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.
I have a 97 F150 and the drivers window will go up but not down. I checked the voltage to the motor and I get 12V when I push the switch for up but no voltage when I push the switch for down. I have 12v at the switch for both up or down but only 12v for up at the motor. Can the GEM cause this or can it still be the switch?
Thanks,
James
It does sound like a ground issue and the cause is outlined in the testing. The GEM likely has a poor solder joint somewhere inside it and the movement from inspecting it, healed it temporarily.
Thanks for the great instructions.
I have a 1997 2wd f150 that has the dome light, wipers, and door open key in the ignition bing bing bing don’t work issue.
I pulled and cleaned the GEM (blew the dust off and a spider that looked fried) put it back in and connected the power and 30 seconds later everything started to work fine. 10 minutes later the wipers, the door bing bing bing and the dome light went out again. It comes on then goes off every once in a while while I was putting things back together. when it comes on and goes off I hear a click in the area of the fuse box – does this sound like a ground issue? or ???
If you have removed the GEM from the truck, most systems will not work. The GEM is a body control computer and it controls many functions. If you installed a used GEM, it mayl need to be programmed or at least have all codes removed from all modules before the engine will start. The GEM is part of the anti theft system as well.
I am having trouble with my 4×4. I used to be able to hear the relays in the dash click when I would turn the truck on. I don’t hear them anymore and when I turn the elec shifter to 4hi I don’t get anything. No relays to xfer case thunk. Nothing.
I was getting about 8 codes from the dealer that had to deal with not shifting, the hi/lo relay circuitry failure and the xfer case shift motor.
I started with replacing the shift motor and I know it works but that didn’t solve the problem. I just pulled the GEM and plan on switching that.
I have everything back together, but now the truck wont start. I get the door chime, but no headlights, wipers, dash lights, starter or anything. I got the starter to engage a couple times but with no dash or power to anything else it never started.
Is there an anti-theft that I might have engaged somewhere or something? What happens to the GEM if it loses power? I will put a new GEM in as soon can, but is there something else going on here that I don’t know about?