GEM or something else?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
GEM or something else?
Hi all, I had posted quite some time back about various electrical issues when it's wet outside, and got feedback that it may be the G.E.M. It stopped for a while and is now back with a vengeance. Here's the latest after heavy storms:
Get a tone sound intermittently for 5 tones while driving, stops for several seconds, then repeats. Does this about 4 or 5 intervals then quits.
Overdrive indicator on the gear shift flashing on and off.
ABS light on the dash on.
Check engine light on.
Fan blower, radio and windshield wipers operate when truck is off.
Power locks click up and down on their own.
Speedometer bounces around while driving, then quits altogether for a period.
After all this now it's back to normal, but the check engine light is on. When I plug in my Superchip programmer for the code reader, it won't turn on to read codes or tune.
Could GEM alone cause all this or is the brain fried? Never have found any leaks or dampness anywehere in the cab or behind the dash. Thanks for any input. Kevin
Get a tone sound intermittently for 5 tones while driving, stops for several seconds, then repeats. Does this about 4 or 5 intervals then quits.
Overdrive indicator on the gear shift flashing on and off.
ABS light on the dash on.
Check engine light on.
Fan blower, radio and windshield wipers operate when truck is off.
Power locks click up and down on their own.
Speedometer bounces around while driving, then quits altogether for a period.
After all this now it's back to normal, but the check engine light is on. When I plug in my Superchip programmer for the code reader, it won't turn on to read codes or tune.
Could GEM alone cause all this or is the brain fried? Never have found any leaks or dampness anywehere in the cab or behind the dash. Thanks for any input. Kevin
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I would guess you have an intregrated GEM, the GEM being in the cluster like 2002.
Absolutely, the fan/wipers/locks are symptoms of GEM failure. The tuner issue could be a lack of communication or a blown fuse. Year/make/model would help, but I'd say the GEM is toast.
Absolutely, the fan/wipers/locks are symptoms of GEM failure. The tuner issue could be a lack of communication or a blown fuse. Year/make/model would help, but I'd say the GEM is toast.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
Disconnect the battery ,then take apart the big harness plug on the driver side firewall .Chk for corrosion on the pins in the connector or pins not all the way out as far as the others are.
We have seen loose connections or water corosion on these big connectors before.
Rich
We have seen loose connections or water corosion on these big connectors before.
Rich
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies. So my brain box should be ok? Either just likely water at the connection or GEM probably?
Yamaguy, just hit 103000 and still happy with her so I'll help 'er along as long as I can. Have to many other toys now to trade up
Yamaguy, just hit 103000 and still happy with her so I'll help 'er along as long as I can. Have to many other toys now to trade up
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 2
fyrmnk1; You tone issue sounds like the airbag diagnostic alarm - run by GEM via the airbag diagnositc module. the Overdrive indicator on the gear shift flashing on and off, either GEM or problem with transmission (trans prob is normal cause). ABS light on the dash on, either GEM or problem with ABS (no kidding eh?). Check engine light on, either GEM or problem with engine. Fan blower, radio and windshield wipers operate when truck is off. This is likely GEM. Power locks click up and down on their own. GEM. Speedometer bounces around while driving, then quits altogether for a period. Gem or instrument cluster module.
See a pattern? I'd say you have a problem with the GEM or, since this comes and goes the connections to it. When I had issues similar to yours, I pulled and cleaned every electrical connector I could get my hands on! I also used some dielectric grease on assembly. Problem gone!
See a pattern? I'd say you have a problem with the GEM or, since this comes and goes the connections to it. When I had issues similar to yours, I pulled and cleaned every electrical connector I could get my hands on! I also used some dielectric grease on assembly. Problem gone!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Inthswamp
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
8
Dec 24, 2016 01:55 PM
Governor801
1997 - 2003 F150
2
Jul 26, 2016 08:53 PM
benny33
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
1
Apr 30, 2014 07:05 PM