I have a ford ranger 2004 4.0 motor. When I turn my lights on the horn goes off and the wipers come on and washer fluid comes out non stop. It rained three inches yesterday and just started doing it. It was night and I had to rush home with the lights off so the horn and wipers would not be engaged. I just bought the truck two weeks ago. I feel like throwing up. Feels like I bought a lemon. I am taking it back to the dealer. I have 30 days or 1000 miles for a warranty. Any suggestions as how this can be fixed? I'm concerned it can't be fixed. I need help. Anything you can suggest would help. Thanks ford man

 

Sounds like there could be a water leak allowing water to run onto the SJB (Smart Junction Box). It's located behind the removable door down on the kick panel on the passenger side. SJB has relays and other electronics that control the horn and wipers/washer.

 

I just looked in the Sjb . It looks normal. Some cobwebs but no signs of water corrosion. I also looked at the windshield in that corner. Can't really tell but seal looks good no cracking or dry rot. But I guess that doesn't mean anything right. It stoped doing it today. Should I run a hose on the windshield and see if I can replicate the rain. If it does it then your right. How much is an Sjb? Does it have to be programmed? Or is it just a fuse panel?
Thanks ford ranger man

 

Thoughts:

*You mentioned it had a warranty; make it their problem
*SJB isn't a cheap part when I've seen them (others may have seen better prices) and it's my understanding after looking at the FSM that they are a programmable device, although I don't know exactly what is programmed. SJB = the next generation of, and the replacement for the previous GEM, also a programmable device.

 

just spoke to the dealer and they cannot locate an after market SJB new. They are going to pull the old one out and clean it. Is this possible to do without wrecking any of the connections? The other issue is that they said the fresh air intake is right above the SJB and when it rains and or snows it sends humid moist air over the board. How can I fix that? Wow , what A situation I got into. The truck really is in great shape and the motor runs perfect barring the problem with the SJB it was everything I wanted for a truck. I hope that I can get to the bottome of this. maybe I would have to install a new fuse box in a different location.. Any thoughts??
Thanks Ford Ranger Man

 

Of course they can't locate an aftermarket SJB, that a Ford only part, there is no aftermarket SJB, what are they thinking (other than they don't actually want to replace it because that costs them money)??? No idea if they can successfully clean it; the right way, assuming there actually is a water leak, would be to find and fix the water leak and then REPLACE the SJB with one that hasn't been wet. Due to age, a JY SJB may be the only option, I don't know, I haven't looked for a new/reman one from Ford. It is true that the HVAC unit intake is in the general area, but it's up higher. IMO, the story you are getting about humid air, and so much of it, and to the point that it's literally raining in there and causing the problem sounds rather flaky and near BS, Ford would have had warranty problems clear back in 04 if that were the case and they would have had to address it.

If it's leaking you can look in there for yourself and see either current water after it rains or streaking and or mud on the bottom of the SJB cavity. If this pans out then IMO, they may be giving you a line and a low $ fix just to get it past warranty. After all, the vehicle is 12 years old, things do happen with time.

 

I have been told that ford doesn't make the SJB for the 2004 ford ranger anymore. They do however have re-furbished boards. So they have ordered a refurb SJB for $250 and I was there when they ran a hose for an hour over the windshield to replicate the leak. Nothing leaked. I wish it did to be honest with you. Unless this occurred a long time ago and the windshield was replaced. The seal looks brand new almost. in my opinion the windshield was replaced. So the board is bad anyways. My next problem is the SJB needs to be programmed to fit the 2004 ranger software requirements. This is a real PIA. I think I might need a work around for this SJB. something more simple and take out the software aspect of it. What do you think?

 

Circumstances and what is being done about it now sound appropriate for the situation. Let them finish the work, including programming the replacement SJB.