Fuse #26 keeps blowing after replacing dome light. Green and orange wire seemed burnt. Removed wires and terminated ends by still blows. Unplugged gem and tried another fuse, that one blew as well even with gem not connected. No inside lights, no speedometer, hard shifting. Need help

 

Welcome to the forum

Always good to include Year of Ranger and engine size, 2000 3.0l

Fuse 26 in cab has 12volts full time not key on only

Unplugging the GEM should also prevent Battery saver relay from activating which should take the Dome lights out of the circuit

That only leaves Instrument cluster and PATS module above glove box, diagram below
But might as well pull the Battery Saver relay just to make sure the relay itself in not the issue
Above the gas pedal is Relay Box 1 its mounted facing out towards Park Brake pedal and it has a plastic cover
Several relays are inside depending on your options

This is one version: https://ww2-secure.justanswer.com/up...relays_one.gif

Another version in this thread: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...6-flex-168029/

Pull out battery saver relay and try another fuse or use an OHM Meter to test for short to ground

 

ok, I've taken as much of my dash apart looking for this auxiliary relay box but it's no where to be found. I've seen several other people saying the same thing. . I've even looked on the passenger side, took the front seats out, under the hood and under the truck. I'm a loss for words. This makes no sense.

 

On a 1998-2003 Ranger its above the gas pedal, it has a cover over it so relays are not visible, just looks like a black box

Another picture here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...d-p9230008.jpg

Clutch and brake pedal in foreground, cover is off, Blue Relay at the top is the Flasher in Relay box 1, Blue relay won't be there in a 2000

 

I'm aware as to where you say it is but I've spent all day and night searching but there is no black box. I've even followed the wires. They run up the tranny hump, then go up then toward steering wheel behind speedometer, and some run behind the ducts for the ac no relay box. I'll take pictures in a little while and show you

No black box

 

Go to this page: https://www.ranger-forums.com/vindecoder.php

Put in your VIN at the top
Then Decode
Select style and trim, remember it
Then select Equipment

Maybe you have a Fleet model so bare bones, no options so no need for Relay Box 1