hello i have a 98 expedition wife went out to drive it today and when she started it and turned it off the heater fan wouldn't quit running with the key off i looked at it after work today and found out when i pull the fuse number 15 on the inside fuse box it will power down when the key is off i also noticed when the heater fan had power that so did the turn signals in the manual it says generic electronic module and pats module . also when i pulled the fuse the dome lights don't work untell i turn on the key. does any one have a idea whats wrong ? also about 1 month ago the wife plugged in a cell phone charger into the cig lighter or power spot and she was hearing a sizzling sound around where the cig lighter spot is she said and then the air bag light comes on and under the dash is a box that has 2 relays in it and it was taped up a blue one and a black on when i pull the black relay the heater fan will stop and with the key off i can put in the relay it will stay off tell i turn on the key then it wont turn off . and i was hearing a noise from the pass kick panel that sounded like the warning buzzer and screeching sound so i pulled the kick panel off and used a piece of hose to find the sound and it was coming from the air bag module so i pulled the 2 sets of wires going into it the air bag module.i went out and drove it i went 6 miles and turned it off in 2.5 miles it fired right up i was reading that the pats would only let you go 1/2 mile and shut off . can any one help thanks kelly

 

The 98s are known to have a windshield leak right above the fusebox when it rains or goes through a carwash. The GEM is mounted to the backside of the fusebox and also gets wet. When this happens all sorts of electrical problems crop up. This could be what you're experiencing.

 

i don't see any water on the floor i remember when we first got it that in the fuel mileage center on the roof there was water dripping but that was only the one time and here in washington state it rains alot so you would thank i would see a leak some times we have 5 inches of rain in 1 day thanks kelly

 

it's almost definitely a GEM problem. I'm having the same issues. Still haven't figured out what I'm going to do. Don't really want to shell out the cash to have the dealer replace the GEM.

 

i called millennium ford they have a web sight and the price there they told me was 150 for the part and the dealer would charge 1/2 to a hour to do so gussing around 350 or so then have the windshild fixed i havent looked into that yet kelly

 

Alloro- I have a '98 Expy I bought in Sept. We're just starting the rainy season here in S. Fla. Do you know where I can get instructions on how to check for; repair; or reseal the windshield to eliminate that problem.

Thanks- Bob

 

The best way to check it is to really soak the entire windshield and rain gutter areas with a hose then look under the dash with a flashlight. If you see any water up there then you've got the leaking problem. As far a repairing it, I recommend taking it to a good automotive glass shop. It's not something you really want to try and make right yourself since it's necessary to remove the windshield in order to repair it correctly.

I've been working on vehicles for over 30 years and have acquired a slew of tools to go along with that time. In all that time, I never once considered attempting to R&R any glass that had to be glued in.

 

hi again the glass can be done but it is a pain the rubber more then likely will have to be replaced and urethaned back in. i went out and put the number 15 fuse in and every thing is fine now so it must of had moisture in it or some thing i don't know because it has been raining all week. i was sitting for a week since the air line cuppling under the air cleaner broke . i don't see any water dripping but im assuming that is the problem i pulled the fuse out for the night so if it happens again she wont have a dead bat . so after the weekend im going to have it taken to get the window fixed i will have them do a leak test but have them put plastic on the gem and fuse box so hopefully i wont have to get a new one thanks kelly

 

Thanks Alloro, your point is made. Have a safe and happy holiday to you and everyone else. Bob

 

the wife took the expy down to the glass shop they pressure tested for a leak and didnt find one they said it might be the vent under the dash kelly