I own a 2001 Ford Ranger, 3.0 engine. It is the wife's vehicle. She loves it.
She recently mentioned that the radio and the electric windows don't work. After a while on the way to work the radio comes on and the windows work. Today I went to the store while it was snowing. I turned on the wipers, and they did not work. A little while later, the wipers, radio and the windows started working.
Any idea what might be causing this problem or where would be the best place to look at trying to solve this problem? We have owned this Ranger for a year and no problems. This problem just started a couple of weeks ago. I would like to try to determine the problem and try to fix it myself, before I have to take it to a dealer. Thanks Tom

 

I am having the same issue also, i noticed if you hit the top of the steering wheel with some force everything starts to work. I believe its a bad ground somewhere.

 

Wipers, windows and radio all have a common element - keyed power from the ignition switch and then through fuse 20 in the dash box. I would start at the fuse first. Make sure that it is properly seated and maybe swap another in just to be sure. If the fuse is not the problem, it could be a worn ignition switch. I would turn the key to "ignition on", turn the radio on and then try wiggling the key a little to see if the symptoms can be made to come and go.

 

I have just purchased a ranger 4x4 with a 4.0. I am getting a ticking noise in dash occasionally with and without the truck running. Key can be removed and noise will still occur. Have also noticed that the wipers and dome light will not work until after driving for a few miles. After truck is parked, neither wipers or dome light will work again. Have checked fuses and relays. Any information would be appreciated.

 

Ford has what is called a Battery Saver Relay, in 2001 it is in the AUX Relay Box 1, small black box above gas pedal area I believe, interior light relay is in the same box.

It is suppose to disconnect power from cab circuits after 20-30 minutes of vehicle being off.
So battery won't be drained if you leave something on.

See if you can feel that box "clicking", the source of the noise.

It wouldn't be related to wipers.

GEM(generic electrical module) is behind the radio, it controls most interior electrics, including dome lights and wipers, but it is a sold state device, no "clicking" relays inside, BUT(big but) it does control alot of relays.