The 1986 Ford Ranger has 3 recalls, all carrying fire risk: a cracking fuel line, a short circuit that can activate the fuel pump and injectors unintentionally, and seat wiring that can arc and ignite the seat cushion.
All three recalls involve fire hazard, but through different paths. On trucks with the 2.9-litre V6 engine, a nylon fuel line on the return side of the fuel pressure regulator can crack and leak fuel. If that fuel contacts any ignition source nearby, a fire can start. A separate electrical concern affects the engine wiring harness, where welds in the wiring assembly sit close enough together to allow a short circuit between the fuel injector return and battery circuits. If that short occurs, it can unintentionally power the electric fuel pump and open fuel injectors simultaneously, pressurizing and releasing fuel in a way that raises fire risk. The third recall involves the power lumbar seat system, where the wiring was routed directly under the seat cushion springs along the side of the cushion. Over time, the springs can wear through the wire insulation, and the resulting short can ignite the foam padding or seat trim from inside the seat itself.
