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 Mike,
Since the GEM is inside the cab, I would not think that it got wet from the hood cracked open. Instead I would be looking for disconnected grounds or harness connectors at either end on the dash assembly. Behind the kick panel areas.
Hi Larry,
That sounds very much like water in the GEM. If you can park the truck inside and roll the windows down or open the doors and leave it for a few days. If it cranks up and everything works after a couple of days, you will need to start looking for water leaks into the driver’s side of the cab. The windshield and the seal on the driver’s door are the two most common places.
Forgot to mention the air bag lights on and only 2 check engine codes are speed sensor and my 02 sensors but none of these thing happen until i did the heatercore besides the 02 sensors which ive been meaning to get to
Hey i have a 1997 ford expedition and i went to replace the heater core once i got it all back together no power windows no blower motor speed sensor has gone out ..im thinking its the GEM based on comments and research ..also i had left the hood crack and it rain for 2 days straight open the hood and water was all over the fuse boxes inside now there were covered but im preety sure water got down in the Module…i want to be able to do it my self i cant afford a shop if i buy a new or ised one can i just pop and swap or do i have to reset or reprogram it???? Please help
Hi Sparky- now my 2002 F150 is going berzerk! With no warning after a rainy day, now the blower, and some dash lights are staying on with the ignition off. I pulled a fuse and it dropped off-battery ran completely down overnight, put fuse back in next day, charged battery and truck wont start- suspect anti theft keeping fuel pump off. I kept turning truck on/off and got it started. Now it won’t start again. Does this sound like GEM issue? Troubleshooting tips would be very much appreciated! Thank you in advance