeding 30mph and when I have it checked it's only the o2 sensor. Truck gets hot but does not over heat and all fluids are topped off. When in motion I can smell the exhaust and can feel the heat from the engine coming through the gear shift manifold. At times does not want to shift in reverse. Passenger side door does not shut properly, I believe it was wrecked and the door was point of impact. I bought the truck from previous owner for $1,100 and he was unable to tell me anything regarding the vehicle except that it didnt have a spare or owner manual. My fuel is leaking and I can't seem to find the point of escape. I've already had to replace the starter and solenoid twice because it would not start. After replacing those items it still wouldn't start until I had pulled by a u-haul and I had to pop the clutch to get it to start. I have bought over 6 head lamps in two weeks alone. I work at night and im constantly getting pulled over; so I explain to the officers what's happening. I have had the truck since february and didnt know what to do until I talked to a mechanic. The tailgate does not open and I had to tie my muffler up because it came detached from the frame and drags the ground. I can't afford to buy another vehicle and I dont know what to do.

Filed Nov 11, 2004 · Electrical · 114,000 miles · MI

Our 1990 ford ranger was parked in the driveway on the evening of november 5. On saturday morning, november 6th, we discovered the interior of the truck destroyed by fire. The cluster of gauges was completely melted and gone. The dash sunk in over the steering column. The windshield cracked where the flame apparently vented through the defroster vent on the dash. The headliner is black. The seat and steering wheel pelted with drops of hardened plastic. Police came to investigate and said it was an electrical fire. This truck has never been altered in any way. No after market radio or cd player or any electrical devise has ever been installed in the vehicle. It simply caught on fire on its own which is clearly a manufacturer's defect we in no way caused. We have not tried to replace anything at this point. We were also never notified of any recall to correct what appears to be an experience many other owners of this vehicle have endured based on the complaints on this site. The truck is sitting in our garage awaiting any possible action as a result of this complaint.

Filed Aug 8, 2002 · Electrical · OK · fire

Pick-up gauge showed hot. Got help at nearest station and replaced lost coolent. Seemed to have cooled down. Drove about four (4) miles and noticed smoke comming into cab down by the gear shift in floor board. Immeddiately pulled in to a school parking lot away from other cars. Got out and looked under the pickup. Smoke was pouring out by then. Within about 5 min. At the most a fire started underneath and within min. The whole truck went up in flames. Fire department had only 6 miles at the most to travel and responded qickly but it was completely lost by then. What could have made it do this just by getting hot? Has anything like this been reported before on l990 ford ranger pickups? I was traveling alone and got out safely but I was very scared and couldn't believe that it could have burnt up so fast. And got out.

Filed Nov 5, 2001 · Electrical · IL · fire

While driving about 5 MPH consumer saw smoke coming from dash. He pulled over and disconnected battery, fire department was called to put out fire. *ak

Filed Oct 12, 2000 · Electrical · MN · crash

Vehicle stalled at anytime and intermittently which caused vehicle to get rearended twice. Dealer was not able to determine cause.

Filed Sep 5, 2000 · Electrical · AL · fire

While parked for 10 to 15 minutes consumer noticed vehicle was burning after 15 minutes. Fire department came. Steering column was melted along with the instrument panel. Ford has been contacted.

Filed Nov 23, 1999 · Electrical · TX · fire

After turning vehicle off 15minutes noticed vehicle was on fire under hood.dealer has been contacted. Please provide further informaton.

Filed Jun 4, 1999 · Electrical · PA

Would not start. Electrical in nature. Cannot find problem. Need information.

Filed Mar 16, 1999 · Electrical · OH · fire

Ignition switch failed resulting in vehicle fire.

Filed Jan 21, 1998 · Electrical · TX · fire

Wiring harness failure, causing fire.