I was wondering if you fine folks could answer a few questions for me. I have a '97 2WD 4cyl auto Splash with absolutely no options. I mean no a/c, power locks or cruise control.It is a sorry, gutless, stripped down piece of machinery. For the last few months I have had dome light on all the time, intermittant wiper goblins, chimes on with door closed and lights of, and more recently played peekaboo with the check engine light (on for a few days, then off afew days). It has 73,000 miles on it. ( I only bought it cuz by beloved '93 V6 manual died and needed to replace ASAP). I am going to sell it as soon as fiscally responsible.
I took it to the dealership for some new brakepads and to troubleshoot it for me today. The resulting recommendations were:
Needs a new GEM for $450, and a new DPFE Sensor for $270.
( and they said I didn't need any brakework, even though the stopping distance has quickly extended itself a good 10 feet in the last 2 weeks, and the pads have 4mm left on them, but should be replaced soon?)

So my question really is this: What would be the longterm consequences of not fixing either of these things, and am I correct in thinking these guys are a)trying to fleece me, or b)too stupid to work in the service industry, and is it possible to have an outside mechanic do these repairs for a more reasonable cost ( the POS only books at $4000).
Any advise is appreciated!

 

The gem controls the chimes, wipers, domelight, etc, so the gem could be bad. Now the bad news, when the gem is replaced it has to be programed to work. Only a ford dealer can do that as far as I know.
The DPFE sensor should not have any thing to do with the gen and if it is bad it can be replaced by anyone.

My advice is get a DPFE sensor and replace it. There are several post about replacing them in the forum. It "might" (but I don't think so) also fix the gem problem. As long as you want to put up with the gem problems you may be able live with it.

Dave

 

I replaced my DPFE module a while back. It was like $107 at the dealer for the part. Takes about 10 minutes to install. Mine has three vacuum hoses and an electrical connector. There were two bolts holding it in place..... very easy to replace .....

Not sure about the GEM module. Maybe you could just unplug it? Not sure what that would do...

 

The Gem on the 97 doesnt require programming. You could check with the salvage yard and see what a used one would go for. Last time I sold a GEM retail it wasnt nearly 450.00. Maybe there is a lot of diagnostic time there, but shouldnt be. Your vehicle doesnt even use the higher end GEM module for power group. Call around some other dealer parts departments and price the GEM by itself. It is so easy to change out, you can do yourself in a half hour.

 

thanks guys for the input. Do you have to remove the stereo to get to it? I've got an odd warranty on my aftermarket that insists that I get it installed by company certified installers, and am not too confident with electrical stuff (bad jumpstart experience). So I'm worried thatI'll screw up the stereo in the process of trying to save a few bucks. Maybe I can have a local shop put the GEM in if it doesn't need programming, and skip the thieves, I mean dealership.

 

Well if you have a custom installed aftermarket radio then perhaps a technician should do it. But you only have to remove the two screws in the radio finisher and pull out the radio and finisher together as a unit with a factory radio installation. Then there is one screw that holds in the GEM with two electrical connections that you unplug. Nothing to it really. Just have to be carefull with an aftermarket radio installation.. never know what they have stuffed in behind the unit.

 

Glad to learn about the earlier gem's, sounds like the DPFE is easy and the gem may be ok too.
Dave

 

Before you replace the GEM remember that door switch problem, see the link in the tech info post. I thought the GEM required programing.

The wipers could be due to a faulty multifunction switch or connector, very common problem.