98 Ranger window and wiper issues

[Westr]

my 98 Ranger xlt is having intermittent issues with the wipers and windows not functioning.
My research is leading me to the GEM, which i understand has been discontinued.
Am i on the right track or is there another option i should be looking at.

 

[Brain75]

If you are having problems with both (wipers and windows) a trip to the junkyard (another GEM) or checking to see if you can replace the capacitors in the GEM..


one thing that has been reported in both Ford and Chevy is a bad ground to the GEM, look at the harness for the connector at the GEM, like the first pin and casing both go to a wire that extends some distance away 6" maybe more and then bolts to the dash support/frame - look for corrosion there, clean it up and look for a nearly broken shorting wire. Both Ford and GM did something stupid, they crimped the insulation so tight it breaks the conductors inside.

 

[Westr]

Appreciate the reply and have started checking junk yards for a 98 Ranger. I'll check the wiring for ground and corrosion issues.
It's been such a good truck I'd hate to have to trade it in.
Thanks again

 

[Westr]

So, an update on my situation. Checked all junkyards in my area and had no luck finding the right model GEM for my truck. Took out the GEM and removed the circuit board hoping i could find someone to see if it was bad and could be repaired. No luck there either. So i took my phone camera and zoomed in and looked the circuit board over hoping i could find a break in the soldering or some sign of a bad resistor or something that tells me its bad. I did. I found very tiny flecks of blue green that looked like corrosion. I got me some electronic cleaner and a toothbrush and went to town on it. Cleaned it up real nice, checked all the connections and sprayed cleaner on them. Put it all back together and everything worked. Took it for a test drive using the wipers and running the windows up and down, got on a logging road and ran my 4wd. No problems at all. Everything worked just fine.
Hoping it stays that way, but for now, im happy i dont need to find a new used truck.
Thanks again for the help and pointing me towards the circuit board and connections. Saved me alot