1997 Ford Ranger Wipers, dome light, glove box light and 4

JCWSMITH

MEMBER
1997 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
12,700 MILES

97 Ford Ranger Super Cab 4.0L V6 4WD

I recently got the exact same problem as "guitar42" outlined in http://www.2carpros.com/forum/1997-ford-ranger--interior-lighting-vt112333.html

All symptoms are the same. Started a few weeks ago.

The only thing I would add is that while the problem is intermittent, if I leave the wiper switch on and start the engine, the wiper will cycle once then quit even though everything is in the FAILED state. This happens every time. That does make me wonder if the problem is tied to the ignition switch since the wiper seems to always work when the switch is in the START position. During that time, dome light, glove box light, and 4WD are inoperative. Of course, if things are in the WORKING state, the foregoing doesn't apply.

Does anyone know if this problem has been solved and if so, how?

Is there a way to contact "guitar42" directly by email in case he's not watching this forum to find out if he's resolved the problem and how? I'm fine with leaving my email address here if that's ok with the forum rules.

I'm retired and can't afford to donate a lot but if someone can help me with this problem I'll try to donate more as I'm able. I believe in supporting good rsources like this.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jack

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Posted at Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:51 pm
By jsincl, New to the forum
Give Feedback | Votes: 0

SIMILAR PROBLEMS TO YOURS, REQUIRED NEW GEM CHIP/BOARD AND RESETTING BY PRO WHO CHARGED A FORTUNE

Find a car repair manual for your Ford Ranger Repair Question.

If this is true, there will be a "B" code stored in the computer, Most shops have equipment to read the code, Ford can reprogram mods and set new mods up. GEM is expensive about 500.00 or so. To contact guitar42 click here, or open your link and click on the email tab next to his name! Rldbad@yahoo. Com

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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 AT 6:27 PM

JCWSMITH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The local Ford dealer service desk rep confirmed the GEM module is very expensive and then graciously suggested I go to Advance Auto or like store where they will read and reset the computer for free - I guess the dealer has to charge to do that.

Advance Auto checked and I had only P0171 & 174 codes (Check engine light has been on for awhile), but no "B" code.

For what it's worth, on the day I went to Ford, etc. I drove the Ranger all day and never experienced the problem - tested wipers and lights repeatedly and they worked every time. That was three days ago and haven't try since then, snowed in just now.

I emailed the original poster of the same problem but haven't heard from him yet.

Any other suggestions?

Appreciate your help.

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Sunday, January 31st, 2010 AT 9:41 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

It was nice of Ford to suggest Autozone, but they use an off the rack generic scanner that DOES NOT read "B" codes! Go to a local garage where they use more expensive scan tools like Snap on, and they can read the "B" codes. Some GEM modules need the configuration of the old module and download it to the new one. Ford is the only one who can look up as built config files to do this without the old GEM still in the car.P171 and 174 are lean codes, indicating a possible vacuum leak, or weak fuel pump. You may have a vacuum leak, get a can of spray Throttle body cleaner, spray the vac lines and maniflod area, when the idle changes, youve found the leak! You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs! Avoid spraying the hot exhaust manifold, can be a fire hazard!

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