1995 - 1997 Ford Ranger GEM module removal Dome Light Problem It Wont Turn Off

I had an issue with my dome light. It would not turn off unless I started the truck. In this video I show how I figured out the problem. And spoiler alert, it wasnt a door ajar switch or the dimmer switch.

[@bradhendrix9696]

This worked for me. My done light was staying on when the truck was off. I was not having any issues with the door ajar light. It was working as it should. I replaces the door jam switches,, but this is what cured the issue of the dome light. Dome light works as it should now. Thanks for the video. Thus was a tricky one

[@terenceredd8519]

Hello Jack I found a wiring information sheet online and it shows that the green/purple wire is for Factory Alarm Disarm, it is a negative wire, it should not have a voltage reading at all. What I think is somethinki has gone wrong inside the GEM module, but you made the right choice to cut it. I have a 1995 Madza B2300 pickup doing the same thing. Thank you for giving me another look at things.I am an auto instructor at a local tech school and I do alot of elecrtical diagnosing.

[@timm5970]

Obviously its not the gem module. He disconnected the wire from the module and it's still getting power

[@Americadoe]

​@@timm5970No

[@timothybrigman9631]

Hey can give me an idea,on my issue, that I left in the comments?

[@paulhoskins7852]

Interesting! Mine just started having the same problem. Guess I could give this a shot on my 1994.

[@juliewoods6534]

I have had that issue ever since I bought my 97 Ranger in 96. It was off and on issue. I took it to the dealer and got the usual "cannot replicate customer issue." I am glad I stumbled onto this video I was looking at how to pull out my instrument cluster. So I am already there. I think I will pull it out just incase that messes something else. easier to put it back than reconnect it. Thanks for posting the video.

[@howiebyers1043]

That helped me out so much thank you

[@bonebrakefamily3020]

Well, I was surprised and mildly dismayed to find my dome light went back to its old tricks. After snipping the green and purple wire and finding success with the dome light ( it shut off ). Not only did it shut off but worked properly - turned on when opening either door and shutting off almost immediately upon closing ( and staying off). This morning, while driving to work, it took me about 30 seconds to realize that the dome was not shutting off but staying on. It stayed on for the duration of the drive and then not shutting off finally until about an hour after exiting the truck. Dang! Worked perfectly for 5 days after performing the procedure. Flummoxed Bonebrake - owner of a 1995 Ford Ranger.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Bonebrake Family Did you tape off the snipped wire behind the dash? just make sure it didnt short to the body or something. the 1 hour time out is just the battery saver timing out. or it could just be coincidence and your door switch is sticking. try spraying the latches with wd40 real good and open and shut the door a bunch of times and see if that helps any.

[@bonebrakefamily3020]

Tichendorf, Sprayed latches with wd40 thoroughly. It worked! The dome light shut off properly. I did not tape off snipped wires but will do so. Thanks again for your help.

[@brendanclark81]

Very interesting. My '98 needed a new GEM based on the fact that 4x4 and my dome light were both inoperable. Purchased a remanufactured unit and it resolved both issues; however, got a constant "key in ignition" chime and power to the radio and windows was constantly hot with the key out, door closed and open. The keyless entry was also inoperable. I thought it was a bad ignition cylinder, replaced it, no change. Thought the remanufactured GEM was faulty, replaced it under warranty, same issue. Testing the wires for continuity, I found that the bottom connector (c221) pin 9 Blk/pnk wire (ign/ACC run) had a bad connection between the connector and GEM. Cleaning the connector and bending the tab slightly resolved all issues. Now, the "key in ignition" chime is gone. After turning the vehicle off the windows and radio still are powered and when you open the door, they deenergize. The dome light and keyless entry also function perfectly.

[@FUzzyBUnnyBOoties]

Great series. I will be doing a v8 swap to my Ranger also. Great information about all the details that come up with a swap. As for that wire, Ford`s add a 5 second delay on their dome light. So when you close the door the light should stay on for 5 seconds and then go off. So there is something in that delay circuit that is not timing out. But I dont see anything wrong with the way you have it wired now. No real reason to need the delay anyways. I subscribed and look forward to your next video in this series.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Thanks for that info. I wonder what controls the delay. ill have to investigate.

[@SonofGodly]

battery saver relay does the 5 second delay on dome light,,that relay is above the pass side airbag,,to the left of the bag ,,,removal of clove box ,,look up to left is where it is at.

[@25elp84]

​@@JackofAllMasterofNone me ayudas tengo un problema con el control a distancia ya hice de todo y no logro entrar a la programación del mismo, saque GEM y veo que tiene un chispazo un micro fusible. Ahí lo soldé y volvió a fallar, el pin entra un cable amarillo y blanco viene de la ficha de abajo la que está sola .

[@TheRoco1123]

This fixed my '95 B2300.

[@dougbostrom1062]

Thanks! [To possibly save others time, the CTM may solve problems with wipers. I noticed that all timing related functions on body such as retained power etc. were messed up. This includes wipers. Replaced CTM and all is well. Easy to swap, thanks to this video!]

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Thanks for sharing

[@bonebrakefamily3020]

I have a 1995 Ford Ranger. After about 3years of ownership, the dome light would come on( of course) when either door was opened but over time it stayed on increasingly longer and eventually did not turn off at all while driving. It would eventually turn off though after shutting the engine off and exiting the truck. I would occasionally check on my parked truck to make sure the dome light did shut off and it did, but it took a long time to do so. I did not want to take it in to a mechanic for evaluation(you know what I mean). So, I found this wonderful KZbin presentation of the problem and how to fix it. And yes, success! Thanks 'Tichendorf' for paving the way. I did not even need to take out the module. I found the wire you pinpointed ( genius!) and with great hesitation snipped it. I found that by dialing down the dome light switch the dome turned off immediately ( it did not do this before). By dialing it up, it turned back on. Thanks! You saved me a ton of money I am sure.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Bonebrake Family Great

[@richardpedraza6256]

Hay...Man in my book your 👍

[@hvactech4492]

Well I am so happy I tried it and it works my light shuts off like it should when the truck is off wonders thank you

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

+Gustavo Rocha glad it helped

[@josephpetracca548]

I'm not sure if my problem was the same as yours but my dome lamps came on and would not go off until the battery saver relay went of. So I reprogrammed my key fob and hit the lock button then it all worked again worked

[@dliveinternational2754]

Thanks Helped me out

[@Markb8608]

FIX The original owner on my 1993 truck had reinstalled the light upside down so dome was on wrong wire making dome always on. He also used wrong length screws. If the mounting screws are too long, the mounting screws grounds itself on body making it always stay on.

[@Shaggy2286]

Had same issue, dome light on, no ajar sign. So for the heck of it I messed with the dimmer switch and I can hear an electrical noise and the lights going on/off as I move it down/up... after messing with it the lights go out now. LOL

[@xoq3HLuIsLVHM]

Also check the dimmer nob. i sprayed some electric cleaner in mine... fixed it (95 ranger)

[@timothybrigman9631]

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger edge. Changed my GEM module,at a shop. They put a generic GEM .module in my truck. Only problem it’s, for a 4x4. But no issues,except. Past 4 years. The truck has intermittent starting. No starter issues. No clutch safety switch. I replaced it. But someone, tell me , why, when I changed, all of my fuses, and relays. The truck started, when , pulled the brake release. At the same time, had key turned. It started.I found this out by mistake. I’m a one owner, of this truck. I bought it brand new. 0 miles, on it. Lafayette,FORD , in my home town. I’m not going there. So ,I bought,an OTOFIX. It runs Altell, software.The diagnosis, says it’s Powertrain Control Module. & says ,I have,a generic, GEM module. No, PATS code. Can anyone tell me for sure , how it starts,when I tap the emergency, break,handle? Tks.

[@thepadillas2922]

Good video, however my 1997 only has one plug going into the gem unit and there is no purple and green wire. It is just a 4cyl, 5spd, XLT with no power window, locks or any other options. Any ideas about what color wire it might be?

[@chevy7850]

Well I plugged in a new module and my problem was that my windshield wipers didn’t work. So with the new one fully installed it made the wipers work but then I couldn’t turn them off at all, so I put the old one back in for now I ordered a new switch, im gonna put that in and if it doesn’t work try the other module again and if that doesn’t work then idk I’m just gonna take it somewhere most likely

[@WhoogeDaRUKUS]

What happens with the wipers ?

[@caballotroya122002]

all my instrument gauges when out in the cluster need help, warning lights work and indicators ok, but no oil temp, bat gas or speed thank you.

[@SonofGodly]

Try battery saver relay . and that fuse 27 connecting the dome lite ,also makes 4x4 and vi8or lamps,glove box lite,map lites,and under hood lite,,,so make sure the other things still works after you cut wire. I have same problem. still looking into it.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

son of God I figured it out. the wire I cut is from a sensor in the door. There are actually 2 sensors in each door i guess, as weird as that is.

[@SonofGodly]

on ranger station forum folks are fixing the dome light and door jam light by spraying the door latch like crazy with WD-40 or electrical cleaner, it seems that the door jam is in the door too ,right next to the dome light sensor, when cleaned it all starts working properly. my 95 ranger also has a voltage drop on the radio fuse and my radio comes on when I turn on my headlights?? so I have some electrical stuff to get right in mine. Thanks for your vid because you came up with a alternative fix if the cleaning does not work.

[@kb1sph]

Looking at the AllData electrical diagrams, it looks like the door ajar switches are for the alarm (if equipped) and door chime (for key in or lights on), while that purple wire (labeled purple/light green in AllData) is the dome light input. It's one common wire that can be grounded by either door's switch. On the Expedition I have, it does not have a separate dome light wire, just the door ajar switches that activate both the alarm and the dome light. I'm assuming that's because the expedition is a little more complicated and has the running board lights and rear hatch as well.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Jeffrey Lavoie This is correct but here is the weird part. My dome light and door ajar light on the dash still work correctly with the wire cut. I think my actual problem is a bad drivers door switch, the one that sends a signal on the purple/green wire. either way Im happy with my solutiom because everything works as it should now. My guess is this switch is for the alarm system because I had intermittent problems with the factory alarm going off for no reason until I removed the factory alarm and replaced it with an aftermarket Ford/code alarm system.

[@SonofGodly]

Ok thanks for that info , I fixed my dome light and doorajar by spaying electrical cleaner right in the door latch, alot ,,and now its been working since my last post. thanks again for all your help.

[@robertmccully2792]

My dome light was stuck on,, unscrewed the dome light fixture, put it back on.. fixed, but driver door does not trigger light any more.

[@timwro1]

I know my 1997 XLT will turn on the dome light. I guess as a security feature. When the truck is locked, lifting the outside door handle will light up the inside. Maybe that has something to do with it?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

timwro1 i think u are correct

[@MrToemass]

Mine does this as well, but the light won’t shut off after I attempt to open the door while it’s locked. I have to unlock the door, open and close. Then the dome light will turn off after 30 seconds or so.

[@BryanLandess]

This wad my problem on my’95 Ranger. The switch I cleaned is what I would call the courtesy light switch. It’s at the top of the latch. The one at the bottom is the door ajar switch. Lock the doors and pull on the door handle. The door will not open, but the light will come on for about 20-30 seconds. The courtesy light switch in the latch will give a dome light on without a door ajar light.

[@caballotroya122002]

there is a switch above the accelerator foot pedal to the right called battery saver probably gone bad, check it out.

[@modelbuilder68]

can you tell me please you know how its looks like on ranger 1996 and you know where I can get a full schematics for ford ranger or at least but not las GEM module ?

[@corysturgis6660]

@@modelbuilder68 try Chilton manual online. Probably access for free through your local library

[@jimmycarter9099]

Here’s how you fix it mine did the same thing forget all of this tack the dome light out and put a small switch to turn on and off problems solved mines been working 15 years

[@johnnyperez1358]

If you haven’t sold that extra I’d be interested 😂

[@jpfaria2832]

@Jack of All Master None did both the dome light and door ajar light on the gauges stay on or just the dome light? I want to know if its a latch problem or an electrical problem before I start cutting wires

[@JACOBRIVERA18]

Can you do an overview of the parts you used to use your transfer case with the 5.0 transmission? Also what headers did you use with the swap?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I did not do the engine snd transmission swap, I bought it that way but the whole drivetrain is the stock 97 Explorer setup. I have the 97 Explorer AWD transfer case. the headers are the stock P style explorer headers. It is completely stock. The front driveshaft bolts right on. the rear driveshaft is a custom made 1 piece driveshaft.

[@alphawolf6458]

I admire your time to try and help people but the signal is coming from your door lock and wd-40 fixed this problem for me! Cheers!

[@columbiageorge]

Trav McHenry This issue started on my Ranger today. I sprayed WD-40 in the passenger door lock because the key was having difficulty unlocking the door. It fixed the door lock issue, but now the dome light and the door ajar light stay on.

[@itsamiakount7129]

Wd 40 did nothing for mine. Cutting the wires did and is still works properly

[@jjmax3400]

Cool watch

[@jimmydean535]

I know for dome light and wipers issue is the back window and 3rd light. you have to seal them with silicone and it won't happen anymore

[@MegaCyberleader]

when the computer starts wearing out the chips inside fuse and its designed to tell you its time to replace by turning on your dome light. Thats a SEVERE warning light. Most people dont know this. I have the same excact problem. You should replace the GM MOD

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Except that wasnt the problem at all.

[@manuelrivas9141]

Does this module may have anything to do with blinking 4 by lights in dashboard ,thanks

[@worldwar1guru662]

What about a 98 Ranger? Is the wire still the same color? I see a purple wire but don’t want to cut it and have it be important.

[@adrianbranham2023]

1996 ford ranger 4.0 when I hook the battery up all the lights on passerside stays on , turn signal light on dash stays lit.no start ?

[@abrahamdelacruz4509]

Add some dw-40 in the door locks i solve that problem that way

[@GhettoVaqueroTv]

I had a video or two left before giving up on this issue. Differences is that I am working the issue backwards. I had an issue with the light above the Back end Cargo area. Just would not go off. I removed it, but kept having battery drain issues. I then moved on to the Cargo area Lock and Unlock Switch that Sits at the base of the window. This is the switch right above where the Explorers Jack housing is located. Replaced it and problem was fiixed. So to all you guys working from Junction Box into the Fuse box and eventually the Module. Take a look at the Door Lock above the Jack. When I removed it, you could tell constant water or humidity got the best of it. Good Luck.

[@thomasclark941]

do u still have the gem modual available, also does this control windows and wipers

[@dougkitts40]

That's the very one I need!!!! You still have it??

[@truckerguy28]

My dome light wont turn on. At first it was blinking while door was open. And you could hear a relay clicking. 4x4 lights were flashing with it. Now its not working

[@TheSteves75]

That's what I got. Can't figure it out. Did you have any luck fixing it?

[@truckerguy28]

@@TheSteves75 yes, I pulled my gem module behind radio, found one on ebay with matching number, about $168 or so, fixed it right up

[@Alexwhatisit]

Yeah I had that problem. I'd just click the lock button on my key fob and it would turn off then.

[@k9builder]

Parking lamp delay relay?

[@paulwiggins3060]

My dome light will not come on , neither will my 4wd. Sometimes it will come on then the 4wd will work

[@steveo_o6707]

Quick question.. my dome light doesn't turn on at all... So I haven't gotten to needing at the moment, but since I can't tell where my switch should be at so I don't run my battery down, can you tell me if I'm right... if the switch is in the middle, that means the dome light is off? thanks

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

In the middle usually means it is controlled by the door opening I believe, but yes it would be off as long as the door is shut

[@danielcams7514]

I got a 1995 mazda b230o and the radio, turn signal, wipers, and dome light dont work all the fuses.were good and I replaced some k think it might need a new gem module

[@danielcams7514]

Also speedometer doesn't work

[@ronedee]

Same here w/ my 95 b2300! Everything is slowly dying! Did you ever change your GEM? THX

[@timothysettle9116]

possible delay light off after you exit the truck

[@gunfisher4661]

I agree.

[@calgrenpete]

Sure its not in the door????

[@chrissagredo7129]

Why tf does everyone but me have that round dome light with buttons and shit? Mine is just a rectangular, angled cover over the light.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

+Christian Sagredo depends on the trucks trim level

[@Xenith8]

Dude I have that same trim model as you!

[@jpfaria2832]

You have the xl the guy in the video has the xlt

[@json5077]

worked perfect thanks

[@rogerbeaulieu2683]

o what Is the fix for this besides cutting wires ? does any one know ? if this many people have this problem there must be a fix to have both your door ajar switches working and dome light

[@Dizzykitty817]

in all likelihood, its probably the box that he didn't replace

[@marcanthony854]

There are 2 switches per door, just do them both

[@samuelbrooks7854]

why all number half to match up they all look the something do any one knows

[@hjonedmonds]

Probably the wire for remote entry light

[@marcusmartin7437]

My 95 did that and i spray pb blaster in the door your door switch is in the lock

[@MegaCyberleader]

ive seen this computer do this right up untill your Automatic transmission stops shifting into overdrive then it just wont go past second gear or the car or truck wont turn over. No matter how many times I tell people this they always opt in cuttnig stuff rather than do the proper research about the computer. Of course I came here cause I was doing research about why most of my dash board lights are out.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Did you ever consider thats because sometimes the "computer" is more expensive than the car. I am 99% of the time all about fixing things right and completely, until it just doesnt make financial or logical sense.

[@williamrekow7513]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone this kind of crap is why I drive a Yugo. TF is a "GEM module" anyway? Sounds like unnecessary cruft to me. Sadly, the farm I work for has rangers and GMT400s. I get to deal with this kind of stupidity all too regularly.

[@jona7366]

So what was the fix? The computer in your case or the GEM module? My OD doesn't work either, my dome light won't turn on with the door open. Switches work and it turns on with those though.

[@norbertrivera]

What the purpose of this electronic box?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

All the relays for lights, locks, etc are contained in a single module.

[@norbertrivera]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone ok,thanks

[@darrinsiberia]

apparently you can soak a GEM in alcohol and let it dry and re install and it fixes it

[@randellwooten605]

Do this really work

[@randellwooten605]

Do this really work

[@deniseewalden8114]

My 1997 ford ranger xlt has the same problem but it also has gas gage stuck on full, all 3 cig liter ports hot when key is off, and it surges (idle irregular) and when it surges, the lites go dim so I know this is electrical but where is the bad wire? I am gonna take dash apart and find problem. The radio speakers not working rite is where I start.... I will post what I fix if I fix. Anybody have any suggestions for me???

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Sounds like some sort of ground tissue to me. But that's just a complete guess

[@nashrambler5246]

Did you ever discover what the issue was? I am experiencing the same issue right now. I realize this post is old but it would be a big help to hear the outcome of your issue.

[@gunfisher4661]

@@nashrambler5246 Could be a bad alternator, seen them pass bench testing before but not cured until replaced. The fuel gauge could be the fuel sending unit also.

[@austincarrillo8003]

Denise!!! Did you happen to find the issue with your 97 ranger? I'm having the exact same issue and I'm looking for similar symptoms/cases/year/model/drive train. I currently have a ranger xlt, 97, 2wd automatic. And I'm having the exact problem that you just described here. Please anybjnfo on the issue or the remedy would be greatly appreciated

[@MegaCyberleader]

the GM MODS are only good for 50K miles after 100k they should be replaced. And since because I was looking up my dash board lights problems. I also noticed my dome light wont go off and somebody cut that wire.

[@lebiismaelbonilla4565]

Just disconnect the switch sensors inside the door 😂😂

[@davidradlo6340]

Doing the gem on my 97 150 today and the bastard is on the back of the fuse block so this shall be fun but my 97 ranger in the 12 years I've had it the dome light will randomly come on for a few mins at night..... never killed the battery but every switch works as it should..... oddly also every sticker on the truck and under the hood has English and French labels not spanish anybody else solve the random dome light that otherwise works as it should?

[@zerostarfree]

where did you get the white face gauges at?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Explorer Sport stock gauge cluster

[@enriquerios7975]

mine is the other way around it doesn't turn on

[@F.GLZ.]

Enrique Rios mine is the same way did you ever find out what it was?

[@kylemiller4774]

Enrique Rios same problem there's an issue with my harness

[@tabiushinkle5779]

I need it

[@mechanical_solutions6248]

Quick fix but not totally right......you can remove the lower screw in the dome light then the central position of the switch will shut it off......right is right light left is left light and central is both off.

[@mcfriedchicken1972]

Mechanical_Solutions what if only one turns off when I switch it to the middle?

[@carrietaylor151]

This don't work

[@nicksturm7131]

was this a 2wd or a 4wd model

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

4wd

[@nicksturm7131]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone So i bought a 95 2wd 3.0 5spd that i guess had the GEM Module stolen sometime before it was impounded prior to my ownership . I have the connector with 2 wires and one with 10+ wires. Idk the difference between the F57B-14B205-AE GEM module and the F67B-14B205-DA GEM modul. if you know what that is it would be greatly appreciated

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

@@nicksturm7131 I'm sorry I do not know the difference. A Ford parts counter would be able to tell you which one you need though most likely.

[@thomasclark941]

some reason that is not my exact email adress reply I will send u correct 1

[@thomasclark941]

please reply 😊 thank u

[@whyme2818]

This happen to me but when I bought a car alarm and had it installed from best buy. The guy not only installed my alarm but also installed a PASSLOCK-SL2-V2 - GM Passlock And VATS Transponder Key Bypass Module And I always thought it was meant for the alarm system well my alarm always never worked correctly from day 1 as it wouldn't respond when I pushed to unlock and deactivate alarm and door. Well years later I've been noticing cd' s and random things keep getting stolen ever since installation. Well 1 day I decided to Disconnect my doors unlock and lock function so the keyless entry won't work anymore well a couple months to a year down the road all the sudden I noticed my dome light just woulf stay on and wouldn't go off. So I decided to check if they Disconnected at the door area. And nope. So later that day I went to look at my alarm and I've noticed it was missing the other box that I mentioned above. And what do u know yup there's my problem dude that installed it cut the wires and pulled it out to cover up his tryphlin ways. And then a couple weeks after that he ripped out the dome light. And I was like wtf when I noticed it was gone no wire or frame or even light bulb. So now I'm uninstalling my alarm and noticing things here and there. The reason why I'm taking it out is cuz I'm selling my vehicle. But yea that's why my dome light stayed on. The device overrides the alarm system giving them full control

[@jamesford2942]

The install guys at shops like that are the worst when it comes to wiring and a clean install.

[@droz2377]

WD40 bro

[@tannersmyly]

So spray it right in to the light?

[@tannersmyly]

I am joking I’m not that dum