Hi, I have a 1998 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 2wd. It has power windows, locks, and mirrors. I have not had power window since winter and now that it is summer I really want them fixed. Here is the problem. The windows will not roll down and at first I thought it was just a fuse, so I checked the fuse and it burnt out (it has done this a couple times before so I had extra fuses) so I went to replace it and it blew right away. I put three or four in till I ran out (luckily I was at a walmart so I just went in and bought more). Then I took the post off the battery and put a new fuse in and it blew it right away. Could anyone please tell me what is wrong with it? I have been told it could be anything from a lose wire that has gotten grounded or it is a window regulator. Thank you for hearing my story and problems and I hope you have a great day.

 

What is the fuse # you are replacing, and is it in the Cab fuse box or engine fuse box?

The most common place for power window short is in the wiring in the drivers door loom, where it goes from the door to the cab in the rubber boot.
When the door opens and closes the wires can rub and eventually short.

Passenger door as well but it isn't opened and closed as much.

Could even be master switch or passenger switch that has the short.

here is the wiring diagram for 1998 power windows

There is a Delay Relay that needs to be "ON" before power is passed to the Master switch in the door, turning on the key turns on this relay.
So if fuse #4 in engine fuse box blows even when key is off then issue would be between that fuse and the Delay Relay, the Red/Light blue stripe wire

The delay relay allows the power windows(and radio) to work after key is turned off, when you open the door then delay relay opens, turns "OFF" power to widow switches.

Delay relay is behind glove box

 

Remove both door panels, disconnect all the switches and power windows motors from the harness.

with a DVOM measure the resistance across each window motor ( they should have resistance yet not indicate a short to ground).

Since the fuse is blowing without operating the motors I doubt the motors are bad or shorted.

Look at the owners manual before taking the door panels apart and find out what if anything else is protected by this circuit.

If you have a aftermarket alarm system installed check all the wiring to that system these typically get hacked into place