Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Same Problem?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 21, 2009 | 11:48 PM
  #1  
rynomush1's Avatar
rynomush1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, Colorado
Unhappy Same Problem?

I own a 2003 F-350 SD, with a 7.3 PS. Intermittently the radio, power windows, and map lights will not work. I have replaced the relay, disconnected the radio, and checked the fuses. Nothing seems to help except slapping the dash above the radio, I hate having to do that. Does anyone else have this problem? If so what have you tried, and if you have an idea of what it could be please share.
Thank you, Ryan
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 07:38 AM
  #2  
WildWildWest's Avatar
WildWildWest
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon, SK, CA
Sounds like you could have a problem with your GEM (generic electronic module).

A few guys here have had these problems when the GEM has been exposed to moisture due to a bad windshield seal or just a bad module. Check to see if you have a small leak or water getting down in the front of the cab that may be causing the problem. I think it is located under the dash near the firewall (possibly on the back of the fuse box) but I am not sure of this. No idea what a part like this would cost.

Did your problem start after a rain or washing your truck? Just trying to see if it is similar to others who have had problems with their GEM getting wet due to a bad window seal.

Check this link for some more info and you may want to do a search on GEM to see if you can find more info.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...e-problem.html
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 05:00 PM
  #3  
rynomush1's Avatar
rynomush1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, Colorado
Thank you for your input, I have not noticed a difference between wet weather or dry. I do notice that after I wash my truck, the issue seems to be worse. I will go a check to see if there is any indication of moisture. I do appreciate your response.
Thank you again, Ryan
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 05:02 PM
  #4  
Beerstalker's Avatar
Beerstalker
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
Could also be a bad ground somewhere behind the dash.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 05:07 PM
  #5  
rynomush1's Avatar
rynomush1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, Colorado
I have thought of that to, I have checked all the ground connections, but I may have missed one. There is a rats nest of wires.
Thanks, Ryan
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 08:11 PM
  #6  
bubbasz1's Avatar
bubbasz1
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 4
From: Redford, Mi.
I had the exact same problem with my 2001, bought a gem and that wasn't it. Turns out for one reason or another a couple of my fuses were loose in the box under the dash. I ever so slightly bent the tabs of the fuse to put a little more tension on it when installed and wala, everything works as it should.
BTW, anyone need a brand new gem for a 2wd I just happen to have one, wouldn't be surprised if it would sell below what Ford charges for it.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 08:15 PM
  #7  
rynomush1's Avatar
rynomush1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, Colorado
bubbasz1,
Thank you for the tip, I did just go through the fuse box and found many loose fuses.
Thanks, Ryan
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 08:25 PM
  #8  
bubbasz1's Avatar
bubbasz1
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 4
From: Redford, Mi.
No problem,
I screwed with that thing for better part of a week, I bet I can get that fuse box and gem out faster than a good ford mechanic. I had enough for both of us, I hope it works for you.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 08:49 PM
  #9  
rynomush1's Avatar
rynomush1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, Colorado
I was looking for the power window relay so that I could check it. But I can not find it, I was wondering if you had any ideas. I looked in that engine compartment and did not see a relay/fuse box. Any idea were the window relay is? Or am I just missing it? I really appreciate your help. The owner's manual says the relay is located in slot 602, that slot is not present in the box under the instrument panel and it calls the fuse 30 CB.
Thanks, Ryan
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 09:03 PM
  #10  
bubbasz1's Avatar
bubbasz1
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 4
From: Redford, Mi.
The fuse box in the engine compartment on mine is on the drivers side, the power window relay on mine I believe is in the cab fuse box. There were two, I want to say one was for the windows and the other was for the wipers. I know they changed the box's around from year to year so mine might be totally different than yours. I can look tomorrow if you need me to, right now it's time to hit the sack, good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2009 | 08:28 PM
  #11  
rynomush1's Avatar
rynomush1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, Colorado
I did find the circuit breaker I was looking for, apparently 2003 all of the fuses are located under the instrument panel, I just missed it. I have decided that I need to research into the problem to find the solution, any help is welcome.
Thanks so much, Ryan
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:40 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE