1997 F150, Changing The GEM Module, Window & Wipers Inop

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.

 

210 discussions on “1997 F150, Changing The GEM Module, Window & Wipers Inop”

  1. I got a 99 Taurus 3.0 24V DOHC. I’m having a problem with a few different things. The trunk push button is not working. There’s no power going to the heater/stereo 1 piece component, yet the heater blower seems to be stuck on defrost. Stereo won’t come on at all. Also, there are no dash lights or interior dome lights. Then there’s the turn signals. I have front signals working fine, but there are no rear signals. Fuses and relays have all been changed and the bulbs have also been changed on the turn signals in the back. There is a possibility of water damage to the interior of the car since when we got it, there was no windshield. Could all of this be a GEM problem also?
    Brenda

  2. More than likely a wet GEM. If you can put the truck inside for a few days with the windows and/or doors open to dry it out. It may go back to working. Then find and fix your leak. If not you will need to do some testing and inspection to find the answer for sure.

  3. 97 F150. Battery drains. 4wd lights flicker intermittently. Airbag light on. Drivers window only works in park. Can hear clicking (relays) by drivers side firewall when key is off. STARTER ENGAGES BY ITSELF while running. GEM?? It did this before then stopped. Only drive it maybe twice a month. It had been raining a lot when this happened this time.
    Thanks
    Josh

  4. Jim, You can get a wiring diagram for the inputs and outputs of the GEM from AllDataDIY. They have an ad on the lower right side bar of this site. I do not know of anyone supplying an internal diagram of the GEM though.

  5. Hi Sparky,
    I know I have a bad GEM on my 97 F150 drivers window won’t auto down, traced to the GEM. my question is, do you know of a wiring diagram of the actual GEM one that tells me inputs pins so I can trace it back to the component? Mine is not a water issue per-say may have been back in 2001 until I had the windshield replaced, some solder corrosion maybe, I checked all the joints with a jewelers loop some are questionable but the components appear to in good shape if I could find the auto function component I could test it. my option now is to re-solder all the major joints I can see and re install. I am retired and have the time to do it. If it doesn’t work I’ll order a new one. Thanks for your help! you look like you help a lot of folks here on your site much appreciated.

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