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.
my 1997 ford f150 drivers side window does not work. it worked once about a month ago. it went down and then up, that is it. when truck is off and door open the door ajar light flashes. do you think this could be a GEM issue?
I checked with my local Ford dealer and in theory the vehicle should crank and run without programming. Then the truck can be driven to a shop to have the GEM software programmed in “As Built” mode to make sure all systems function properly.
Hey sparky thanks for getting back to me. The vin number is 1FTRF17273NA63560. If rather do it myself If I can?
It should be similar to the above article. Not hard but it is tedious, awkward and time consuming. If your truck has a factory anti theft system, a scan tool will be needed to clear all codes before the engine will start. As far as any other programming goes I am not sure as I have not done one. I would have to have at least the last eight of the VIN to ask my local Ford dealer.
hey sparky I have a 03 f150 4.6 4×2 no power option.. dealership trying to charge me 1180 for new gem. should I buy the part do it myself… is it hard. do they have to scan it 1st for it to work?