My 97 f150 was showing the same symtoms- No power windows, no wipers, no dome light, etc. Drove me crazy for weeks.

 

Sparky's Answers: 1997 F150, Changing The GEM Module, Window & Wipers Inop

try using this link it will give you explicit directions on removing the GEM module...it even has nifty pictures My fiancee and I used it and he had it out in about 30 minutes, it is very difficult to get to but we found out that there was a problem with the module.

Hope this helps ya'll

 

hey guys, searching for some advice. I bought a 97 ext cab F150 4.6 4x4 from a buddy of mine. The problem he was having is the truck kept blowing PCM fuse he said. he took it to a shop that pulled fuse box and gem module. when I got it home I put in the original fuse box and gem module just to see what it would do and it will not even crank. I had another gem module and fuse box but of a 4.2 2wheel drive it would crank but nothing else, plus gauges and lights would not work I could get the door dinger. I got another gem module from a truck the same as this one but 2 years newer still just cranks anybody got any suggestions on where to go next?

 

I have the same issues with things that do not work (or work intermittently): wipers/washer, interior lights, chimes when you leave the keys in the ignition or lights on. I suspected the GEM module based upon what I had read. I took it to an automotive wiring specialist and he said the GEM module was OK, and that I had a bad fuse box (I had never heard of this), and he said this was a common issue. It is being repaired as we speak. I hope this is the issue and am glad I did not spend $200 on a GEM module that cannot be returned and invested the 6 hours to replace a GEM module myself. Fingers crossed.

 

I have also had the strange problems with my f150, but following the advice of some of the other postings, I went to the wreckers and pulled out a GEM from a 97 f 150. It fixed the wiper, interior lights problem but not the 4x4 not engaging problem. I did notice that the part number of the old and replacement Gem matched almost except for the last 2 characters. the old one had a pb at the end and the replacement had a ef at the end. the only difference I could think of between the 2 trucks was that mine had manual 4x4 shift and the one in the wreckers had a auto 4x4. I went back and found another f150 the same year with a manual shift and swapped it out again and now everything works as it should.

 

Welcome to the forum carverext

The GEM can be different depending on options such as the 4x4 or power windows etc.
Good to hear that you got it figured out.

 

I searched intire electrical fuses fuse blocks gem module wireing Windows doors wipers dome lighting and first of all the gem module does not control these technical problems .the problem is due to a non complete circuit (GROUND) on the fire wall were the negative cable connects to the fire wall and the main fuse blocks becomes contaimanated with oil and road film due to road use are leaky oil covers etc simply go to auto zone there is a degreaser in a purple spray bottle $6.99 a bottle then simply spray the negative connections two are three times to remove the oil and grime even if you can't see the oil are grime it's there this will fix all the above problems trust me ! When you don't have a ground connection from the main source (battery cable to chasey, main fuse block,it will search out a different source to make the circuit thus making all components act in a reallitive crazy manor ending in the pulling out of your hair lol ford is a tough viehicle preventive matnience is (KEY) my truck has 400,000 miles on it still looks new and still rides smooth it's all in how you treat it hope I was some help to you guys .

 

My four wheel drive was not engaging on my 97XLT 4x4. I replaced the GEM with a used one from EBAY and the 4 wheel drive now works, however, now the Air Bag light is on continuously. Does anyone know if the Air Bag is controlled through the GEM on the 97's? I know later model years it is but can't find any info on the 97. Also, the original GEM had a sticker on it that said 4x2 instead of 4x4. What's up with that? Your help is appreciated!

 

The truck ran for a while only being used in the day time due to the headlights would kill the motor. While the truck is running if you hit the brakes the head lights will light up dimly. And now ask of a sudden the truck well not start at all.... it will spin over but will not start.

 

After my heater core blew out in my '97 f150, I replaced that but then my 4wd started acting up...stuck in 4wheel low. I replaced the GEM unit...still didn't work. Then proceeded to replace all the other parts related to ESOF. Turns out in 1997 there were EIGHT different GEM modules for the f150 4x4 and since I got a used one it was supposed to be REPROGRAMMED for my truck!! Eddie Brady from Loyal Automotive in Shoreline, Wa found that and fixed it at a reasonable price!!