Ticking sound coming from in the dash

[Cstoliker]

95 explorer XLT Manual transmission 4wd/4wdlow lights blink 6 times every 2 minutes. When the ignition is turned on or the truck started I can hear a ticking sound coming from in the dash behind the radio about every 1/2 sec. It sounds like a relay turning on & off. It happens about 5 to 7 times then stops. I tracked it down to a small gray box mounted just below the GEM, is this the TCS relay? Lights start blinking after ignition is turned on, before the truck is started or moved, after disconnecting the battery.

 

[dogfriend]

I think it may be the TOD (torque on demand) relay below the GEM. If it is, there should be a yellow wire going between the GEM and TOD relay (the infamous yellow wire) and there should be a larger gauge brown wire coming from the TOD relay (the infamous brown wire of the Brown Wire Mod.)

 

[Cstoliker]

Here are pictures
Grey relay just below the GEM

removed from mount

 

[dogfriend]

I think you are right, it is the TCS relay, not the TOD relay. The TOD relay is on the right side of the radio opening. You can see that in this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149388&highlight=Brown+Wire

I have the 97 manual, so the wire colors could be different, but I'm attaching the diagram for the TCS relay so you can see if it matches.

 

[Cstoliker]

That's it, Thanks. Now I just have to determine if the relay itself is defective or if the Gem is causing it to behave like it is. I will have to try and find a replacement for it..The relay as a hole is likely a dealer only item and rather then pay them the other option may be to repair the one I have. Looks like a standard miro dual relay inside that retails for around $5.00. I may just pick up a new one and replace the old one on the circuit board.