99 Ranger will not turn over. Starter OK, battery OK. ANY IDEAS??

[chubbygoatboy]

99 ranger v-6 4x4 automatic trans.

.... There was an issue with the trailer wiring at the back of the truck. The taillight fuse blew when it was accidentally shorted out. The truck has not been able to be started since. I took off the starter, it is fine. I checked to make sure there was 12v at the starter, there is. The starter relay is OK. If I jumper the relay, it does turn over, but will not fire, even with the key in the on position. There is no fender mounted solenoid, so that is not the problem either!

I did find a relay mounted under the glovebox that clicks when trying to start it. ( I also do not hear the fuel pump running either. ) Anyway, this relay is extrememly hot to the touch. Is this for the anti-theft? Could the relay be bad? I am thinking that it should not be that hot.

ANY IDEAS? THANKS

[chubbygoatboy]

I replaced this relay and still nothing. There is no crank and no fuel. Now I am thinking anti-theft even more. Does anyone know how to tell for sure? THANKS

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[Jacfourteen]

I don't kow much about the anti-theft sys, but maybe disconnect the batt. for 10 minutes or so, might clear the memory? Just a thought.

[chubbygoatboy]

Tried that also. Even swapped batteries just to be sure. It went to the dealer by way of flatbed this afternoon. I will post what they come up with!

[DonSor]

I also have a 99 Ranger 4.0L but 4x2. First get yourself a Ranger Repair Manual and study the electrical section. Assuming that the starter, and the battery are good, check your accessories by moving your ignition switch from Position I and II (no start). With the ignition switch on (no start) your fuel pump should be running. If not check the relay and the collision safety switch located on the passenger side floor board below the glove compartment and under the carpet. Purpose of that switch is to disable the fuel pump in the event of a collision. You said when you jumpered the starting relay the engine turned over. If the relay tested good, then you may have a problem with the control wiring from your ignition switch. Whatever happened with your trailer hitch circuit could have blown fuse/fuses or worst it could have burned out a wire or the fuse wire. So looking at the electrical diagram in the manual, start from the source and work your way to the ignition circuit. It may help to identify the relay you said was get hot.

[mrmikey]

I've got an '04 but the security system is the same I believe.
Without the key in the ignition you should have a slow flash otf the key icon in the dash, with the correct key in the ignition and cranking the light is steady on and goes off when running. If you have a bad/incorrect key you get a rapid flash of the icon....Mike

[chubbygoatboy]

Well, the answer is...... The GEM module - Generic Electronic Module - Dealer only, I think it was about $520. Apparently, this module pretty much controls every system that allows the truck to start. I hope this helps someone else! THANKS to all for the input!

[dmchrist]

I understand that this is an OLD thread BUT I am wondering if anyone knows where the location of the GEM module is - we have replaced the coil pack, and now the fuel pump too. and we are still having intermitent starting issues.??!!??!!

Please help....!!!

[DonSor]

The GEM module I believe is located under the center console. Remove the center console by unlocking the two screws under the cup holders. The GEM should be staring you in the face.