Ok, I posted awhile back about this problem but with a bunch of other stuff happening in my life I put fixing it on hold for awhile. My 2003 navigator has the current problems,

Headlights turning on and off intermitently when in automatic mode
interior lights flickering rapidly on occasion
interior lighting (nav screen etc.) dim when headlights turned on
door locks no longer work (key fob or interior switches)
mirrors are all crazy


When I had it at the dealership a couple months ago they got a few codes off it, mostly related to the DSM, and a couple mirror codes.

Could all these issues be indeed the DSM? Or should I look at the GEM/Fusebox/Otherterminalboardthingy thats by the GEM?

Also, can I just take a dsm out of a junked expy/nav? Or does it need to be programmed by the dealer or anything?

Thanks

 

Hmm well I think I found part of my answer in the TSB about the mirrors. Anyone experience any of my other problems and have it be the DSM though? If I have the dealer doin work for me I may as well have them install a new GEM if need be or whatever else... since it seems the ford dealers are the only ones that are gonna be able to program a new DSM



1.Replace the DSM with 4L1Z-14C708-BA (Expedition) or 4L7Z-14C708-BA
(Navigator).
2.Perform programmable module installation (PMI) on the replaced DSM, using
WDS or NGS+.
NOTE NGS CANNOT BE USED TO CONFIGURE THE DSM, BUT CAN BE USED FOR ALL OTHER
DSM DIAGNOSTICS.
NOTE IF A "DATA ERROR" MESSAGE IS ENCOUNTERED IN THE MESSAGE CENTER AFTER
REPLACING THE MODULE, THE DSM HAS BEEN INCORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. DO NOT
REPLACE THE DSM AGAIN IF THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NOT A FAULT WITH THE DSM.
REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE PROCEDURE BELOW.
RESOLVE THE "DATA ERROR" ISSUE USING WDS
1.Disable the DSM by removing fuses 1.3 and 1.109.
2.Close all existing sessions on WDS and start a new session by selecting 16
Pin All Except Those Below, etc.
3.Select Toolbox Tab, Module Programming, Programmable Module Installation,
then DSM.
4.When the WDS says, "Install New Module", reinstall the fuses, follow the
screen prompts to cycle key on, and then press the check mark.
5.When the explanation screen indicates "As-Built Data Will Need To Be
Entered", press the check mark.
6.WDS will then ask for A2-01 data, which can be obtained on the P15 Website
under: Service Publications, As-Built, Call As-Built; then submit the VIN.
7.Enter the appropriate As-Built data and press the check mark, WDS should
display "Module Configuration Successful".

RESOLVE THE "DATA ERROR" ISSUE USING NGS+
1.Select Diagnostic Data link, DSM, Module Configuration Programming.
2.Select Programmable Module Installation.
3.Select DSM if prompted to select a module.
4.Pick "Retrieve Backup Data" and then enter "4253" Security Code Number.
5.Enter VIN if prompted.
6.Enter vehicle data (Obtain From The PTS Website: select Service
Publications, As-Built, call As-Built, submit VIN).
7.Enter DSM data A2-01 from the As-Built Data then press "Store".
8.Select "NO" when asked "DOES THE AS-BUILT DATA LIST A2-02".
9.Select "RESTORE MODULE CONFIG-NEW ECU".
10.NGS+ should display "Module Data Download Successful".

 

Could the VSM / BSM affect the headlights? I am gonna try and pull it and see if theres corrosion or anything on it (Its under the glovebox right?)

 

Those are tough questions and I suggest that you locate a good automotive electrial shop in your area before going to the dealer. If you can't find one, you might ask a Snap-On or MAC tool salesman as they will know of the best shops in the area.

 

Ok, making my plans, gonna pull out the GEM, the terminal board its attached to, the VSM, and the DSM. I got the gem and vsm all figured out as to how and where, but im not sure what the dsm looks like or how exactly to get to it, anyone got a diagram showing that area of the car or can just describe it that would be great. I figure i'll take everything apart, look for corrosion or damage in general, clean it up with electrical cleaner and compressed air, then put it all back together and see what happens.

 

Ugh, so I pulled the accessory fuse box and checked all the connections on it, all of them look practically new, where exactly is the GEM? Apparently the instructions I was following about how to remove it and inspect was for a different model expy/nav so its not in the same spot. The only thing I found that looked strange is there is a purple and a white wire that are not attached to anything under there, they come in from under the carpet on the passengerside along with 2 other wires that are connected via crimped connections up behind the VSM, should I Be worried about these?

Oh yeah, now my liftgate no longer works

 

I'm pretty sure its my VSM, does anyone have a part number for that? Or have a spare one that I can buy?