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.
can the faulty GEM cause the engine to misfire also? i have a 1997 f150 4.6 shift on the fly and it has all the same problems as described. i think cylinder 3 and 5 are misfiring.
It may or may not be the correct part, but it will not cause an idle problem. It could cause and anti theft problem. The symptom would be that it would start and stall within a few seconds. Holding your foot on the gas would make no difference in that case. I would suggest cleaning the throttle body and checking for vacuum leaks first.
hello, i have a 1998 f150, i bought it used and the power windows, wipers and interior lights wasnt working. i took out the old gem and went to the junk yard and got a gem out of a 97 model. i put it in my 98 and the windows and everything worked. my problem now is that the truck wont stay running, unless i keep my foot on the gas pedel. could i have gotten the wrong part? please reply. i need help! thank you!
Before looking at anything else, you will have to confirm that the part that you installed is a match to the original. You will need to contact a Ford dealer and provide VIN’s for both vehicles along with the part numbers off of the actual GEM’s. Remember you are asking them for a favor and be patient.
I change the gem module in a 97 f 150 with 1 from a 2000 and now everything works great but the windshield wipers and washer do not turn off. Nothing worked before no door chimes no windshield wipers no washer. Any ideas on how to get the windshield wipers and washer fluid to work without having to pull the fuse to stop them? Thank you very much for the gem removal and installation guide.