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.
If your truck has an add on remote start system , I would start there. If it is a stock setup, it could be a lot of different things but the GEM would be at the top of the list. If the cranking issue is fairly regular, you would want to install some wire taps (to connect a meter or test light to) to isolate the problem to a particular circuit. You will also need a wiring diagram and component locator.
I am having similar issue with 97 f150. Was having trouble with battery drain and wipers coming on randomly. replaced battery. The truck drove fine but now tries to start on its own, even with no key inserted. Could this be GEM or solonoid issue?
Thanks
You will need to contact the shops in your area or check to see if someone online can repair yours. The GEM units fail all by themselves. Water intrusion is something that has to be looked at as a possible cause, in order to prevent another failure.
I’m having the same issue with my 2000 Lincoln navigator. I am convinced that its the gem module but I don’t understand how its getting wet. I don’t see no signs of leakage around the window or anywhere near. Could a have someone replace it for cheaper then get it programmed at the dealer? I still don’t know how its getting wet.
It does not connect to another harness. Instead the push in holder on the back side that my pliers are holding pushes into two holes just to the right of the right most 8 mm headed screw that I show being removed in picture #4. The two pins on the back of the harness connector push into the two holes in the metal bracket.