I know theres probably some Ford technicians on here, or maybe some of you have experience with this issue. Just driving around town Last Wednesday, the 4x4 kicked in and wont come out of 4hi. I didnt touch the 4x4 switch at all. I played with it for a few days then took it to Keystone Ford in Norwalk, CA. A mechanic looked at it and said there was nothing wrong, so i drove over there and took the dudes for a drive and showed them what was wrong. It wasnt until I showed them that they realized there was a problem. I left it there over the weekend.

Come this afternoon, the service manager updated me letting me know the technician found the GEM module at fault. I was prepared to hear it, thinking the vacuum solenoid behind the battery on the firewall might have been at fault as well. Funny thing is, NONE of these problems showed up during diagnosis, also known as pulling codes. No codes whatsoever were shown last Friday when i dropped the truck off.

I need specific answers to all of these questions.

1. Does the GEM module need to be programmed?

2. Why wasnt there a code for the GEM module considering its a major electrical part?

3. How much $ does a GEM module run on average?

Anyone who answers these for me, i thank in advance. Im looking at a $53x.xx charge which includes diagnosis, GEM module, and "programming".

What rights do i have as a consumer if the GEM module wasnt the problem and it turns out to be something else like the vacuum solenoid on the firewall behind the battery?

 

Did any of these problems start happening during wet or rainy weather? A leaky windshield was the root cause of my gem module failure, although it did'nt affect my transmisssion. My symptoms were more related to the dash lights and heater turning on and off and finally the engine cranking but not starting. I checked for codes and had none also.


If a leaky windshield is the cause there may be more costs associated with the fix, sometimes even into the fuse panel under the gems unit.

Good luck,
Paul

 

1991f250,

It was a nice sunny day when the 4x4 kicked in. I was making a left hand turn into a residential neighborhood, drove over the gutter/dip, and it turned on all by itself. I heard and felt a vibration that seemed like it came from the front passenger wheel.

Did you hear anything about "programming" the GEM? Ive come to an understanding the GEM needs to be replaced, but i still havent read or heard anything about the technician having to program it.

How much did your GEM cost you, if you dont mind me asking.

 

This is turning into a nightmare. Everytime i call i get the run around. The guys at the dealer refer to their mechanics as "Master Technicians", but they are just a bunch of monkeys. The GEM was replaced, and the 4x4 is still engaged. I cannot demand enough for them to check the vacuum, and they still ignore what im saying. Im looking at a $600 bill already, now this "technician" wants to fart around some more so i can pay more for labor and parts. Im sick of being treated like some soccer mom who doesnt know crap about cars other than putting gas in it and turning the key.

 

tell them to check the transfer case shift motor its on the transfer case it really easy to test.That is usally the problem.I find in my shop.Those guys at the dealer are usally all apprentices and one master mechanic your better of finding a moma and popa shop like mine that have real mechanics,that make those guys at the dealers heads spin.

 

Hello, I am not trying to hi-jack this thread, as I have one opened for a problem with my 4x4 not engaging, but I am looking at my transfercase shift motor too. Is there an easy way to test it?

Thanks

 

I showed up at the dealer today and took my truck back. The GEM module was supposedly replaced, and the front is still in 4x4. Keystone Ford ate all costs for misdiagnosis, and i have the truck at home. Its going to a really good mechanic weve used over the past few years for stuff i dont wanna fix at home. Dealerships suck.