Electrical problems from water underdash
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Maryville,Tennessee
Electrical problems from water underdash
I may have a problem with my fuse panel on my 97 f150. I noticed when it rains that my wipers would just stop and start again on there own. I could here a clicking sound from near the fuse panel. Then I noticed that my power windows would not work while the clicking was going on. It seem to get worse expecially when it was wet. Then the door ajar and dome light started to do the same thing.It would get better for a while but it always come back. I then noticed that my cargo light would stay on after I got out. It would go off after while on its own. And finally noticed that my running lights on my boat trailer would not work. All the other lights worked but never ths running lights. I have know idea what is happining. I hope you can help. Thanks so much.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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It is most likely a leak in the windshield seal. Search electrical problems, will show alot of threads. That body style if it leaks allows water to run down into the GEM module which controls just about every electrical item on the truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
The windshield on my Expy was sealed 4 times before it was fixed. If the water doesnt stop after the first external reseal, have them remove the windshield and replace the entire seal. That was the only way to get mine fixed for good. This was after replacement of the GEM module and fuse box twice and 50k miles down the road.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Maryville,Tennessee
Thank you all. I believe you guys have hit the nail on the head. I am trying to locate a GEM but I bet I will have to wait till the dealership opens up to find it. Should I get the seal for the window from them to? I feel fortunate to have found this forum and look forward to learning from you all.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
You will likely need a fuse box as well if its corroded inside like many do. New ones would be best but you could try salvage if they are substantially less expensive.
As far as the seal goes, just take it to a glass shop and they will provide the seal. You dont want to remove the windshield yourself, because if you break it that is a very expensive item. You might want to try an external reseal first as that is far less expensive and works most of the time. Mine was just exceptionally bad and replacement of the seal was the only permanent fix.
As far as the seal goes, just take it to a glass shop and they will provide the seal. You dont want to remove the windshield yourself, because if you break it that is a very expensive item. You might want to try an external reseal first as that is far less expensive and works most of the time. Mine was just exceptionally bad and replacement of the seal was the only permanent fix.
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New User
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From: Maryville,Tennessee
I see the GEM on my repair manual wiring diagram but Im not sure where it is located in my truck. I would be thankful for any insight.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Its mounted directly on top of the fuse box. You have to remove the fuse box to get it out. Fuse box is mounted with 2 bolts at top and 2 nuts at bottom and has a clip built into the front of it that catches the sheetmetal surrounding frame near the bottom. The fuse box removal also requires removing the two large 40 pin connectors at the back of it, which requires unbolting with a 10mm socket, one bolt in the center of each connector. Also there will be 3 electrical connectors that must be disconnected on the side of the Gem Module itself. Then you can work the fusebox/GEM module assembly down and out of the dash. The GEM is held on to the fuse box with 3 screws. While you have the fuse box out inspect the pins in the fusebox for corrosion, paying particular attention to the bottom ones where there are little square openings in the plastic base which you can see exposed copper from the inner components of the fuse box. If they are corroded up, rusty looking, you might as well replace the fuse box while you are at it.
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JPdiesel
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Sep 15, 2011 11:06 PM