I am coming to the end of my 2.5 replacement but having trouble wiring the starter. The wiring diagram shows two red wires going to the solenoid. The end of my wiring harness has one red wire, one black/orange (pinkish) wire, and the yellow/blue wire. I assume the yellow/blue wire bolts onto the smaller post but do both the red and black/orange wire bolt onto the same post? Also, there is a bracket near the end also, does this bolt to a bell housing bolt? And, the black/orange wire is at least 6" longer, has a rubber boot and a christmas tree fastener as if it slides into a hole but I can't find anyplace where it would go. Does this loom go under the left side motor mount and follow along the bottom in between the oil pan and crossmember? Please help, this project has taken way too long already.

 

This is a 1998 automatic.

 

So I figured out that the orange/black wire runs to the alternator. Question is, which way does it run? Does anyone know which way this wire loom runs? If, not, is there any way somebody can look under their 2.5 ranger and tell me which way the starter/alternator wires run?

 

The black with Orange wire will run from the alternator to the always hot side of the solenoid. This is how it feeds current back to the battery.

 

I was mainly wondering where it routs. At first I had the loom hugging the rear of the oil pan between the crossmember. Then had it hugging the front of the pan but still not enough clearance. Then I found space under the pan right behind the steering rack. I believe it is the right spot.