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. Thanks for all your help!!

    To answer: The dash light stays on after the key is out of the ignition. The dash light stays on. What the 1st garage did was take the battery cable off to cut the light off. But to start the truck, he reconnect the battery cable and took out 1 fuse out of the fuse box next to the GEM Module. It started. The dealership had to do the same.

    Now we had the windshield resealed because water was appearing in that area. Should we buy the GEM Module and Fuse?

    If both, I found on ebay, Is that a good idea to buy salvage? Should I just buy new? Ford f150 2001 new, the part guy said it don’t need programing, due to the year of the ford.

    Thanks for all you help!! Very appreciative.

  2. Hi Paul, on Feb 15,

    Assuming that you do not have a scan tool to interface with the GEM, I would recommend getting familiar with the test information that I linked to near the top of this article. When the problem is present with the windows that information cane be used to check the power and ground signals.

  3. Terminal #30 on the OTD relay only has power on it when all three relays are engaged and the OTD feature is activated. The battery saver relay should have power on terminals 1 & 3. Power is supplied via fuse 14 in the underdash fuse box. Fuse 14 receives power from fuse 103 in the underhood fuse box. When working the battery saver relay sends power out on terminal 5 to terminal 86 of the accessory delay relay.

  4. Ok I know I’ve asked like a million questions but wanted to ask you if you know where the #30 for the One Touch Down Relay the one above the ACC Delay Relay get is power from and where the Battery Saver Relay gets it power from because I have Power on the #30 ACC Delay Relay but only there. There should be power on that #30 One Touch Down Window Relay when you push the button down to lower the window but there isnt any and there is just no power in any of the Batter Saver Relay slots. This is all being tested with the new GEM Module installed as well.

  5. I have a 1997 Ford F150, It starts fine, radio and dash light work, and drivers side window decides to work ever so often, passenger side does not work at all, wipers do not work, how ever they do kick on every once in a while if you have the switch on, and the dome light and cargo light cut off immediately when you leave the door open, Is this the GEM ? Or should I be looking elsewhere? Thank you so much! Paul

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