1986 Ford Ranger electrical system problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1986 Ford Ranger — 37% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Ignition switch would stick. Would short out everthing connected to it. Had everything related to ignition switch & wiring replaced due to being burned.*ak”
filed Mar 29, 2001
“Ignition has shorted out 3 times. Defect keeps reoccurring.* ak consumer states has now happened 4 times, ignition failed to disengage starter solenoid after releasing battery, caused over heating of starter, shorted temp guage, radio, and panel, indicator lights, but did not blow fuses as it did…”
filed Mar 16, 2001
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc
98246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 1998
Electrical System problems in other Ranger years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ranger | 5 | 16% |
| 2024 Ranger | 16 | 25% |
| 2022 Ranger | 8 | 22% |
| 2021 Ranger | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 Ranger | 11 | 9% |
| 2019 Ranger | 39 | 15% |
| 2011 Ranger | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 Ranger | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 Ranger | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 Ranger | 11 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1986 Ford Ranger
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.