'97 F-150 Speedometer Problem Fixed
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
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From: Pendleton
'97 F-150 Speedometer Problem Fixed
For a couple of years the speedo on my '97 F-150 would occasionally go erratic, drop to zero and then usually recover and be normal for a month or two. Then two weeks ago all gauges dropped to zero and stayed there. The truck ran fine and the instrument cluster lighting stayed OK.
I replaced the GEM (General Electrical Module - also referred to as the "body computer") and that fixed everything. The GEM is located on the top of the circuit breaker panel and is a bear to replace but can be done by even me. The GEM is specific to the options on a truck. Mine cost about $200 from O'Reilly but was also available on the web for a little less. No programming of the new GEM is required but the keyless entry transmitters might have to be reprogrammed (easy to do). Before I replaced the GEM my fuel gauge didn't track the fuel level accurately and the intermittent wiper speeds seemed to change at random. Both those issues seem to have been cured by the new GEM also.
I replaced the GEM (General Electrical Module - also referred to as the "body computer") and that fixed everything. The GEM is located on the top of the circuit breaker panel and is a bear to replace but can be done by even me. The GEM is specific to the options on a truck. Mine cost about $200 from O'Reilly but was also available on the web for a little less. No programming of the new GEM is required but the keyless entry transmitters might have to be reprogrammed (easy to do). Before I replaced the GEM my fuel gauge didn't track the fuel level accurately and the intermittent wiper speeds seemed to change at random. Both those issues seem to have been cured by the new GEM also.
That is good information. Thanks for posting! 
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Pendleton
Thanks for the welcome
Thanks for the welcome, KingRanchMan. I've found the FTE to be helpful for several issues I've had with my '97 F-150. Now I'm working on a '46 half ton with a stroker in in. I also have the original flat head in case anybody's interested. Hal
