battery drain

[G30 Sidearm]

1996 ranger 2.3 2WD. Multimeter shows a .14 amp draw. Goes away when i pulled fuse 25. Labled as GEM system. I found a black control unit under the dash that clicks when i put the fuse back. Anyone know what this control unit is or the GEM system. Thank you.

 

[RonD]

The General(or Generic) Control Module = GEM, it controls many accessories depending on the year.
Google: Ford ranger GEM module

They are not cheap to replace and a new or used one usually needs to be programmed with a Ford Scan Tool.

The GEM does "go to sleep" after about 15-20 minutes, so I would let it sit for a bit and see if that drain drops down, I don't think it goes off completely but lowers down to the same as the radio draw to hold correct time and presets, so not enough drain to cause a no start or anything like that.

 

[adsm08]

To do the test properly you need to drive it for 5 minutes, let it sit undisturbed for 20 minutes, and then hook into the negative line without ever fully breaking the connection (ultimately the meter is the only thing making the connection). Since you seem to have isolated the GEM you need to make sure nothing it controls it actually causing the issue.

I would suspect the radio first. That is a more common cause.

 

[doorgunner]

1996 ranger 2.3 2WD. Multimeter shows a .14 amp draw. Goes away when i pulled fuse 25. Labled as GEM system. I found a black control unit under the dash that clicks when i put the fuse back. Anyone know what this control unit is or the GEM system. Thank you.

I was just wondering:

1. Have you had slow cranking problems lately?

2. How old is the battery?

3. Do you leave cellphone chargers/etc plugged in all the time?

4. Did you install an aftermarket alarm system/or remote start system/etc.?

 

[G30 Sidearm]

To do the test properly you need to drive it for 5 minutes, let it sit undisturbed for 20 minutes, and then hook into the negative line without ever fully breaking the connection (ultimately the meter is the only thing making the connection). Since you seem to have isolated the GEM you need to make sure nothing it controls it actually causing the issue.

I would suspect the radio first. That is a more common cause.

I am doing this now. Thanks for the help.

 

[G30 Sidearm]

I was just wondering:

1. Have you had slow cranking problems lately?

2. How old is the battery?

3. Do you leave cellphone chargers/etc plugged in all the time?

4. Did you install an aftermarket alarm system/or remote start system/etc.?

When try to start at times. The truck has no power. I even lose radio memory. I replaced the ignition switch. I hope that was the problem. Battery is new. No to cell and alarm.

 

[G30 Sidearm]

I waited for the GEM to time out. I have a 6.1 mA draw. So i am good. I hope the new ignition switch was it. My key turns so much better with the new switch. But i can only wait a see. Thanks everyone that helped!

 

[G30 Sidearm]

I forgot. I read on another tread. Wait 45 min. for the GEM to time out. That is what I had to do. My truck is a 1996. Maybe a newer ranger has to sit 15-20 min. So don't give up until 45 min. Mine took about 42 min. Went from 140 mA to 6.1 mA. Thanks again!

 

[doorgunner]

Thanks for the update.....it'll help other members...you're REPPED!

 

[killj0y]

I forgot. I read on another tread. Wait 45 min. for the GEM to time out. That is what I had to do. My truck is a 1996. Maybe a newer ranger has to sit 15-20 min. So don't give up until 45 min. Mine took about 42 min. Went from 140 mA to 6.1 mA. Thanks again!

same year and model....good to know

 

[G30 Sidearm]

Thanks for the update.....it'll help other members...you're REPPED!

Thanks! Info is power!

 

[G30 Sidearm]

same year and model....good to know

Just doin my part. Keep the 2.3s alive!

 

[HAPPY+RANGER+GUY]

Just doin my part. Keep the 2.3s alive!

Rockin.