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.
The GEM units can and do fail without any water damage causing the problem. I strongly recommend testing when the problem is present.
My wipers, door chime,dome light, and cargo light do not work intermittently on my 1997 ford f150. Sometimes they are all working fine and then a few hours later they won’t work again, then they will start working again out of the blue. Does this problem still point to the gem module or should I be looking for a short or faulty ground instead? I didn’t see any sign of water leaking around fuse box, but I don’t know how obvious that problem is with the well known windshield leaking problems with this truck.
The 4WD system does work in conjunction with the GEM but you need a scan tool to properly diagnose the problem.
Ok My 4×4 has stopped working. I turn the switch and nothing no light or engagement or clicking. I was told it was a bad engagement relay on the firewall I replaced both the engagement and disengagement with updated ones from ford, but still nothing. I was also told it could be the GEM module. Any ideas if this could be the culprit!?
Thanks Rob
More than likely something was left loose. You state that you did the test and it showed good. If that is correct then I would think that there is s ground problem.