I have parasitic drain issues on my 98 Ranger. It draws .2-.3amps (engine and lights off, key out, waited 1hr before testing).

If I pull fuse 25 (GEM instrument cluster) the drain goes away.

It's not any of the 4 relays above the gas pedal under the dash. I've tried pulling those.

When I put the fuse back in, I can hear a relay click on inside the cabin, sounds like it's directly behind the instrument cluster.

Any ideas for how to get to that relay and what the problem might be?

Thanks!

 

Fuse 25 is always "hot" and also powers the instrument cluster

Its direct wiring to both, no relays

GEM will activate relays when it is powered on, usually its just the battery saver relay, or door open relay
There can also be an accessory relay, leaves power windows and radio on until drivers door is opened

Fuse 25 powers the speedometer in the cluster, just answered a post about fuse 25 blowing because of short in the cluster

I think best thing to do would be to pull out the radio to get access to the GEM
Fuse 25 is the white/yellow stripe wire on pin 11 of the 18 pin connector on GEM, unplug that connector

Then see if amp draw drops with just the speedometer powered, if not then issue is in the speedometer circuit

If no big draw then plug GEM back in and see if you can locate that clicking relay, if the door is open there is a relay for that