Electrical Gremlin-Help please

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Apr 17, 2017 | 02:32 PM

onadraw

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Electrical Gremlin-Help please

1999 F250 2wd Crew cab 5.4 gas

So, this just started today:

I went out to my truck this morning and to my surprise, my radio was on, all by itself, all night. No key in the ignition, doors all locked. Crazy, right?

Then, when I tried the FOB to unlock the door, it didn't work. So, I manually unlocked the door, started the truck and all seemed ok. Went on a short trip and when I got home, when I turned the engine off, the radio stayed on again, even with key off and removed.

I've been searching the forum for similar issues and seeing things like GEM, VSM, and Acc Delay Relay.

To start with, what does my 1999 truck have? Does it have GEM or VSM? What about this Delay Relay that is supposed to be part of the Cluster? Is that something to think about on my 1999 truck?

I won't be taking it to a dealer for repair but I'm confident I could repair it if I knew what to look for.

Can anyone come to my rescue here and tell me they have fixed a similar issue on a similar truck and what I should do?

Apr 17, 2017 | 02:43 PM

seville009

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Similar older thread - may be of some help

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/975014-no-power-locks-and-radio-wont-turn-off.html

Apr 17, 2017 | 02:49 PM

onadraw

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Thanks Seville. That is one of the threads I read that added to the confusion. That truck is a 2002 and I think, but I'm looking for confirmation, that my 1999 truck has the GEM, not VSM. Also, we haven't had any rain here lately.

Apr 17, 2017 | 06:19 PM

onadraw

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now, in the afternoon, everything is working perfectly.

Apr 17, 2017 | 07:00 PM

99f350sd

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From: Lyndonville, Vermont

A 99 has the gem but it doesn't control much..Not like the newer years. 03 04 etc

Apr 18, 2017 | 08:08 PM

onadraw

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Anybody else?

Apr 18, 2017 | 11:16 PM

DaveP.

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From: Southern California

Next time the radio stays on, see if the power windows still work too. The Delayed Accessory Buss (DAB) relay powers both the radio and the windows. The GEM controls the relay. Also, identify the DAB relay in the underdash fuse panel. Next time it misbehaves, check the window operation, then pull the relay out. Radio and windows should go off. Smack the relay on the running board, and plug it back in. If the DAB comes back on, the GEM is at fault. If it does not, you may just have a sticky relay. Exchange it with one of the other relays in the under dash panel and try it.