Electrical Gurus, help... Strange
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
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From: Longview, TX
Electrical Gurus, help... Strange
Every now and then (maybe twice a week) when I crank up the truck, the radio will not come on and windows will not go up and down. These are the only two items I have noticed not working. Usually they come on within 2 or 3 minutes, but i've figured out that if I turn the dome light on, they magically come on and start working. Doesn't work if I open the door to turn the dome on, only by rolling the dimmer switch up.
Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe it's a relay?
Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe it's a relay?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
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From: Longview, TX
try switching the dome light on next time. I'm determined to figure it out, but it's so sparatic it's nearly impossible to trouble shoot. And, i'm not a very good electrician...
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
Leaky windshield? The GEM module controls that on 99-01 and the 02-03 has the VSS module that controls it. GEM is in front, where the windshield can leak on it - and the VSS is on the back-passenger side.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
Thanks Tugly. I was just reading a thread about the GEM causing similar issues in the f150 section. I've got a 2003 (really need to add that to my sig one of these days). So i'll look into the VSS.
BTW, GEM=generic electronics module? VSS?
BTW, GEM=generic electronics module? VSS?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 146
Likes: 2
From: va
I had the same issue and also noticed that the light did cause some things to work and other not to work. i traced it all back to fuse box. i remove the fuse box and found it rusted, prevoius owner had windshield that was installed incorrectly and water was leaking into fuse box. i never had a wet carpet it all pooled into fuse box. hope this helps. note i replaced the fuse box and put my gem module in a bag of rice while i waited for the new fusde box to come in, no problem since.
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Postmaster
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From: Longview, TX
Well there's definitely something wrong with my VSM...lol
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Posting Guru
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From: Dalton,Ga
okay, I have checked everything, even took it to the dealer, they cant figure it out because it never does it there..The diesel tech thinks it has to do with the instrument cluster..Thats a lot of $$$ for a guess...
please if you figure this out,let me know..I know mine has to do with humidity, the more humidity the more it acts up...I keep waiting for it to stay dead
please if you figure this out,let me know..I know mine has to do with humidity, the more humidity the more it acts up...I keep waiting for it to stay dead
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
Joey, I saw where you posted in this thread. Did you try changing your VSM? I'm guessing you didn't, or did and it didn't help.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-theory-3.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-theory-3.html
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Dalton,Ga
Joey, I saw where you posted in this thread. Did you try changing your VSM? I'm guessing you didn't, or did and it didn't help.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-theory-3.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-theory-3.html
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
Well if the hardware is damaged, a software update wouldn't fix the issue. It still could be the VSM. Mine isn't bad enough to justify replacing yet, but if yours is driving you crazy and you are worried about it, you could try replacing the VSM instead of just reprogramming it.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
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The thread title seemed appropriate so thought I would ask: My '99 7.3 has an issue where the dash lights will not come on alot of mornings, etc particularly if the truck has sat for a week or so. After a little driving it will click under the dash and they come on. No other lights have issues. I am thinking a relay somewhere. Any ideas? it only has 105,000 miles but it has the age. Additionally this morning the overhead outside temp was way low showing -1 degrees vs the actual 35 degrees and then the fuel guage went from actual 1/4 tank to showing Full. The elec gremlins were active this morning!!!