Ten problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 1997 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT 4. 0l has had problems from the beginning front tires two out , fog lights, air conditioning, transmission shift points , check engine light when new and to this day gas mileage not as stated on window sticker ,also windows motor and controls.
I came outside to my 1997 Ford Ranger XLT and it was on fire under the hood an in the cab already. Then it exploded!.
With all controls in off position, very hot air starts coming from floor vent (97 Ford Ranger) also when a/c is turned on,,hot air comes out. Replaced switch for heat/air control.
Guy next door knocked on my door late one night to tell me that my dome light was on. I looked & it wasn't. He said that was odd because he even walked by it & could see inside. A few days later it happened again. Then while driving at night the light came on by itself. From that point on it would randomly turn itself on. Naturally Ford told me that was impossible. The only way I could stop it without paying a ton of money to a garage was to pull the fuse & I've had to use a flashlight if I need a light at night ever since. My truck also has a theft light because a factory alarm was an option for my truck. I do not have an alarm but the word alarm is still on the panel. That light will randomly turn on & say theft. I do not have an alarm! I told Ford & that told me that was impossible since I don't have an alarm. I said that maybe a wire was crossed somewhere but Ford told me," no! ". Talking to other Ranger owners here & there I've found out that not only are there others doing the exact same things but it is also other years besides 1997. I like the truck just tired of Ford & tired of the bs!!.
Normal driving, failure of the electronic four wheel drive system, system not yet replaced becuase of low funds.
A few things here, engine light comes on and goes off at random. Had it checked a few times. No problems found. Dome light/door chime will not go off when door is shut and/or car is turned on. Left hand blinker went nuts a few time, basicly it was blinking at a very high rate of speed. A few second 'power loss' happend a few times while driving, lost power to raido, and lights. The rear end bounces way too much when I hit a bump, can cause loss of control at highway speeds.
Intermittently the electrical system would become inoperable, resulting in loss of running lights. Dealer has replaced various parts of the electrical system.
Vehicle experienced electrical problems which will short circuit. While the vehicle was at the dealer, the transmission fell out. Please provide further information.
Windshield wiper come on all by itself. Sometimes it will not turn off, comes on a high speed, sometimes washer comes on also, incidents occur when the consumer is driving. Process developed where the tilt steering cannot be adjusted or moved except when the engine is turned completely off, consumer states that the vehicle has had a n electrical short. Dealer has not yet been contacted to evaluate the problem.
The dashboard lights and dome light burned out. The door ajar warning chime sounded for about five minutes while driving, although all the doors were closed. The wipers came on although they were not turned on. .