Ok, so after my trip to the dealer today and replacing my VSM/GEM unit I have my remotes working again to lock/unlock the doors. However.........


When my front doors are open / I get a door ajar light. Both Fronts! When I open them they show closed!!! This is driving me nuts!! I have taken out the door lock actuators from the jamb and have them hanging loose. I manipulated the mechanisms with a screwdriver to conduct the test. I have replaced the drivers side door light switch and have a passenger on order but I don't think there is a problem with the switches at this point.

Were they installed wrong? Does the latch have to be in a specific position when you insert the switch and give the 1/4 turn? Are the lock actuators bad? Hoping I'm just having a brain fart here and this is a simple fix that someone has had a problem with in the past.

Door Panels off / latches dangling / front doors held closed with a rope today since it looks like rain here in NY !! LOL.

Any help would be great!!

Thanks

 

So apparently there was a corrupt program put into my new VSM/CSM that was causing the problems.

Ok, just got home from the dealership. They RE-Programmed my VSM, ( Also Called the CSM according to the Tech ) and viola!, all my problems went away. Everything working as it should. I asked them to not even try and flash the new module by using the old one. I asked them to use their computer to bring up the AS Built Data and use that. They agreed that it would be better since the 1st time around didn't work successfully. Was in and out in 45 min. No charge for the second time around as their shouldn't have been. Paid $110 for the new VSM/CSM and $108.00 with tax here in NY for the 1 HR it took to program. I did however remove the lower dash under the radio and ashtray and have the module dangling out onto the tranny hump to save them the hour or two it would have taken them to get the old one out and button it all back up, so that did save me money. New most updated part number is 4C7Z-15604-AC.

 

Did you put a new gem in? and what is a VSM? How much is a GEM?

 

Depending on the year, the trucks didn't have a GEM unit. Early Models Like 2000, 2001 and some early built 2002's may have had them. The parts counter can run your VIN to confirm what your vehicle has. VSM/CSM Vehicle Security Module. It controls and powers the factory keypad on the door. Auto headlights, dome light timer, door locks, windows, door ajar switches, remote key-fobs and a few other things as well. Since it controls many things similar to the GEM, the ford techs usually refer to them as the GEM or CSM. Replacing this solved my issues. Everything works like a charm again.

Price for the VSM/CSM - ( Lock Alarm Kit ) as it says on the box. PN# 4C7Z-15604-AC -- I paid $110 with tax. And that was a deal from what I understand. Another $108 and a couple of hours at the dealer and a second trip back cause they messed up the programing the first time. I believe PartsGuyEd sells 'em for around $130 plus shipping usually much better than going to your local dealer unless you know someone there.