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.
I cannot say for sure but my experience is that the problems are internal to the module. Cleaning terminals and installing dielectric grease could be a possible solution if the damage can be seen as corrosion at the connectors and no where else. You would need to weigh your time versus your money to decide if it is worth a try or not.
Is it possible to salvage the GEM I have.I read somewhere that he put Dieletic grease on the plugs and that took care of the problem.
Sparky is right on. I think your suffering the same scourge as MANY other F series/Exped owners are suffering. Those are classic signs of water intrusion. Ford denies the extent/liability of the problem by claiming that it doesn’t apply to enough people and no one has died from it yet. You’ll keep hearing about windshields, but don’t discount the driver side door seal. Water wraps around the seal where the A-piller goes vertical and runs down the sidewall near the park’g brake and gets in your wiring/GEM.
Dan,
About $450 to $700 would be in the normal range for a GEM replacement on your truck, depending on the cost of the actual GEM for your truck. Some are higher than others depending on year and trim levels. Now on to your problem. You stated that everything stays on with the key off. Can you be more specific, windows, lights, dash warning lights, radio,engine, interior lights, wipers and etc? If the windows and radio stay operational but the dash warning lights are out, I would suspect one of the relays on the left side of the interior fuse box. Specifically relay #2 (battery saver relay) and relay #5 (accessory delay relay). Try tapping on the relays or removing them. If you remove them, look for signs of water intrusion. These trucks have known problems with leaking windshields that damage relays and GEM’s. If the dash warning lights stay on along with other items I would suspect a faulty ignition switch or ignition switch linkage.
Sparky,
Sparky
Dealership told me I needed a new GEM on my 97 Expedition. The symptom is simply this, everything remains powered on after the key is removed. This drains the battery, but the windows work and no other problems. Does that sound like the GEM?
Dan
…I am selecting anonymous only because I don’t remember my google account info