Still Bill
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2010
- Messages
- 47
- Reaction score
- 0
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- Location
- Gainesville, FL
- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Transmission
- Manual
Hello. I originally posted this as as Transmission problem in other section (http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176201), but now I think it is more of a general electrical problem.
1998 Ranger 2.5L automatic, no power accessories.
Occasionally and randomly, something happens that affects all the following. It happens once or twice per week, and lasts from 2 hours to overnight. Truck runs great most of the time. No warning lights. Everything works. Newly rebuilt transmission.
SYMPTOMS (all happen at once):
Transmission won't shift above 2nd gear.
Speedometer doesn't work.
Dome light (overhead interior) does not work.
Wipers do not work.
Overdrive light blinks.
Speed sensor at axle is new. Transmission connections and wiring are new. Everything obvious has been checked, including grounds (if we found them all).
We tried replacing GEM with new (used) unit. No difference (still random, same problems).
Today, I disconnected the GEM just for kicks. This was done while the truck was in "Perfect mode." I was shocked to find that EVERYTHING, and I mean Everything, sill worked normally. The only exception I found was that the ABS light did not come on when key was first turned-on. Wipers, lights, horn, AC, brakes - all perfect. We drove 50 miles.
One more thing. It is my son's truck. While driving today with GEM disconnected, he noticed that the speedo was reading 72. I'm sure it was accurate. But, he said that ever since we had the truck (4 months) the speedo would always max-out at 65. I never knew this, and can't swear it's true, but seems plausible.
Can't say of problem is fixed - every time we think that, it comes back a few days later at random. Why have a GEM that doesn't do anything?
Anyone have any insights?
PS: I just received in the US Mail the Conplete 1998 Ranger "Electrical Vacuum and Troubleshooting Manual". Hard copy, brand new. This beast is about 250 pages, and 200 of tham are wiring diagrams. If anyone needs copies of certain pages, let me know.
1998 Ranger 2.5L automatic, no power accessories.
Occasionally and randomly, something happens that affects all the following. It happens once or twice per week, and lasts from 2 hours to overnight. Truck runs great most of the time. No warning lights. Everything works. Newly rebuilt transmission.
SYMPTOMS (all happen at once):
Transmission won't shift above 2nd gear.
Speedometer doesn't work.
Dome light (overhead interior) does not work.
Wipers do not work.
Overdrive light blinks.
Speed sensor at axle is new. Transmission connections and wiring are new. Everything obvious has been checked, including grounds (if we found them all).
We tried replacing GEM with new (used) unit. No difference (still random, same problems).
Today, I disconnected the GEM just for kicks. This was done while the truck was in "Perfect mode." I was shocked to find that EVERYTHING, and I mean Everything, sill worked normally. The only exception I found was that the ABS light did not come on when key was first turned-on. Wipers, lights, horn, AC, brakes - all perfect. We drove 50 miles.
One more thing. It is my son's truck. While driving today with GEM disconnected, he noticed that the speedo was reading 72. I'm sure it was accurate. But, he said that ever since we had the truck (4 months) the speedo would always max-out at 65. I never knew this, and can't swear it's true, but seems plausible.
Can't say of problem is fixed - every time we think that, it comes back a few days later at random. Why have a GEM that doesn't do anything?
Anyone have any insights?
PS: I just received in the US Mail the Conplete 1998 Ranger "Electrical Vacuum and Troubleshooting Manual". Hard copy, brand new. This beast is about 250 pages, and 200 of tham are wiring diagrams. If anyone needs copies of certain pages, let me know.
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