This 1997 Ford F150 needs the GEM module changed due to multiple conditions. To see testing that lead to this repair please click here. The GEM module is located at the rear of the interior fuse box.
The first step is to remove the trim panel that covers the gap between the upper side of the steering column and the dash. It just unsnaps from the dash. It makes it a little easier to remove if you move the shifter all the way down to drive 1.
With that out of the way the lower dash cover can now be removed. Most of the screws have 7 mm heads but there are two that have 8 mm heads.
Those two are at the lower edge of the fuse box.
One wiring harness needs to be disconnected from the panel.
Now the screws for the fuse box can be removed.
The wiring harnesses can be removed from the back of the fuse box. Two 10 mm headed bolts at the center of each connector.
Next remove the tube brace from around the bottom of the steering column. Four fasteners with 13 mm heads.
Now wiggle, pry and twist the fuse box and GEM module assembly down.
After the assembly is down far enough unplug the remaining harness connectors from the GEM module.
Almost there.
The assembly is now free of the vehicle.
The GEM module is held to the back of the fuse box by three phillips headed screws.
Easy to remove Now.
With the three screws removed the GEM unplugs from the back of the fuse box.
I put it all back together and checked my repair for power to the driver’s power window switch.
The symptoms have all been related to control of the accessories, with one exception. The reverse lights will stay on. The automatic door locks will not work automatically. The turn signal indicators (interior light and sound) will not work, but the turn signals do work. Drivers electric adjustable seat will not work automatically with the keyfob unlock button or the button on the door. Perhaps a few more convenience features I can’t recall. Nothing that keeps the car from operating safely. Since it all works fine right now I wonder if it’s more of a contact or connection issue. Would it make sense for me to take out, clean contact points, apply dielectric grease and put it back together without replacing the GEM?
More than likely the car will not start without proper programming. I have no idea of the symptoms so I cannot give an opinion on the situation.
Most dealerships and independent shops (the ones that can program) charge around $100-$150 to program a new module. Some will let the customer supply the part and others will not. You will have to check to see what the policies are at your local shops.
Thanks for your response. Most importantly, will the car start and drive before reprogramming? Also, everything has been working perfectly for the past two days. No symptoms at all. Do you have a suggestion for anything I should do to keep from having to replace this part at all since it seems to work now?
A 2005 Ford what? By 2005 most Ford products no longer use a GEM and its functions were split between the IPC and VSM. Also by 2005 most Ford modules that have to be replaced also have to be programmed. What kind of issues are you having?
Its a Ford Freestyle. The dealership diagnosed as a faulty GEM. They gave me a part number. I just want to save the $800 that was estimated. I found the part online new for $170 instead of $350.
Hi Sparky, thanks for your patient and clear answers. My 2005 Ford was diagnosed at the dealership. I will purchase a new GEM module online and install it myself. (Thanks to your instructions.)
What needs to be done before removing the old GEM module? Do I need to download a profile from it? Clear codes? Disconnect the battery?
What needs to be done after the new GEM module is installed? Will it need to be programmed at the dealership? Can my regular mechanic do it? Will it run to get to the dealer? It has factory anti-theft.
Thanks for your help.
p.s. Are you also known as jlsparky?