'98 GEM Electrical Gremlin
 

I'm looking for help diagnosing a current electrical issue in my '98 4x4 power window & locks GEM.

Originally, my the 4x4 and dome light did not work and it was traced back to a failed GEM. That was replaced with a reconditioned (lifetime warranty) unit and it did resolve the 4x4 and dome light; however, it sent a "key in ignition" chime any time the driver door was open, key in or not. This also kept constant power to the windows and radio, disabling the keyless entry. It's as if the GEM is getting a signal that the key is in or the truck is in the "ACC" or "On" position at all times. All fuses check out for continuity.

Here is my original post regarding the current issue: Can't Program Power Locks

Through the helpful people here, I replaced the ignition cylinder thinking it was at fault. The issue continued. The GEM was also replaced under warranty, no resolution. So, I now have a new ignition and GEM in the truck with the same issue.

At this point, I am thinking there may be a bad ground or a short somewhere but not really sure where to start looking. The fact that the truck sat for about 7 years in wet, Seattle weather makes this a potential cause.

I found this topic: 1998 ford ranger xlt 3.0 gem module and the wiring schematics.

I'm looking for any advise or thoughts. I feel like I'm overseeing something really simple or just not pointed in the right direction. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Pull out the ignition key cylinder, i.e. turn key on push in button under steering column, pull out cylinder

You will see the "key in ignition" GROUND switch at about 7:00 position, has 1 wire connected
The Blue device in this picture: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...-locks-170282/

This switch is grounded only when key is in, but can break so stays grounded all the time
GEM sounds Chime when this switch is grounded and driver door opens

Its possible this 1 wire is grounded somewhere else in its short run to the GEM, but start at the switch, most likely issue
Pulling out the cylinder should unground it
The old GEM was broken so didn't sound the chime, new GEM is working so does



1998 can have anti-theft alarm system, not PATS, its an alarm, honks the horn if activated, its also the Keyless entry module
The RAP module, connected to GEM, RAP module is also Keyless entry module, has the antenna for Fobs and does door lock/unlock
Its behind drivers seat bolted to back cab metal, so behind plastic trim pieces
It has a 2 wire anti-tamper switch on ignition key cylinder, so a different switch than the "key in ignition" switch, you may see that, that would confirm alarm system not just Keyless entry

1998 may have an accessory delay relay, this would leave power windows and radio working with key off, but only until drivers door was opened, then relay would open and cut power

If GEM was bad then previous own may also have "fixed" it by "inventive" wiring or disconnection, so keep an eye out for odd wiring and disconnected plugs

RonD: Thank you for your response!

Yes. Aware of that wire at 7:00 position. I see it when ignition cylinder is out. I have tried it both with the connector in place and also out (not grounded) and see the same "key in ignition results". This does make me think it may be grounded or shorted out somewhere between the ignition and GEM.

Pulling out the cylinder leaves the truck in the "On" position and chime does not occur when door is open.

It does have the anti-theft alarm with the 2 thin wires opposite the 1 ground wire in the ignition cylinder location. I did make the mistake of turning the ignition with that unplugged and forced the horn alarm to go off. The only way to reset was to disconnect the battery AND unplug the GEM.

It does have this feature; however, when opening the door, the delay does not cut off power to the windows or radio.

The other thing I can note is that when I completely disconnect the GEM and plug it all back in, it everything works properly. It isn't until the engine is started and then shut off that this "key in ignition", power to the windows and radio and lack of keyless locks shows its head.

You should b able to turn "key off" with screwdriver when key cylinder is out

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Black/pink wire on connector c221 pin 9 is the "key in ignition" wire, you can test it at that end with ohm meter for ground

c224 pin 17 light blue/red wire is accessory delay relay's GROUND wire, 12v is from Battery saver relay, fuse 26

Battery saver relay is on a GEM timer, usually after key off and doors closed for 30min the GEM will turn off battery saver relay and go to sleep

But accessory delay relay should be unGrounded by GEM as soon as drivers door opens so having 12v from fuse 26 wouldn't matter

Does drivers door turn on "Door Ajar" light when its opened?
It should, if it doesn't then GEM would have no way of knowing drivers door was opened, so bad drivers door switch

@RonD I want to thank you SO much for your help on this today! I am 99.9% sure the issue is now resolved. Testing the the c221 pin 9 Blk/pnk wire, it all tested out fine. With the driver door open, I was still getting the chime; however, jostling the wire harness slightly made the chime stop. Looking further into this exact wire in the plug, it was determined that it was a bad connection to the GEM. Having now cleaned the plug a bit and adjusting the pin in the GEM down slightly, there is now a VERY solid connection on pin 9. I have been testing it repeatedly for the last 30 minutes, grinning ear to ear.

At this point, the "key in ignition" chime is silent when the driver door is open and works as it should. Keyless entry has unlocked, locked and set the anti-theft multiple times. Upon unlocking the vehicle or opening the door, the dome light comes on and times out as it should. After running the vehicle, turning it off, removing the key from the ignition, the windows and radio continue to work until the driver door is open and then they promptly stop!

Let's hope this trend continues! I appreciate all your input and advice on this. THANK YOU!!!

Good work :biggthump

Thank you for the kudos, and for posting THE FIX, it WILL help someone else down the road