Hey all. First let me say, I'm not mechanically inclined. I can follow directions and learn easily but solving problems all on my own... eh.
1999 base model ext cab 4x2 3.0.

Truck will be running fine. Then all of a sudden, the wipers will stop working, gauges stop, dome light and door chime stop, and if you're driving, transmission bucks, starts flashing "o/d off" and shifts rough.
This all happens at once, at random times. Might be fine 2 days or a week, or may do it everyday for 2 weeks then stop again.
Where should I start? Seems, to my uneducated mind, that this combo of things is really odd.
Any help at all is appreciated. I'm currently out of work and probably can't afford a trip to the mechanic for them to track it down so I figured I'd start here.

 

Odds are you have a power distribution or ground issue to the body module. Which translate to a shorted or broke wire somewhere and need someone with some level of electrical trouble shooting skills. Something you can do is visually inspect all the wiring/harnesses for anything obvious or suspect. If the visual on the wiring doesn't find anything then connectors and junction boxes are places to look for issues like corrosion or overheated looking connections...

 

Ok thanks. I'll get to lookin'

 

1999 Ranger will use a GEM(generic electronics module) as the "body computer"

BUT.................it can not effect engine or engine computer(PCM), they are separate systems

GEM is behind the radio
PCM is in engine bay top center of firewall

But as kenhigg said since both GEM and PCM seem to be effected it reads like a general 12volt issue or Grounds, not a specific problem with GEM or PCM

Check fuses in engine bay fuse box, pull out each fuse and put it back in, do the same to each Relay in that fuse box, this CLEANS off the connections

Could also be ignition switch under the steering column, does the Key turn easily in both directions, does it feel loose?

 

I tracked down and followed as many boxes and wiring harnesses as I could, under the hood and under the truck by the transmission, and all ground points I found. Didn't see anything obvious. Next step is the shop I guess.