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Bad VSM Perhaps?

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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 02:19 AM
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Question Bad VSM Perhaps?

Been doing a lot of research trying to pin down my electrical gremlin. The more I read, the more I am certain the VSM is the culprit.

I am experiencing: Radio on with door open/shut, all interior lights on (never shut off), Exterior lights on (never shut off), power windows are powered key on or off...when key if off, the windows barely work.

If I lock the X using my remote/keypad then everything turns off. After 5-10 minutes all the stuff turns of via the battery saver. This leads me to think the Instrument Cluster is fine...I hope.


Is the VSM replaceable without programming? I've found a module off a 2004 F-250 (CrewCab). Seems like the programming is only related to # of doors. Anyone have more info on this?
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 01:49 AM
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got the VSM out of a 2004 F-250

and finally got it installed. holy hell is that a bad ordeal

anyways, my symptoms got worse. now nothing turns off when you lock the doors. my keypad doesn't work either. so I put the old one back in for now.


help!

VSM or instrument cluster? I didn't get the VSM programmed...but I'm starting to lean towards my cluster being bad
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 10:56 AM
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wuts a vsm
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:32 AM
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Vehicle Security Module

Controls door locks, interior lights, remote key fob, door keypad

For some reason a lot of functions process though it, to the instrument cluster and PCM and back.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Tylus
Vehicle Security Module

Controls door locks, interior lights, remote key fob, door keypad

For some reason a lot of functions process though it, to the instrument cluster and PCM and back.
Where is it?
 
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Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:51 PM
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it's on the firewall

behind and under the radio

if you've ever had to retrieve your keypad code, this is the module that the keypad code is on. it's black, about the size of a paperback book. bolted on the trans tunnel/firewall.

has 3 plugs going to it (grey, green, blue)
 
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 02:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Tylus
it's on the firewall

behind and under the radio

if you've ever had to retrieve your keypad code, this is the module that the keypad code is on. it's black, about the size of a paperback book. bolted on the trans tunnel/firewall.

has 3 plugs going to it (grey, green, blue)
Thanks, I guess it controls the theft light, PATS, FOB, door locks, etc. I don't think the 2000 & '01 has those #'s posted though.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 03:29 AM
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2000-2001 models have a GSM
 
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 05:33 AM
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I'm down right stoopid when it comes to how the electronic parts of these trucks operate. Just making an observation that "gremlin" threads are often very slow in getting help.....seems I'm not the only one who things "uh that's electrical I have no idea".... so best I got for you is good luck with your gremlin.

We need a good EX "for dummies" electrical person I thinking.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 06:01 AM
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The slowness comes from the fact that it is VERY difficult to troubleshoot electrical issues via the internet. Any one symptom can have multiple causes, guiding an OP through troubleshooting those causes is time consuming.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 11:27 AM
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Exactly

And it doesn't help that Ford went from a GSM to the VSM in 2002. From doing a lot of internet searches, there seems to be a common problem with the VSM and 2002 models

Next step is going to be a visit to the Dealership I guess. Try and have them program the new VSM module. If that doesn't fix her, well I don't know.


Wonder if the Ford AE bundle is cheaper than the Dealership? It's going to cost me about $150 for them just hook up and "diagnose". Plus labor and I'm thinking it'll be over $250
 
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Old Apr 12, 2014 | 01:35 AM
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well...found the issue last night

I've got a DVD player installed in the overhead. It has 4 wires: 12v constant, 12v trigger, ground, and door light trigger. It also has a nifty LED maplight that can be turned on manually and via the door trigger

so...apparently when you turn on the LED lights manually, the circuit internally shunts the 12v constant power to the lights...normal right? It also shunts 12v constant power to the 12v trigger wire

so about 1 month ago, my kids were in the X and apparently turned on the LED maplights. This reverse powered my entire X through the 12v trigger circuitry. since it was being fed from the 12v constant wires, this caused all of my weird *** issues




freaking kids and chineese crap
 
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Old Apr 12, 2014 | 08:29 AM
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Glad you figured it out. Those electrical problems can be tough!!
 
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