VSM Theory
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From: Central Alabama
VSM Theory
If you have this combination of problems your VSM(Vehicle Security Module) is bad:
Door lock switches inside the truck don't work.
The dome light will not go out even while driving.
The auto headlights don't work.
The door locks will not auto lock at 5mph.
The radio stays on with the key out and the door is open.
The alarm works intermitantly.
The door ajar light will not come on with any door open.
Off the top of my head guzzle, jverba and myself have had the VSM replaced. Upon researching the Electrical Systems and Wiring Forum I found three other guys that replaced their VSM. This is where I noticed that all six of us had 2002 modle trucks! Coincidence?! I'm not saying its an epidemic, just sharing my thoughts.
Door lock switches inside the truck don't work.
The dome light will not go out even while driving.
The auto headlights don't work.
The door locks will not auto lock at 5mph.
The radio stays on with the key out and the door is open.
The alarm works intermitantly.
The door ajar light will not come on with any door open.
Off the top of my head guzzle, jverba and myself have had the VSM replaced. Upon researching the Electrical Systems and Wiring Forum I found three other guys that replaced their VSM. This is where I noticed that all six of us had 2002 modle trucks! Coincidence?! I'm not saying its an epidemic, just sharing my thoughts.
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Keep in mind the VSM will cause many variations to all the symptoms listed above. Some features may work and others won't. For instance the radio staying on after the key is out. The door ajar light on continuous. Dome light not illuminating. Remote FOB not working. And the door unlock switch inop. The VSM will cause many things so occur that isn't solved by the trusty WD-40 spraying on switches. It is a tough one to troubleshoot.
Combat
Combat
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,797
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From: Northern Colorado
Boy, talk about diggin' up an old thread.
Since RAMPAGE posted this about a year ago, I have seen a number of posts here from members with a 2002 displaying two or more of these symptoms.
It appears as if Ford made at least one, if not more, modifications to the VSM on the 2002 models. The 2003 7.3's have a very different part number for the VSM and is the one you will recieve if you purchase one from the stealership.
It's kind of like when Microsoft releases a new OS. They are fixing the problems that they are very aware of with the old one, and letting you pay for the fix.
Since RAMPAGE posted this about a year ago, I have seen a number of posts here from members with a 2002 displaying two or more of these symptoms.
It appears as if Ford made at least one, if not more, modifications to the VSM on the 2002 models. The 2003 7.3's have a very different part number for the VSM and is the one you will recieve if you purchase one from the stealership.
It's kind of like when Microsoft releases a new OS. They are fixing the problems that they are very aware of with the old one, and letting you pay for the fix.
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Posting Guru
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From: Central Alabama
Originally Posted by hosemandc
I get the dome light staying on sometime and the door ajar light on the dash but not all that often on my 2002
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
What I am now seeing is that occasionally, when i open the door to get in the vehicle, there is a module under teh driver side lower dash that starts a very fast clicking and beeping, and the engine won't start until I cycle through the key fob once or twice unlocking and locking the doors. This silver colored module has three connectors, the one in the middle having about 14 wires going to it, and the two on either side having only 2-3 wires going to it. I can't see a part number, but I can feel the module clicking on the side where the connector is labeled with something like "vibration sensor".
Could this bee the infamous VSM? If so, is replacing it my only option?
Could this bee the infamous VSM? If so, is replacing it my only option?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Central Alabama
The beeping is new to me, but the clicking noise sounds familiar. Your description of the three connectors is right on the money! If the module your talking about is mounted on the firewall, right behind the radio and the connectors are on the bottom of the unit facing the tranny hump, then that's it.
Sorry Pete for the late to post, I've been busy with these little pop-up storms and their lightning.
Sorry Pete for the late to post, I've been busy with these little pop-up storms and their lightning.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
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From: Grand Lake, La.
I have a couple of the symptoms, but not all of them. But they always take care of themselves. I hate the DOOR AJOR lite. Dont like to slam the doors to turn the light off. WITCHES LOL.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
No problem, Chris. I know that most of what I've read says that this module should be on the firewall behind the radio, but the one I am seeing and referring to is actually located right behind the fuse panel and almost directly above the parking brake pedal, which is part of what is confusing me.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
I'll take a picture this evening and post it... then we'll see if we're really talking about the same module for sure. My shop manual DVD doesn't show a true picture or good diagram at all, so no help there.