GEM module nightmare
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GEM module nightmare
2001 Excursion limited turbo charged 7.3 diesel
Seems this part is very rare but needed by almost every ford truck for many years. Word is the core is no longer manufactured so only old core's are available for Ford warrantied rebuilds. My alternator went out and (I am told) was the cause for my GEM to fail. Its been now 6 weeks seeking a working replacement. Bought a rebuild unit online but it did not work. funny how online vendors become crickets when it comes time to make good on a 30 day money back policy. Hence back to the dealership, who at least will stand behind their parts. So now I have 2 cores with non working guts and a disabled truck.
Bottom line: How is it possible that a very common part used by thousands of Ford trucks becomes non existent? Any input on this part, aftermarket replacement solutions, or timely rebuild solutions will be appreciated
Seems this part is very rare but needed by almost every ford truck for many years. Word is the core is no longer manufactured so only old core's are available for Ford warrantied rebuilds. My alternator went out and (I am told) was the cause for my GEM to fail. Its been now 6 weeks seeking a working replacement. Bought a rebuild unit online but it did not work. funny how online vendors become crickets when it comes time to make good on a 30 day money back policy. Hence back to the dealership, who at least will stand behind their parts. So now I have 2 cores with non working guts and a disabled truck.
Bottom line: How is it possible that a very common part used by thousands of Ford trucks becomes non existent? Any input on this part, aftermarket replacement solutions, or timely rebuild solutions will be appreciated
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
It is common for low voltage electrolytic capacitors to fail after 10+ years, sometimes less, causes many problems with much varied electronic equipment, these may be the only fault with the unit. They should probably be replaced as a matter of routine maintenance at this age, even when the unit seems to work OK. They are inexpensive and easy to change out. Nothing can be determined about their serviceability by visual inspection alone, sometimes they leak electrolyte or bulge proving they are defective though not always. A couple few bucks and a soldering iron may put you back in business.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Northern California
as for the how, planned obsolescence. the car manufacturers term for it is “trigger event”. because the intention is for you to go buy a new vehicle.
heater cores are another common one even though they are widely available they are purposely buried under the dash so the cost to replace is intentionally high.
heater cores are another common one even though they are widely available they are purposely buried under the dash so the cost to replace is intentionally high.
Veteran/Sheepdog
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From: Western AR
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So am gathering from the replies that this GEM unit has specific versions to match the vehicle. This might explain why the online replacement unit did not work. The mechanic said the 2 part numbers were compatible. Just needed a new flash programed by the dealership....... I really do not want to give up on this truck. I have had many rock solid years of reliability with this truck. This is the first major breakdown stretch I have encountered. Not ready to take the proverbial “trigger event” bait and get a new truck yet. The low voltage electrolytic capacitor replacement path seems like a good way to go. Once I get this truck back on the road I will dig-into rebuilding the old unit. Looks like us old "EX" die hard's will have to start hoarding spare parts.
Thank you all for the great reply's. This old school dude (new to forums/blogging/posting/texting/messaging/chat room/tweeting/chirping/etc) is grateful. Looks like I need to tune up my signature with some details about my truck. Working on that as soon as I get it back on the road.
Thank you all for the great reply's. This old school dude (new to forums/blogging/posting/texting/messaging/chat room/tweeting/chirping/etc) is grateful. Looks like I need to tune up my signature with some details about my truck. Working on that as soon as I get it back on the road.
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Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Western AR
You have GEMs for trucks and GEMs for SUVs...they are different. The 4x4 and 4x2 GEMs are not interchangeable if you want to use 4x4. The GEM is what shifts the transfer case in 99-01 trucks and SUVs.
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wow I did not realize this module played such an important role in the 4x4 functionality. Thank you for revealing this fact to me. I will test this specific function before I sign off on the repair job.
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I took a look at "Circuit Board Medics" website and they did not list my part as on their repairable list. So...still sitting on dealership solution. Can't believe how much inconvenience an "in for repair" vehicle can cause. Fortunately I have a trusted and reliable connection with the service manager (personal friend), so on goes the waiting game. Meanwhile the wifes 06 Mustang GT will have to due. It s fun ride but not all all like my truck. With 6" leveling lift kit and 33" rubber the view in my truck is quite a bit different the "sitting on the ground" viewpoint from the mustang.
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I think I am confused. I would jump right on that idea but where are the caps located on this GEM? Looks to me more like a 6 layer power distro set up with no caps involved. I found this snap on another post ( https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/member.php?u=182384) showing what the guts of GEM look like. I am researching the DYI rebuild and found several great posts on how to.
