Notices
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator 1997 - 2002 and 2003 - 2006 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Discussion

Gem Module ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 30, 2013 | 08:35 PM
  #1  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Gem Module ?

First of all let me introduce myself... My name is Ray,I've been a Ford owner on and off for 30 years. Had a brand new 1996 T-Bird that I owned for 16 years, 4.6l V-8....What a great car ! I bought it for our family vehicle,no way I was getting a 4-door ! Anyway, just purchased a 1999 Expedition and seems I have a bad GEM Module from all the searching I have done. Can any one tell me what all this controls and where I might check to see if power is getting to it.
Here's what all is not functional on the vehicle;
No brake lights,turn signals,em flashers,no dome light,power windows don't work, can't adjust the mirrors,no radio. not sure about the 4wd button... and won't come out of park.
Things that work;
The headlights work and tail lights,back up lights,all instruments and panel lights work including the odometer.Power seats,door locks and adjustable brake and gas pedals all work as well....

Oh yeah there are no signs of water damage or corrosion in the fuse box or module...

Was getting ready to order the GEM Module and try it..
What do you think ?

Thanks !
Ray
 
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2013 | 10:09 PM
  #2  
Beechkid's Avatar
Beechkid
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
Club FTE Gold Member
The general answer.....

GEM module is an abbreviation for Generic Electronic Module. It is a body control computer found in ford vehicles. It controls several functions which include remote keyless entry, Interior lighting, and warning chimes and warning lamps.
 
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2013 | 10:25 PM
  #3  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Well none of those are working so I assume I'm on the right track ?The guy I bought it from says all was working fine a few weeks ago, and He is a friend of mine so I trust he was telling me the truth. I cant believe it needs a fuse box as well. I checked the ground wires behind the kick panel and all were tight even went through the old GEM module and re-flowed soldier on all the plug contacts......Ordered a new (used) GEM tonight. Has a return policy if it doesn't work. fingers crossed.

Ray
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2013 | 12:10 PM
  #4  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by rhowardsta
No brake lights,turn signals,em flashers,no dome light,power windows don't work, can't adjust the mirrors,no radio. not sure about the 4wd button... and won't come out of park.
Check to make sure the accessory delay relay in the fuse box under the dash is working properly. As far as the brakes and turn signals that could be the turn signal switch being bad on the steering column.
 
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2013 | 10:45 PM
  #5  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
okay, thanks, will do...........Keep ya posted.
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2013 | 12:08 AM
  #6  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
On a further note, the tilting action of the steering column has been know to stress the wiring and pull the electrical connector out of the turn signal switch, breaking the latch on the connector in the process.
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2013 | 02:46 PM
  #7  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Okay, replaced the GEM module the relay that you suggested also the two other smaller relays,and the brake light switch. Still the same..... :-/ The wiring to the turn signal and plugs are all in tact as far as I can see. Any other suggestions ?

Thanks,
Ray
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2013 | 03:23 PM
  #8  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,763
Likes: 1,081
From: St Louis
At any point in time, did you get out the meter and actually check anything for power? The GEM module, for example has nothing to do with the brake lights and the shift interlock.

Do you have a meter? You're going to either need to use one or to continue guessing.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 5, 2013 | 04:37 PM
  #9  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yes, I have a volt meter.... How do I check for voltage to the GEM ? Obviously I'm getting voltage to the fuse box ?

Ray
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2013 | 05:41 PM
  #10  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yippee ! Fixed it ! Bad Central Junction box fuse !(under the hood) Not sure if I needed to replace what I did but all is working now !..... Only thing that doesn't work now is radio display...that I see so far. Any ideas ?

Thanks for all your help !
Ray
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2013 | 07:29 PM
  #11  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,763
Likes: 1,081
From: St Louis
Wow! In less than an hour with the right tool you made actual and real progress without guessing. Imagine that!

Depending on the specific audio system installed, you may have up to 4 fuses in the CJB that are involved the radio system. Check them out.
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2013 | 07:32 PM
  #12  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Still factory... Thanks a bunch ! Ill check it out.

Ray
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2013 | 09:58 PM
  #13  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by rhowardsta
Only thing that doesn't work now is radio display...that I see so far. Any ideas ?
Is your dimmer switch for the dash lights turned up? Some radio displays dim along with the dash lights.
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 11:07 AM
  #14  
rhowardsta's Avatar
rhowardsta
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yup it is, but no display still...........
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:21 PM
  #15  
alloro's Avatar
alloro
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
Club FTE Gold Member
Perhaps then the radio display is a bulb and it's blown?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:36 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE