Driving out to the shooting range in 2wd today and my 4wd hi and lo lights start to flash. 6 times total and then it stops and starts up a few miles later. Locked the manual hubs and put it in 4hi and no clicking sound that you usually hear when putting it in 4wd and no 4wd. Even the light didn't come on for a half a minute. So I unlock the hubs and put it back into 2wd and the 4hi light stays on but no 4wd.

I searched a lot on here and read about the shift motor going bad. Anyone think this is the problem? Where exactly is it located, above the t-case or next to it?

I checked the #13 fuse in the cab and the fuse under the hood and both are fine. I'll check to to make sure the switch is connected tonight and all connections are good.

Thanks guys.

 

The shift motor is bolted to the back side of the T-case, that would be the first thing I would check. It looks like a cyiinder a little smaller than a beer can with wires and such going to it. The electronic T-cases also are prone to fouling the electrinic shift module which is a black box behind the dash.

 

The module in the dash, does this have to be programmed by a dealer if i get one from another source besides for Ford? I hear they're expensive and I can find them in the j-yard.

I'm going to try cleaning then tapping on the shift motor first to see if it will engage. If it does i guess I'll need a new motor. What's better, a new motor or j-yard motor? How else can I tell wether it is the module or the motor?

 

Some more info to share.
My dome light, third brake/bed light, headlight switch light, glove box light and 4wd switch light no longer work.
Everyone agree the GEM has gone bad? Or can it be something else still? Can I get one from the j-yard without going to the dealer for programming?
Thanks again.

 

Check all your fuses. The 4wd system has its own computer.

 

Fuses are all fine.
Also my windshield washer and key in ingnition chime are also not working.
Where would the 4wd computer be? I thought switching into 4wd was controlled by the GEM? I thought only 2002 and newer had its own computer, mines only a 97.

 

I think the later Rangers(04 and up) control the 4wd through the GEM. The 4wd computer is behind the passenger side kick panel. You also might have a screwed up GEM.

 

If it was the 4x4 module why did half my electricals quit working at the same time?

 

That's why I'm saying that you may have a blown GEM too. Try PMing Bob. He is the holy grail of info on just about any Ford truck.

 

I'll do that. Thanks for the info.

 

on my 93 the 4wd computer is behind the driver's side jump seat..

when i was a small automotive shop doing some work experience i got to help a mechanic figure out why the 4wd wasnt working and it was a 94. when i hit the 4wd button in my 93 it clicks behind the drivers jump seat. so also check there.

 

The location was changed to behind the kick panel when the trucks started using OBD II.

 

Yeah, nothing behind the jump seat. Haven't check the kick panel yet.

 

In 1995~2000, there was no standalone 4x4 Module. The shift motor is controlled by the GEM using 3 relays. There is a small box called the "Electric Shift Control Module" in the dash but it houses nothing more than 2 of those 3 relays.

The shift motor/encoder is the primary suspect for most issues with the electronic t-cases. However, the fact that all the other stuff doesn't work makes it sound like it could be a GEM-related problem. There isn't any good way to test the GEM. Before swapping it, I would try a couple of things.

First, verify that the grounds are clean and tight. One is bolted to the radiator support near the battery and the other is bolted to the driver side inner fender about halfway back.

Second, I have seen at least one GEM recover after reinitializing it. You can do this by disconnecting the negative battery cable and turning on the headlight switch briefly, just like resetting the PCM.

Related fuses in 97 are #10, 20, 25, 27 and 28 in the I/P fuse panel and #4 underhood.

 

I thought only the 04 and up Rangers used the GEM for 4wd due to the fact that they fuse box is now in the kick panel. Learn something new everyday.

 

For 2004~2010, the 4x4 Module is inside the dash next to the radio where the GEM used to be in prior years. There is no GEM in these newer trucks because its functions have been incorporated into the large Smart Junction Box under the PS kick panel.

 

I'll let everyone know what is going on sometime later on today.

 

Grounds and fuses are all fine. Tried the battery disconnect and that was a no go. What's my next step?

Can I go to the j-yard and pull a GEM with the same Ford part number or do I have to go to a dealer?

I hate having no dome lights, washer, and I'm worried I'm going to start losing other things.

 

I found a GEM on e-bay with the same part number but it states it has keyless entry, my truck does not. The picture shows 3 plugs side by side. My module only has 2 plugs, 1 plug then a space for a plug then another plug. Will it still work?
1996 1997 FORD RANGER 4X4 GEM MODULE F67B-14B205-EA:eBay Motors (item 350272975645 end time Nov-30-09 22:47:47 PST)

 

Found a GEM and everything is ok now. Tested it out tonight and everything works. Thanks to all who helped especially Bob who tolerated my Pm's.