Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

New GEM?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 20, 2020 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
DieselDeplorable's Avatar
DieselDeplorable
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Unhappy New GEM?

I'm going to post my trouble codes from my Auto Enginuity scanner. This is the first time I've used the tool so I am not familiar with all of its functions.

I was suspicious of GEM before, and it looks pretty clear here but I would like another set of eyes on it before I shell out the money for a new one.

Also, the transmission light (on the shift ***) is blinking. Could this be part of the GEM issues?



The help is much appreciated. This truck is a fraud case. The odometer was rolled back and has many problems that I am trying to sort through now. Unfortunately, with COVID and race riots, the police and lawyers aren't being very motivated to resolve it. I guess I'll just move on and fix the POS. This is the first of many diagnoses I'm sure. If you have any suggestions for this scan tool, let me know.

Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2020 | 06:00 PM
  #2  
Dan V's Avatar
Dan V
Lead Driver
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 893
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
AE should be able to pull the trans codes....that is what the blinking OD is telling you. You need Ford Enhanced on AE to get them.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2020 | 06:04 PM
  #3  
DieselDeplorable's Avatar
DieselDeplorable
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I have the Ford enhanced. Do I need to specifically select the transmission sensors or should they have shown up in that list of codes?
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2020 | 06:22 PM
  #4  
Dan V's Avatar
Dan V
Lead Driver
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 893
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
It's been a while since I really used AE...and mine is like v10.1.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 12:52 AM
  #5  
BWST's Avatar
BWST
Got Data?
10 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,261
Likes: 1,397
From: Lake Stevens, WA
Club FTE Gold Member
What is the model and year of the truck?

Are you having issues with the transfer case shifting and with the wipers?

If you clear the codes, do they come back again? Want to make sure they are current codes.

If these issues are current, you can pull the GEM out and look it over for water damage. They can fail from a windshield water leak.

You can also run through the pinpoint tests in the service manual to isolate the GEM as the cause from several other possible causes (wiring, shift relays, transfer case encoder, connectors).

Some good information in the Tech Folder at the top of this forum, Electrical section, for troubleshooting GEM issues.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 08:11 AM
  #6  
DieselDeplorable's Avatar
DieselDeplorable
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Its an early 99, F350 PS, Crew Cab, Long bed (looks like yours).

The transfer case selector does nothing at the moment. The wipers come on but they are erratic, sometimes stopping mid way and resuming seconds later.

I have never tried to clear the codes, this is my first time scanning it.

I have heard about the GEM failures because of water. I haven't inspected it yet, I will this weekend. Unfortunately the truck is total fraud and is not what it was reported to be. The odometer was tampered with, and I doubt they took care not to damage other parts ion the process. The interior has started to smell musty so I am suspecting a flood or leak in its past.

I did not know about the pinpoint test but I will definitely find it and perform that test. These GEMs are neither cheap nor easy to find. If I need a new one, It looks like I'll have to order from a dealership that can use a VIN check to verify compatibility.

Thanks you for taking the time to reply. It's a big help. This is my first personal use diesel, and its a dud so far.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 09:18 AM
  #7  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,354
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
The 7.3L PSD Tech Folder can be found by clicking here.

I don't see obvious signs of GEM failure at this point, but it is possible. I think you have some auxiliary system issues, not a GEM failure.

There are also pinpoint tests for the 4WD system in the tech folder. Work your way through the pinpoint tests and get back to us.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 09:29 AM
  #8  
jimjokjv's Avatar
jimjokjv
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 731
Likes: 15
From: Arizona
I have been having similar problems with my truck. The 4x4 selector does nothing, the relays all checked out, fuses good, etc. The wipers were doing what yours are also.
Then my heater/cooler motor went out. So I replaced the motor and relay as suggested by someone on here. Fan started working perfectly again but so did the wipers. Not sure if or how it is connected by my wipers now work perfectly.
Electrical issues are always a challenge.
I will be watching this thread to see what you come up with.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 09:35 AM
  #9  
DieselDeplorable's Avatar
DieselDeplorable
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Same set of issues. My heat/AC blower doesn't work either.

Looks like a have a giant pile of diagnosing to do.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 10:50 AM
  #10  
jimjokjv's Avatar
jimjokjv
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 731
Likes: 15
From: Arizona
The blower motor and relay were really not that expensive. Got them both on ebay (Motocraft parts) for around $75 shipped.
There's a post on here describing the process but mine was quite easy to do.

Maybe start there and see if your wipers start working again like mine did.

The wiring on these trucks is quite old and many times has been messed with by previous owners. This is why the pinpoint tests are necessary. I followed them and found no connectivity between my 4x4 selector switch and the connector pin that plugs into the GEM. Haven't had the time to run the issue down any further but hopefully soon.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 04:21 PM
  #11  
BWST's Avatar
BWST
Got Data?
10 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,261
Likes: 1,397
From: Lake Stevens, WA
Club FTE Gold Member
Had similar issues with the 4x4 on my truck - pinpoint tests helped locate a broken wire, and loose connectors. GEM ended up being ok. Here's the link to that adventure:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19277908
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2020 | 04:43 PM
  #12  
Dan V's Avatar
Dan V
Lead Driver
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 893
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
Originally Posted by DieselDeplorable
These GEMs are neither cheap nor easy to find. If I need a new one, It looks like I'll have to order from a dealership that can use a VIN check to verify compatibility.
If it comes to that Ebay is the place.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rusty Axlerod
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Dec 30, 2014 08:08 PM
Automator
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
1
Jun 14, 2013 08:41 PM
artfd
Garage & Workshop
2
Jun 5, 2013 07:28 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:14 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE