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 1998 F-150 power windows, wipers, and radio stay on after the key is off. What is causing this?
You will need to invest in wiring diagrams and some basic diagnostic tools so that you can do some testing or enlist the help of a professional mechanic. If you decide to go further on your own I would recommend starting with what should be the simplest problem of no dome lights.
I checked all of the fuses and they are all good.
There may be a way but that would be something a Ford dealer could help with. Option differences would be very important. For instance installing a GEM from a 2wd vehicle into a 4wd vehicle would result in the 4wd not working.
Sparky –
Is there some way to decode the suffix on the GEM part number to determine which modules are interchangeable? ie..F75B-14B205-“xx” Mine is an NC suffix and there are many to choose from on ebay and elsewhere. Any advice on matching the P/N exactly and the consequences of getting the wrong one?
Greg