Generic Electronic Module (GEM)
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs,FL
No I didn't try it before the harness went in. I am pretty good at everything on my truck except wiring. I have wired my trailer 3 times now cause I was doing it backwards lol.
New User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
OK - Jock D, you were a great help in getting the GEM out. Now that it is out and I have no obvious signs of corrosion or 'badness' what should I do? It appears that based on all the truck issues I have that my GEM is going bad - I would have bet money on corroded connectors because of the off and on nature and the wide variety of problems.
Do I just replace it now?
Do I just replace it now?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Oregon
I am not a GEM expert, but in troubleshooting one on my 2001 I tried another GEM from a similar truck that had more options and it did not work well at all. It makes me think that the combination of options and programming are very specific to the way the truck is optioned, but is not unique to only one truck. Based on that, I would not try to replace a GEM with a used one unless it was for the same year truck with exactly the same options (at least those controlled by the GEM).
The safe thing to do would be buy a new one and have the dealer (or someone with a tool that can program the GEM) set it up for the few field-programmable options. I think tire size and something else.
Appytaxi, I was not following this thread, but my suggestion would be to check out the sensors and wiring that control the GEM function that is giving you trouble before you invest in an expensive new GEM. Try to eliminate the less expensive stuff as the problem!
The safe thing to do would be buy a new one and have the dealer (or someone with a tool that can program the GEM) set it up for the few field-programmable options. I think tire size and something else.
Appytaxi, I was not following this thread, but my suggestion would be to check out the sensors and wiring that control the GEM function that is giving you trouble before you invest in an expensive new GEM. Try to eliminate the less expensive stuff as the problem!
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,039
Likes: 73
I am not a GEM expert, but in troubleshooting one on my 2001 I tried another GEM from a similar truck that had more options and it did not work well at all. It makes me think that the combination of options and programming are very specific to the way the truck is optioned, but is not unique to only one truck. Based on that, I would not try to replace a GEM with a used one unless it was for the same year truck with exactly the same options (at least those controlled by the GEM).
The safe thing to do would be buy a new one and have the dealer (or someone with a tool that can program the GEM) set it up for the few field-programmable options. I think tire size and something else.
Appytaxi, I was not following this thread, but my suggestion would be to check out the sensors and wiring that control the GEM function that is giving you trouble before you invest in an expensive new GEM. Try to eliminate the less expensive stuff as the problem!
The safe thing to do would be buy a new one and have the dealer (or someone with a tool that can program the GEM) set it up for the few field-programmable options. I think tire size and something else.
Appytaxi, I was not following this thread, but my suggestion would be to check out the sensors and wiring that control the GEM function that is giving you trouble before you invest in an expensive new GEM. Try to eliminate the less expensive stuff as the problem!
I am actually running a 2001 PCM, and 2000 GEM in my Early 99'
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
I bought a new GEN off E-Bay for $175.00 and it works perfect. I sent the guy the numbers off my old one and he programed mine and I have not had a problem in a year.
Mine was getting wet due to my stupid cab lights. Got lights fixed and no more problems.
Mine was getting wet due to my stupid cab lights. Got lights fixed and no more problems.
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New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Tx
Do you have any contact info for the guy on E-Bay?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 23
From: Tucson
Mine was acting funny in the fall because water was leaking in somewhere and getting to the GEM somehow. I had the windshield pressure tested and it tested good, so I took some black epoxy and sealed every hole in the firewall on the driver side. No more problems since.
New User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Thanks Guys,
I did see a tiny itty bitty bit of corrosion on the GEM so I got it cleaned up and put back together (that was fun) and the truck started up great. 3 days later it wouldnt start again. there is no sign of water or dampness in the Gem - it looks perfect. Now we are going back to the car alarm because there seems to be a correlation there too - like the kill switch is malfunctioning.
BTW some GEMs are plug and play - the E version for this truck is and that is what I have.
If Car Toys finds that it isnt the alarm then I guess it is back to wires and electrical stuff (which just confuses the heck outta me)
I did see a tiny itty bitty bit of corrosion on the GEM so I got it cleaned up and put back together (that was fun) and the truck started up great. 3 days later it wouldnt start again. there is no sign of water or dampness in the Gem - it looks perfect. Now we are going back to the car alarm because there seems to be a correlation there too - like the kill switch is malfunctioning.
BTW some GEMs are plug and play - the E version for this truck is and that is what I have.
If Car Toys finds that it isnt the alarm then I guess it is back to wires and electrical stuff (which just confuses the heck outta me)
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, Florida
Mine was acting funny in the fall because water was leaking in somewhere and getting to the GEM somehow. I had the windshield pressure tested and it tested good, so I took some black epoxy and sealed every hole in the firewall on the driver side. No more problems since.
1/8 mile Oval Track
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
From: Newport,Tennessee
I had to buy one in December, got it from a place in Florida for 150.00 all the numbers matched. It has worked perfect and didn't have to get it programmed. Took an hour to get it out,but maybe 15 minutes to put back in.
