From what I understand there are two different modules that can screw things up, I would like to know where the GEM is and where the VSM are located, I have an '03'. Could someone help me out with this? Are these modules dealer parts or can they be bought elsewhere? How do you get to these modules and how do you identify them?
Any help is much appreciated, Ryno

 

The VSM is in the rear axle. the GEM, I can not help you.

 

2002s/2003s don't have a GEM. What is "screwing up"?

 

99-01 have a GEM it is located on the back of the fuse box, 02-03 have a VSM it is located on the firewall behind the radio.

 

Joe,
I've been having a problem with some of the accessories in my truck intermittently not working, in earlier posts that I have made about this problem some of the replies have suggested that the problem could be either the GEM (Generic Electric Module), or the VSM (Vehicle Security Module), but I'm not sure which is which and how to identify them. When it comes to electrical problems I might as well have my eyes closed because no idea what I'm looking for.
Thanks, Ryno

 

Ryno You may be able to find one on Ebay or some where like that. The unfortunate thing is that the dealership has to reprogram it for your truck. If for some reason you can find a used one then it may not need to be reprogrammed. If it is new then it will. This goes the same for both the VSM and the GEM.

 

The VSM (Vehicle Security Module) on the 03 is mounted on the firewall just behind the radio and has 3 multi-connector plugs attached to it. The VSM controls interior/exterior lighting functions, remote door locks and dash warning lights such as door ajar.

It is a dealer only item and to have it replaced, the old unit must be connected and scanned by the dealer. They will then re-flash the new unit with the information retrieved from the old one.

The VSMs on the 03 are pretty much problem free unlike the 02s so I am also curious as to why you are suspecting the VSM to be defective.

EDIT: Jim beat me to it.... You can figure somewhere between $300-$350 for the dealership to change it out.

 

Ohh. I was talking about the wrong thing here.. time to shut up ..

 

You were thinking of the VSS Pat.

 

I have had the same problem for over a year. I just talk with lakewood fordland in lakewood, colorado and they say it will be aprox. $539 plus tax. They part has to be prepaid for because they have to order it; and then they can schedule an appointment to get it taken care of. I will get it done soon.

 

I hate to be a horse's butt, but can you be more specific? What's not working?

 

OK, sorry I was not more specific, the problem that I've been having is that the radio, power windows, and map lights intermittently and simultaneously quit working. I have posted threads about this and some of the feed back I've received has indicated that the GEM, or VSM could be to blame. I have already checked the fuses, replaced the delayed accessory relay, and removed the radio. The one thing that I did do, is I have a stock radio from an '99' so to see if the radio had anything to do with the problem I put the different radio in, and the problem went away for a little while, and happens much less. But the problem still is there just happening less with the '99' radio in. The reason I thought the VSM could be to blame is because the other day I opened the passenger door while the truck was running and all three accessories stopped working immediately, I think the VSM might have something to do with the problem, but I'm pretty much grasping at straws now, and just really want to figure this thing out, if I do go to the dealership to have it fixed (last resort) I as least want to know what they are talking about.
Thanks again for all the feedback!
-Ryno

 

Someone has to of had this problem, or am I on my own?

 

An intermittant electrical gremlin is one of the toughest to track down. From what you are describing I would check all of your grounds from the battery back. I may be as simple as a loose chassis ground or the the VSM may be the culprit.

 

I thought I had a VSM problem when I first bought my truck. My issue was the relays inside it were chattering though. Are your's doing that or are you just getting intermitted power issues to your accessories? If the relays are chattering (kinda a morse code ticking sound) then your batteries and/or connections may be at fault. My batteries ended up being the problem. Replaced them and all's well for two+ years.