HELP! GEM issue?

[MustangJim]

Hi All, I have a 1995 Ranger, 4 cyl, 5 spd, no A/C, manual windows. Last week the speedometer stopped working. I thought the worm gear might have failed. I opened up the cluster and it's fine. I also happened to notice that the wipers won't work. There is also a slow drain on the battery. A mechanic buddy thought it was the GEM module. I lucked out and found an identical truck getting parted out and got the module from it. Didn't change anything. In talking with the mechanic he mentioned the the #25 fuse, 7.5Amp
Speedometer; GEM system will instantly blow if replaced. I Checked/cleaned/tightened the ground behind the kick panel on the drivers side.

Any input would be great!

Thanks, Jim

 

[RonD]

You may have a short in cluster, speedometer motor specifically

Yes fuse 25 powers the speedo motor and GEM both, full time 12v not just key on

If you have GEM access then unplug it and see if fuse still blows, or has 0 ohms to ground(short)
If so then problem will be in the cluster

You can use a 1995 to 2003 replacement cluster, with Tach if you don't have one now, wiring is there

 

[MustangJim]

With the Instrument cluster unplugged, the GEM module could be plugged and unplugged and the fuse was fine. As soon as I plugged in this (black connector) into the cluster the fuse popped. Could the speedo be bad? Something else in the cluster?

 

[RonD]

Cluster has a short to ground

If you have an OHM Meter and can trace circuits, and then un-solder and re-solder in replacement parts then thats what you need to do
Probably is the speedometer circuit, but you would need an OHM Meter to test that

If you can't do the above then just get a replacement cluster

Its like any electrical part, say Starter Motor, you can disassemble and rebuilt a starter motor AND its relay/solenoid(smaller cylinder on top)
And maybe save a few dollars IF.................the windings on the rotor are OK, you test with OHM meter
But most find it easier to just get another starter motor
Same for alternators or ??

 

[MustangJim]

I found a local salvage yard that had a 1995 Explorer. The cluster had a tach with it. I bought the whole cluster for $23. Plugged it in and now my Ranger has a tach!! Bonus!

 

[RonD]

Good stuff

 

[Dirtman]

Don't forget to put your tools away!