I have a 1997 F250 Light Duty and have gotten most of the bugs worked out. It has close to 300,000 miles and was bought as a farm truck so am not expecting perfection.

One issue it has had since new is the driver side window not working correctly. It has gradually gotten worse. It would just not work much of the time and am now suspect of the GEM module based on some research I have done. I replaced the window switch right after getting the truck and that didn't fix it. The window will sometimes roll down and would always roll up. Then it began to take multiple tries to roll it up and would sometimes just roll itself down while driving. This makes me suspect of the GEM module.

Then a few days ago the window rolled down fine but wouldn't roll back up after I was done using the truck. I was suspect of the window motor but took the door panel apart and connected a battery straight to the connector. The window rolled up and down without trouble depending on the polarity. I would tell that the motor continued to try to run once at it extremes so suspect there is some type of limit switch in the system that I bypassed by running power right to the motor.

As for as I know, everything else controlled by the GEM module is working fine and I see directions on how to bypass the module to fix window issues. I don't care if I lose the auto roll down feature or have to know when to stop pressing the switch to avoid motor burn out. I am fine with the switch being fully manual if I can bypass the problem easily. I figure that the GEM acts as a relay and running all the current through the switch my fry it though.

I currently have the window up with the motor disconnected to prevent an auto roll down where I can't then roll the window back up. I can hear the GEM clicking when I press the switch so know the switch is working. It only clicks at a reversal. If the window had been rolling up, it won't click if you try to roll it up again. It will click the first time you press the down switch but not for subsequent times until you reverse the switch press. I assume this is normal and the GEM reversing the polarity via a relay of sorts.

Anyone have ideas on my issue?

Conor

 

Yes it could be a faulty GEM, but if it has rained lately or if you've gone through a car wash then it could be that water is getting in the GEM. These vehicles are know for windshield leaks that allow water to drip down onto the GEM. Once the water gets inside the GEM electrical gremlins start to appear.

 

The GEM is a very likely possibility then. This truck had been neglected and abused when I got it. I would have never bought it had I known all the issues and the fact it was an oddball model (1997).

There was a very serious windshield leak anytime it rained. It was on the passenger side but water ruined the radio and probably got onto the GEM. I remember you could hear all sorts of relays clicking and such when it got wet.

I took it to a shop and the first guy didn't want to touch it. He quoted me some price of like $4000 and said it might be a body leak. You could tell he didn't want anything to do with the truck. I then took it to a guy who said he would remove and reinstall the windshield for like $60 with no guarantee it would solve my problem. I did this and that was all it took. He found like a 3 inch gap where sealant had not been properly applied.

Most of the gremlins went away but odds are it is the GEM as it definitely got wet.

It looks like each variant of the truck takes a different GEM. Mine is a single cab, 4x4, manual transmission model. I almost wish I could just swap to manual windows and be done with it.

The GEM bypass that I saw looked to be more for the windows not going down or going down automatically which I have. Would this do anything to solve the window not going up? I am not seeing any other symptoms from the GEM even though it got wet so would be happy to try this if it would solve the problem.

Conor

 

There may be a possibility that some of the wiring between the door and body has broken. If you can get the rubber boot out of the way you may see broken wires. I myself would remove the GEM and check the connectors for corrosion. I'd also see if I could remove the plastic casing to get to the circuit board and look for corrosion and possibly clean with isopropyl alcohol or QD cleaner. https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...door-wire.html This isn't the same year it's close.

 

You're left with the possibilities of corrosion damage in the GEM from it previously getting wet, or there is still a windshield leak. You can check for a leak yourself. Start the engine, turn the HVAC system on high but not MAX AC, and then close all windows, exit the vehicle and close all doors. The blower motor will cause a slight pressurization of the cabin. Now use a hose, spray bottle, or other water source to wet around the windshield. If you see any air bubbles then you have a leak there.

 

I have been busy with work but will look into the wiring next. I did look and my boot looks just like the one shown in the video. I think signal is getting to the GEM but not getting back to the window. That being said, the window rolling down on its own seems to point to the GEM. How hard is the GEM to remove?