GEM module problem? or something else?

[gabaugher]

ON my '96 Ranger, 2.3 L 4-cyl manual, there was about a 5 A parasitic drain. I looked for frayed/bare wires, but because of my limited multimeter, could not narrow it down. Took it to a mechanic who said it was the GEM module and so I decided to order and install one myself. Upon further probing with a better multimeter, I narrowed down to main fuse Mini#6 (15A), which when pulled reduced the drain to only 0.3 A. This was for the alternator/voltage regulator. So I took the alternator to Autozone and it tested defective. After replacing it with a new alternator, the same issue remained. More specifically, when a wire that is white with a black stripe was removed from the hot bolt on the alternator (the one that the positive cable attaches to), the drain reduces to now 0.15 A. So I thought some Bozo had attached a grounding wire to the hot terminal. But when not attached at all or attached to the alternator chassis, the battery light came on. So I am thinking this is not a ground but the wire for the voltmeter (battery gauge). Is all of this because of the GEM module being defective? (other symptoms include: turn signal flasher was buzzing when turn signals were not being used, although now it was not happening, cabin dome lights not working) The pick-up was just purchased and obviously was not taken care of well, but I am trying to remedy that. Please help.

 

[XLTsplash]

I would double check you fuse location information. I sounds like you have found the circuit your draw is on because it goes away when you remove fuse #6 15 amp. I was just looking at a 96 Ranger wiring diagram and it shows under hood fuse # 17 15 amp going to the alternator. Instrument panel fuse # 5 goes to the battery light.
Are you using your owner's manual for fuse location information ?
For the flasher relay buzz when the turn signals are not on I would look to the multi-function switch.

 

[gabaugher]

I was going by the fuse diagram on the top of the under hood fuse box for Mini#6 (that is what it calls it). Not sure what a battery light is. Also, what is the multi-function switch. Is this the same as the GEM module (Generic Electronic module)? Anyway, my bottom line question is this: can a faulty GEM module failure cause a 4-5 amp parasitic draw in the alternator circuit?

 

[gabaugher]

Believe I found the problem as a result of a technician at a Ford dealer helping me on the phone. The second wire hooked up to the alternator positive terminal was not supposed to be hooked up there, but was supposed to be hooked to a "s" connection nearby. No parasitic draw now.

Thanks for the help anyway!