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.
Hi Larry,
The GEM can be faulty by itself and it does not have to actually get wet. Some have commented that in the salt belt, these trucks have an issue with the corner of the cab rusting out behind the driver’s kick panel. This also leads to a problem with a harness connector in that area. You may want to look there as well.
Hi wipers won’t turn off,
You would have to ask someone in a dealer parts department about the numbers. Maybe a company that rebuilds them could also provide an answer.
Hello Sparky
My brother has a 97 F150. Wipers and power windows stop working during wet/humid weather. Ford dealer replaced windshield, window switch, mentioned GEM module water issue, worked for a while then quit. I took GEM module out- no sign of water, cleaned contacts, reinstalled- worked until it rained. GEM not available thru Ford but I can get GEM repaired or need wiring diagram to troubleshoot. Your advice? Thanks!
i replaced the GEM in my 2000 f150 and the wipers wont turn off and if u turn them on high the water comes out and wont shut off… i know the donor and recipient GEM need to match… but there are a few numbers on the part, at the top there is a number in bold which is the part number and off to the side is a letter in large bold.. these need to match i know.. but under the made in canada and just above the bar code is another number.. does that need to match as well ?
It would seem that the accessory delay relay is stuck on. It could be the relay, door ajar switch or the GEM. You will need to do some testing to determine the cause. If the door ajar switch is the cause, opening another door will turn the relay off. If the relay is stuck, sometimes it will break loose if you tap on it. If you remove the relay and re install it, feel for a click when it is installed. If it does click, it is being commanded on by the GEM for some reason. You would need to close the door or manually close the door latch to check this part.