One problem related to underhood wiring has been reported for the 1997 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Caller had an engine fire. Caller's son was driving and smelled smoke, pulled over and called the fire department. The son said vehicle made a popping sound and he could not get away from it fast enough before it exploded. This happened without warning. Fire department came and there was a report filed. Dealer said she did not maintain the vehicle but the caller stated she maintained the vehicle. Dealer said this because she did not take it to a Ford dealer to have it maintained. The manufacturer offered no help. The fire department did not know how the fire started.