Happy New Year.
So I have been avoiding a heater core job and now am experiencing some crippling GEM problems...
Did a heater core on my old 98 f150 years ago.. I am wondering if I should just attack both jobs at once? I'm guessing having the dash removed might be the perfect time to get at the Gem instead of wrestling under the dash
Thanks

 

Sounds like you really don't have a choice but to get both done.

There might be a better viewing/access to the GEM with most or all of the dash removed?? I would consider removing the drivers seat to help get tot the GEM, which I'm sure isn't necessary but would provide more shoulder room.

 

definitely needs to get done.. very small leak, but you could smell it..
but I am halfway through the job, everything is apart ready to swap the core ..just need to disconnect the core at the firewall and move forward..


but ,.... getting back to the GEM.... I have the "I'm not convinced" blues...


I pulled the fuse box and GEM apart , nothing to speak of in terms of corrosion or water saturation..
I do believe there is a leak, my foot got wet just sitting under the brake pedal a week ago... I was hoping I would find some hard evidence , like a box full of water.
Permanent damage? , or is water effecting something else?
What's the other module thingy above/behind the E brake up on the firewall next to the bulkhead connection on the wall?
Id hate to have to go after this after the dash is back together..
I am strongly considering rolling the truck outside and running the hose looking for a leak...
Most posts I have read all pointed to a windshield leak..
thanks for the input

 

Well I think I found the source of the leak on my windshield... Mine seems to be lower drivers side A pillar area...
Going to attempt to do a silicone job and confirm its the source of the water...
Really got burned by this today....engine started acting up and stalling ..OD light blinking....everything on the drivers side kick panel area is wet... I did the soapy water /compressed air trick and verified it's not sealed ...then pulled the interior pillar plastic and am pretty sure I see evidence of water down the corner of the pillar/windshield...
Going to try hard to not throw any parts at this thing until I know there is no more water coming in...
if the silicone trick works then I'll get the windshield re sealed .. Hopefully it's the windshield and not the firewall seams...
Anyone else find them leaking in this area?

 

Well despite drying out in the garage for a week ,I think enough damage has been done over the years...
Pulled the fuse box/gem out and found evidence of wetness on the grey connector and while the gem itself seems to be high and dry I think the fuse box itself is the culprit...
Tried to disassemble the box without ruining it, kinda hard to do..
I cut the flanges(Dremel) off of the two studs so I could separate the case..
Down at the bottom of the case where the connectors go was the most evidence of Brown junk and start of corrosion...enough to start the shorting ..
I was so close to pulling it all apart then had a second thought and figured I may not get this thing back together again.. For those who haven't seen it yet there has to be at least 5 layers of plastic dividing metal traces not unlike a circuit board all sandwiched together...
So all the water and debris are more than likely in each layer...if it were just clean water I would just blow it out and be on my way....
So I'm pretty sure these are not available new, how can you trust used? You can't see inside of it without wrecking it???
Great truck down over a silly fuse box....