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GEM module?

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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 04:27 PM
  #1  
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Question GEM module?

Ok, so I got a really wierd problem with headlights.
2001 F150, Supercrew, 4x4, 5.4L Auto lights and foglights.
Sitting with ignition off, light switch in "off" position, doors not locked - lights will occasionally blink off and on(more of a flicker). Symptoms go away if I lock with remote.
With engine running, lights "on" position. Turned lights to "park", they started to flicker, back to on, still flickering. Switched to off, still flickering. Switched to "auto", lights stayed on with no flickering.
When lights flicker, I can hear a rapid clicking under the dash somewhere(relay of some sort?).
Headlight **** is a bit wobbly. But when I wiggle it, it has no effect on flickering.
From what I remember, likely culprit is the GEM module.
Question: does a new module have to be programmed in any way or is it plug and go?
btw- i have a new headlight switch comming.
ANY other ideas or solutions more than welcome.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 09:36 PM
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The GEM is a very universal Module.
It is used in many version of vehicles.
Every vehicle does not have the same options.
This is accounted for by Module programing differences and in some cases the plugup is even different to keep from plugging some other version in.
I have 4wd but no auto headlight function. Another truck has 2wd and auto head lights and on and on.
You would need one that is programmed for the same 'build' your truck came with.
Check to see if there is a leak that is dropping water on the GEM.
It's behind the fuse panel.
Good luck.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2014 | 09:52 AM
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GEM info.

Bluegrass, thanks for the info.
Looks like it may be a "dealer" fix to program it, even if I can get a new module outside.
I can't see any evidence of water intrusion. Doesn't mean there isn't any.
Other than maintenance this is only my third "breakdown". 1. electric fuel pump. 2. for 2wks the transponder sometimes would not recognize the key.

not bad for an '01 with 260k.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2014 | 02:00 PM
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Windshield water leaking on it I bet. My '02 did the same, but I caught it in time and had windshield removed and resealed at dealer, $130. Fixed me GEM issue.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2014 | 06:29 AM
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Update

Put the new heatlight switch in (RockAuto).
Problem disappeared (for now), been 2+ weeks.
Problem was so intermittent that some "symptoms" were just coincidences, apparently.
Problem could have been that the positions I use the most(off,park,on/fog) had worn/loose contacts. Rarely used Autolamp and had no symptoms in that position.
BTW we've had rain here in Central CA a few times since putting the new switch in and has not reaccured. Keeping my fingers crossed.
 

Last edited by newfordy; Nov 9, 2014 at 06:31 AM. Reason: add info
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