Dont know what you guys call em over there but we call em remotes. The thingy you press to lock and unlock the doors. I have two of em and both are doing the same thing. Replaced batteries in both, sometimes they work and sometimes they dont.

 

not the remotes. its the actuators. easy to fix. i used 2 pennies

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-pictures.html

 

Do you have weak door locks that 'wiggle' or do they not work at all?

If they wiggle, its the 2 cent fix as described above.

If they don't work at all, or work only sometimes, its may be your GEM module. It's expensive. I've learned to live with my remotes only working 'some of the time'.

 

the problem seems to be with the remote or the sending of the signal. you press the button and nothing happens. press it a few more times and they unlock/lock. now this could work first go or it could take 5-10 goes or I just use the key.

 

GEM, already been through this myself. My was due to water intrusion, make sure your windshield doesn't leak or your firewall also and with all the water down there right now I'm not surpised

 

Yep, sounds like the GEM. I found the part to be too expensive to warrant replacing to solve the problems of intermittent locks. Plus, I believe you have to have the dealer reprogram the GEM, so even if you found a used one, you would still have to pay the dealer.

I just try the remote once, if it opens I'm in....if not I turn the key. It probably works about 70percent of the time.

 

whats GEM ???

 

GEM is the Generic Electronic Module, but on your model year and 2002 it is called the VSM, Vehicle Security Module.

 

and where can I find this nasty little module Robin ???

 

The GEM/VSM controls damn near all the acessories on your truck and is progammed for your truck as far as model and eqipment. Unless you can find one off an identical truck it would have to be reprogrammed by a Ford dealership to work in your truck. If you buy a new one it also has to be programmed for your truck.

Don't know if getting your's reprogrammed will fix your problem.

I don't know of any aftermarket remotes that can be installed to actuate the door locks but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

I have seen posts by others who have gone through getting a new or used GEM/VSM and/or the reprogramming. I wish they would chime in.

I always hate to say "Use the search" but I just did.

I used this search string in google search bar and got a bunch of hits VSM or GEM site:ford-trucks.com/forums

Here is a post with similar problem LINK

Here's one on removing the VSm if you should need it LINK

 

I don't know if this is the part you are looking for or not. I removed it as I found the system to be a major PIA. I am still able to lock/unlock with remote without it.

 

Could it possibly be as simple as a bad battery in the remote key fob?

 

Thanks Robin and Bill. I will inquire my end now I know what Im looking for. But if it is a PIA out your way it will be darn near impossible over here. And Ken I did replace batteries in both.

 

There might be an auto alarm outfit that might be able to set you up with
a remote to control your door locks and alarm that circumvents the VSM.