Electrical Problems with my 97 Explorer

[beauprepa]

I have had a string of rather bad luck with my 97 Explorer. My horn hasn't worked for awhile, thought it was the clock spring maybe? My front windshield wiper works on 1 speed, really fast, thought it was the turn signal arm maybe, no I replaced that same thing, 1 speed, checked the fuses, all good. Now my dome interior lights all stay on, had to remove them to keep the battery from dying, and my rear windhshield wiper doesn't work now! I also have a door adjar light on...all doors closed. Anyone got any suggestions? I heard something about the GEM module from a friend, is this a possible fix?
Thanks for any info or help.Peter

 

[Tbars4]

... i don't have all the answers but i think this will help...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190221

 

[budwich]

Its likely not your GEM!!! Try do a little investigation of things with a meter to see if you are getting voltages when you should instead of just "blinding" replacing things or "guessing" at what should be replaced next. As for your "door ajar", lots of posts on this. With your key in "run", go around opening one door at a time, the door where you DON'T get an audible warning sound, is the door that is causing the "warning light"... focus on the switch/latch assembly of that unit with some of the "searched" posts that you find.

 

[stilbo]

Okay....

Where is the switch located?

 

[Tbars4]

...click on the link in post #2 if this is your problem on your 96...

 

[TheJackal]

The door ajar/dome light issue is most likely a stuck or bad switch somewhere.

As for the rear windshield wiper, make sure that all of the associated relays are working properly. If you turn it on and you hear a sound coming from the rear wiper motor, it might just be dirty inside and need help to get started.
The owner's manual tells you what relays are for what in the distribution box.

 

[Turdle]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180814&highlight=power+layout

that might help--
to find the offending door switch----a door opened with engine running should cause a "ding" alarm--
the door which doesn't do this is your culprit-

as for the wiper and horn issues--check the relays--

Good luck, and please keep us updated