I tilted back the bed and replaced the fuel filler, put everything back together and she wouldn't crank or start. Headlights and wipers still worked.

So I just replaced 10 year old battery today, soon as I connected it there was a little puff of smoke from the vicinity of the battery tray, now if the keys are turned to on the wipers run non stop and are unaffected by the wiper controls. Still no crank no start.

I also had the classic issue of the the keys-in-the-ignition noise maker going off any time the door was open and it was conspicuously silent after replacing the battery.

The one thing I am inexperienced in dealing with is electrical problems. Of course.

I don't know what the hell is going on here. Anyone got any ideas?

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'97 near bone-stock. 3.0 Vulcan, Manual w/ short-throw Hurst, 2WD, short box, smoker's package, split rear window, Ford optional upgraded tape deck, power steering power brakes and power nothing else 'cuz the hassle aint worth it!

I think I know where your devil lives: starter solenoid.

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Paysandú, Uruguay
1996 Reg. Cab Ford Ranger, V6 3.0L, 5 speed manual trans.

THAT AWESOME MOMENT WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU CAN TAKE ALL THE PEOPLE THAT BOUGHT A JUSTIN BIEBER ALBUM, MULTIPLY IT BY 6 AND STILL DON`T GET TO REACH THE SELLINGS OF PINK FLOYD`S "DARK SIDE OF THE MOON"

Hi, you make think that I am crazy (well, maybe), but I had similar issue years ago when replaced wifey's positive connection to the battery; just that change made the rear window wipers always. Switched it back, and all was well. Just a matter the order of the connections on the positive post. Strange, yes?

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1994 XLT 2 Ext Cab V6 4.0 Vin 'x'