Multiple issues all at same time

[OldDog]

Don’t know why these issues all happened at same time, but here they are. 1999 4cyl automatic. Wipers won’t come on, interior dome light won’t come on, speedometer doesn’t work, automatic transmission doesn’t shift properly. Can’t imagine this had anything to do with it, but left driver window down overnight, no rain just heavy dew that night. Thanks for any suggestions

 

[sgtsandman]

These all seem to be separate issues. Does the dome light not work when opening the doors, work for the doors but not for the dash switch, or both?

The transmission shifting is a mechanical thing and not electrical. So would definitely be a separate issue. You’ll need to look at the shift lever on the transmission and see if the connection is still good. I do know that there is an adjustment for that. It could also be that the indicator is out of adjustment. There is a way to do it but is is so long since I did it, I couldn’t begin to tell you what to do.

The wipers and the speedometer could be related. Possibly the dome light as well. If I remember correctly, the fuel panel is on the side of the dash for that year and it is possible moisture got in and shorted out a fuse or two. I would see which fuses control what isn’t working and see if they blew. There should be a diagram on the cover panel and in the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can download it for free off the ford site.

 

[bobbywalter]

Transmission is definitely electrical.

Check the main plug at the firewall for looseness and the battery connections and the wire going into the power distribution box. Loose grounds can cause all of this type of stuff....or severely corroded grounds

 

[Curious Hound]

Definitely sounds like an electrical issue due to loose, dirty, corroded connection somewhere, especially if all these things popped up suddenly at the same time.

 

[RonD]

Wipers, dome light and speedometer are GEM module issue
Check fuses 10, 20, 25 and 28 in Cab fuse box, pull each out

Check fuse 13 in engine bay fuse box for transmission

 

[bobbywalter]

Wipers, dome light and speedometer are GEM module issue
Check fuses 10, 20, 25 and 28 in Cab fuse box, pull each out

Check fuse 13 in engine bay fuse box for transmission

I have had corroded fuses and gem module grounds kill or start wipers

 

[OldDog]

Update. Getting clicking noise from behind radio with key on or off. When interior light does come on relay below glovebox also clicks. All fuses that were noted in replies are good. Thanks for any additional suggestions. All previous issues are intermittent. Transmission shifts hard into second third and fourth are smooth

 

[wwivhobbit]

Wipers, dome light and speedometer are GEM module issue
Check fuses 10, 20, 25 and 28 in Cab fuse box, pull each out

Check fuse 13 in engine bay fuse box for transmission

That sounds exactly like my problem! I just bought my truck 2 weeks ago and as my brother and I were looking it over we discovered that the wipers didn't work. Thinking it was probably just the wiper motor i went ahead and bought it and got the keys and went back the next day with plates to drive it home. Well pulled out onto the road and no speedo! I also discovered that the dome light doesn't work. We checked all fuses and bulbs and all good. Before it was all said and done i took it to my mechanic with a whole list of things to fix or look at. I asked him if the BCM or GEM could be the culprit and he said no, so i bought another instrument cluster and new wiper motor and neither fixed the problems! To top it off the check engine light came on yesterday and my code reader says the fuel gauge is improperly installed! Could that be from changing the instrument cluster?

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Ranger years have different systems its usually best to start your own thread
Also engine size, and 2WD or 4x4 can be a factor in problems

2001 Ranger uses the GEM for wipers and Dome light but not speedometer(that was 1998 thru 2000 only)

If speedometer stopped working then if it was a sensor issue(the OSS) you would also get code P0500 with CEL on
If it was a Cluster issue then no P0500 and Odometer/trip meter would usually still work as would cruise control
In 2001 to 2003 Rangers the speedometer signal comes from the engine computer(PCM)

1996-2003 Ranger clusters are plug and play interchangeable so replacement cluster shouldn't cause any issues unless the "new" cluster was broken

Wipers are activate by the Multi-function switch(turn signal stalk)
This is the most common reason for wipers not to work, it wears out
Not expensive or hard to change
Multi-function switch is connected to GEM and then GEM is connected to wipers
So GEM can be the problem, just not as likely as the multi-function switch

Dome light has 2 activation methods
Door open uses the Door switch and GEM unit, either door should turn on some light AND Door Ajar light on the dash should come on

Dash Light Dimmer wheel when rotated all the way up, you will feel a "click", will also activate Dome light(and the Cargo light on outside upper cab if so equipped), this bypass's the GEM

You can get your 2001 Ranger owners manual here: https://www.therangerstation.com/manuals/

Often easier to look up fuse and relay locations with PDF version

 

[wwivhobbit]

I'm sorry to have highjacked this fellow's thread but i wasn't sure whether it was more proper to just join in or duplicate an existing thread? Either way thanks! I will see if i can figure out how to start another