Electrical Mayhem!
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Electrical Mayhem!
I have a 2002 F-150 4x4 Lariat with a sun roof. I found my battery dead this morning; jumped it and drove to work. As I turned off the key I noticed the heater blower still running on high with the ignition off. I also have the automatic headlights which wouldn't turn off on their own. I had to pull the blower fuse and manually turn off the headlights. We've recently had alot of rain and my sun roof leaks minimally. I'm hoping this is something simple and not a computer problem since I have two systems affected. Can anyone help?
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 35
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Usually when that happens,specially after a long rain.It means that water got in the GEM.
from either a leaking windshield or in your case moon roof,causing the GEM to short out.
You have to dry it up and hope everything works well after its dry,if not it needs to be replaced and the winshield/moonroof resealed.
from either a leaking windshield or in your case moon roof,causing the GEM to short out.
You have to dry it up and hope everything works well after its dry,if not it needs to be replaced and the winshield/moonroof resealed.
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Originally Posted by Baja FX4
Usually when that happens,specially after a long rain.It means that water got in the GEM.
from either a leaking windshield or in your case moon roof,causing the GEM to short out.
You have to dry it up and hope everything works well after its dry,if not it needs to be replaced and the winshield/moonroof resealed.
from either a leaking windshield or in your case moon roof,causing the GEM to short out.
You have to dry it up and hope everything works well after its dry,if not it needs to be replaced and the winshield/moonroof resealed.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Thanks for the advice! I checked the battery and all was well. It's a fairly new battery. I believe the rain has something to do with it though. By the way, the headlights are working normally but I can't put the blower fuse in without it going to high output. I also didn't realize the sunroof had drains. I'm going to try and locate them and hopefully clear out any obstructions. Have a Happy New Year!!!
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2006
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Originally Posted by Bowstryker
Thank You! This may sound a dumb question, but what does the "GE" stand for? I'm assuming it's a module or relay. Is it located inside the cab by the fuse box?
That module controls multiple things like headlights,door locks and other electrical stuff.
It is located right above the parking brake pedal,behind the fuse box.I used to have to replace a bunch of these when I worked at the dealer,they shorted out after long rains,WHEN the windshield wasnt sealing right.
Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 892
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From: Duluth, MN
Just did one on a buddies 97' f150 for a faulty 4x4 system. It's kind of a bugger to get to, but if you pull the panels off under the steering wheel and loosen the fuse box up you can get the 3 harnesses out of the back and unhook the module. His ran him $130 with the tech school discount. Like was stated further up, the guys at the dealearship I'm interning at(soon to work full time when i grad from school in may) say they did alot of these for the same reasons.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
In my experience usually if the heater blower stays on the problem is in the fuse box, not the GEM. The water "shorts" the terminals in the fuse box so the fuses have power at all times, not just when the ignition is on.
Most of the time if water is in the fuse box it's also in the GEM and they both need to be replaced.
I've replaced lots of these too.
Most of the time if water is in the fuse box it's also in the GEM and they both need to be replaced.
I've replaced lots of these too.
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Removing the GEM
Just experienced the same problem with my 2000 F150 XLT 4x4. Had some trouble removing the GEM (rookie mistakes...) Thought others might benifit from the following instructions, I was able to open the fuse box and dry out the connectors, temporarily sealed the fuse box with electrical tape and placed a rag above the fuse box to collect water until I can have the windshield replaced, will see if problem comes back next time it rains.
How to locate and remove the GEM - First - disconnect your battery cables, then basically you remove the dash trim under the steering column, remove the 2 big connectors off the back of the fuse box (make sure you remove these first, there is one screw holding each one, they are located on top of the fuse box/GEM towards your firewall), unbolt the fuse box/GEM (should be two screws on top and two on bottom), then unplug the connectors and remove the fuse box/GEM.
How to locate and remove the GEM - First - disconnect your battery cables, then basically you remove the dash trim under the steering column, remove the 2 big connectors off the back of the fuse box (make sure you remove these first, there is one screw holding each one, they are located on top of the fuse box/GEM towards your firewall), unbolt the fuse box/GEM (should be two screws on top and two on bottom), then unplug the connectors and remove the fuse box/GEM.
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