pulling my hair out

[Trevor_t2]

Hey everyone, new here and first post. I've been using this site to help me sort out a problem, now I had to register and ask for assitance. 98 ranger 4x4 and it started as switch not always engaging 4wd, then I had intermitent power window and wiper problems. You helped me think it was GEM module so I got another new one and replaced it. My 4wd engagement issues went away, now I could hear solenoid clicking and motor was putting it into 4wd ok (from what I could tell) but speedo was maxed out when I drove and I had absolutely no power and rough running. I asked dealership if it needed to be reprogrammed and they said no, it should work fine. I put another GEM in again and got same issues. Went back to original GEM and driveability issues went away, and now when I put it in neutral and turn dash 4wd switch everything seems to be working. I went for a drive and it seemed to be climbing like it was in 4wd, but when reversing it was only spinning rear wheels? 4wd light in dash is on, but it seems sometimes like transfer case isn't engaged. I can hear transfer motor working and also clicking of solenoid. WTF? I'm at a loss here and any advice you could give me would be great. I didn't try swapping the transfer motor because I thought the previous power window and wiper issues would lead me to GEM? As all these parts individually are expensive as hell, I don't want to just keep swapping everything without some clue as to whats wrong. Thanks in advance for your input and assistance.

 

[AgPete139]

First, welcome to TRS!

Secondly, I have no clue what is going on. Hopefully someone with experience will chime in soon.

 

[Earl43P]

You have PVH hubs (search term).

See if the front drive shaft is turning in 4Lo (vehicle moves slowly enough to see front driveshaft from the side in 4Lo).

You didn't mention whether the PW and WW problems are working again with the original GEM reinstalled.

I can send you 2000 model year schematics if you PM me your e-mail address. 98-00 are pretty similar, but not exactly the same.

 

[Trevor_t2]

Thank you for the response! Yes, oddly enough the PW and Wipers are working fine now. Also the 4wd switch seems to be working exactly as it should. I've gone underneath and can hear the transfer motor clicking into high and low too. I'm beginning to think (after reading more in this website) that it could actually be my hubs? I've printed off some instructions how to take them apart, maybe they just need a good cleaning, and I'm also going to check now, as you've suggested, my front drive shaft and report back. Could it be possible that when I unplugged my GEM and swapped it for another then put it back that it cleared itself of the other issues (PW and Wipers) like rebooting a computor?

 

[Earl43P]

I took a look at the schematics.
PW and WW share nothing except the GEM itself, they have different grounds and power.
I suspect that disconnecting/reconnecting the GEM wiped its connector contacts into better contact.

I suspect your vacuum hubs are bad as well. AVM / Rugged Ridge / Warn make manual hubs, should you elect to go the more reliable but less convenient route. You could also convert them to permanently locked http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/troubleshoot-fix_pvh_hubs.html

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AVM_hub_swap.htm

 

[Trevor_t2]

Ok, watched front driveshaft on my lunch break and it is definately turning when in 4wd. I never asked to become a ranger mechanic but am now learning alot in the last few days thanks to this site. I figure now, in looking back, that I had two problems: My GEM related stuff seems to have resolved itself with the plugging/unplugging and may have in fact been just bad contacts somewhere in the plugs. My more prominent problem was 4wd not engaging, or at the very least, sporadically. I now believe it is due to my hubs. I have a diagram I printed off and will take them apart for cleaning, but it sounds like this is an ongoing problem with those vacuum units and some people are simply disabling them so they're engaged all the time? I'm not opposed to doing this but wonder if this is acceptable or if it is not good to drive around? I'm mostly worried I'll be wearing something out rather than the difference in feel at the steering wheel. With Christmas coming I don't have alot of cash right now...
Thanks again for all your input, I really appreciate it. Automotive mechanics are not my bag, but if you want to talk harleys...

 

[Earl43P]

Nothing wrong with having the hubs engaged full time, won't hurt a thing.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/index.htm

Here's another option (free) that will still permit you to manually disengage your hubs when desired:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_19982000_Ford_Ranger_Pulse_Vacuum_Hubs.html

^^THAT'S what I would do.