I have a 1997 F-150, 5.4, 4x4, 140,600 miles, automatic.

I haven't driven it since last tuesday, got in it today and battery is dead. I jumped it, started right up, seemed fine. When I got going down the road it didn't shift right, it slipped real bad. Then the low range and 4x4 lights started flashing on and off, and then it seemed like it was in nuetral as it wouldn't speed up. Engine didn't seem affected. then I coasted to a stop and I was able to turn around and drive back home 1/2 mile. When driving back home it shifted but real hard, kinda banged into gear. I drove slow and babied it back.

Shut it off, pulled the keys out and sat there thinking and cussing. Then the fan motor came on and I could here clicking from under the dash. Seemed to come from under the center of the dash back in behind the radio area. Fan motor goes off and then on, I could shut off the fan with the switch and turn it back on. No dash lights came on and off while this was happening nor did the radio.

I am really hoping this is an electrical problem that is affecting the tranny but I am at a loss.
Sorry for the lenghty question but I knwo to answer my question you guys need to know all the details. Hope I didn't leave anything out.

Thanks in advance,
Pete

 

I have a '97 4.2. Had a windshield leak. didn't think much of it till about 4 weeks with some rain. Then one night it was pouring. Driving home lights on wipers working. All of a sudden, nothing works except the engine. Lights dash and head, flashing slowly. Wipers stop and the radio turns off and on. Happened for about 2 minutes. Pulled over waited about 15 minutes with the A/C on. Drove home. Got the window fixed in 2-3 days and never had the issue again.
Hope this helps?

 

I had that with my 97, windshield leaks. I let it dry out real good and had the windshield replaced. Guy who did it said leaking windshield huh. I said ya, he said elec probs. Never happend again after that. 3 years ago. Windshield cost me 300, better than a new gem module.

 

Sounds like the GEM module has gotten wet and is shorting out. The fuse panel needs checked for corrosion as well.