computer problem
f250 super duty with the 445 ci (also know as the 7.3 liter) international diesel motor.
does any one out there know about the thing called "gem module"
i keep having trouble with lights and bells going on and off,
and now the truck will not even turn over. but the door lock will lock and un lock till i unhook both of the battries.
HELP
Last edited by packnrat; Apr 9, 2005 at 02:48 PM. Reason: size of motor
First thing I'd do, would be to check for a loose or dirty battery connection. Next have the batteries load tested. The door locks don't draw much current; so they may work fine, but the starter, on the other hand may not work due to the high current drain it takes. There are no modules involved with the starting circuit of a 7.3.
The GEM does affect things like bells and some lights, and I suspect that the GEM may be losing the power to it and it is going through a "reset" every time the power comes back on. Keep us posted on what you find...
i need to disconnect the battries just so i will have the juce in them to start the truck up, i had left the battries conected last night, and it took a while to charge them up,
the battries are only six mounths old had to replace them due to the others going dead due to the lights comming on during the night,
i do not have a load tester but can check the gravety in the water mix.
does anybody know of a place other the the dealer (who riped me off last time) close to were i live, who can test the computer?
i live in stockton, ca.
The only other thing I can think of would be a problem with the ignition switch not turning off completely, or if there's been any aftermarket wiring that is allowing the power to backfeed to the GEM.
If things like your fan are starting up on their own with no key in, the GEM is where I would put my money. Your computer (PCM) has more to do with engine management, but i think the things that you're talking about are probably not controlled by the PCM, but may be controlled by the GEM.
try cleaning the batt posts and cable clamps and putting a charger on it over night for a couple of days. see if it helps.
my batt's were less than one year and of the best grade out there,
also check for any water leak on the fire wall, there is a plug on the fire wall just above the gem module.
as to the wiper's not turning off i have heard of a problem in the multi switch and it requires a replacment set up to solve, but by doing as stated above it is working right as of now.
but the jury is still out, need to see if all works during the next month or so,
i have not put the charger on the truck for a week now and still working right, but then i do not drive very far to get to work, ( about 100 miles commute a week)
larry




