electrical ghosts?
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From: lincoln
electrical ghosts?
I have a 1997 explorer 5.0 AWD.
The problem is that when it is about 44 degrees and below, the windshield wipers, power windows, and interior lights don't and won't work. We will run the heater until it warms up the interior, then everything seems to work fine. I usually leave the wipers on so I know when it is warmed up enough. I have checked all of the fuses and all are fine. the only thing that I can think of is there is a crack in the back of the fuseblock that breaks contact when the metal is cold. any suggestions?
The problem is that when it is about 44 degrees and below, the windshield wipers, power windows, and interior lights don't and won't work. We will run the heater until it warms up the interior, then everything seems to work fine. I usually leave the wipers on so I know when it is warmed up enough. I have checked all of the fuses and all are fine. the only thing that I can think of is there is a crack in the back of the fuseblock that breaks contact when the metal is cold. any suggestions?
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: PNW
If you have a wiring schematic, look for whatever these things have in common. Assuming it's like my '98, these functions all involve the GEM/CTM (generic elctronic module/central timer module) but by no means am I suggesting that you replace it without troubleshooting first. A quick look also shows that the accessory delay relay is involved in at least two of those functions (windows and interior lights).
As with anything electronic, make sure your grounds are good. I would also remove and reinstall any relay involved just to clean the contacts as well as reseat the connectors on the GEM. To troubleshoot the GEM, you could spray some of that electonic component cooler on it when everything is working and see if anything stops. You do have to be careful with this stuff so as not to cause damage. You could also try swapping identical relays from other positions or giving the relays a tap to see if theyr're stuck
I always start with the simple, free and easy things like checking grounds and reseating connectors before moving onto the more complicated and expensive things.
As with anything electronic, make sure your grounds are good. I would also remove and reinstall any relay involved just to clean the contacts as well as reseat the connectors on the GEM. To troubleshoot the GEM, you could spray some of that electonic component cooler on it when everything is working and see if anything stops. You do have to be careful with this stuff so as not to cause damage. You could also try swapping identical relays from other positions or giving the relays a tap to see if theyr're stuck
I always start with the simple, free and easy things like checking grounds and reseating connectors before moving onto the more complicated and expensive things.
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