1998 Ford Expedition Power Window Problems, The GEM Has Been Replaced To No Avail!

A reader, Paul R., recently had a problem with his 1998 Ford Expedition that went beyond a normal GEM issue.

Sparky,
In order of events. Problem was w/ driver side one touch moving window down w/o activating the switch. All other windows worked. I taped it in the up position to keep it from activating. Over time none of the windows worked and the one touch was intermittent. I put in a new drivers switch ...nothing. I changed out the GEM module and the one touch down works but I have to use an auxiliary battery jumpered to the drivers door switch ground and up terminal to raise it. I tried jumpering to the other windows via this switch...nothing. I've have since checked no power (black blue wire) coming into switch. Checked lower right terminal on battery saver relay and have 12v. Could not get a good ground on the upper right but maybe it was my 12v jumper from the vehicle battery. Below is my window schematic. If you have a moment please suggest the next step. Thanks for all the info provided from your site.



Sparky,

Finally got around to fixing the window problem. This recent post was my exact problem. Connector rests above the floor board which was rusted out. Three of the 7 wires in the connector had no continuity...rusted. Spliced, fixed the hole and all is fine. Please pass on to others w/ similar issues. Thanks again.

Sparky,

Here are a couple pics. Three splices to bypass bad wires in the connector and added a new ground. Second pic shows light coming through the  hole. Floor patch to follow. Had to remove the plastic kick panel to access. All the wires through this connector go from the door to/from the door switch to,  I believe the GEM. The blue w/ black strip wire which is + power was intact but w/ high resistance. Once spliced all windows and door locks worked.... previously only the drivers window touch down would work but not up and no door locks. Had to add power to the switch to raise the window. Hope this helps others. Many older Ford Expeditions in the north w/ salted roads rust in this area.

1997 F150, Dome Light And Chime Come On When Brake Pedal Is Pressed

Sparky,


I have a 1997 Ford F-150 4x2. It has a electrical problem I can not find. The small relay in the fuse box clicks (I think it is the second from the top), the dome light flashes along with the clicking relay, also when you hit the brake the dome light comes on real dim and the door chime beeps each time you hit the brake, it is as if you opened the door, regardless of the door being open or shut. And the power windows do not work. I am not real good at tracking down wiring problems, but I did a Google search and everything I found pointed towards the gem module. So I bought a used one from a salvage yard and installed it. It still does the exact same thing. How much would you charge to help me find my problem? I already blew $150.00 on a gem that didn't work. I would like to get this truck going again. 




Hi David,

Initially my though twas a weak body ground but it could also be a blown/missing fuse with a circuit back feeding (requires removing and looking at the fuse element to check it). Check your owners manual for fuse locations. You also could have weak body power supply.  There also could be wire damage at the brake pedal itself. Just a few things to check. Does the truck run?

I do not have a set fee for helping. I prefer for you to donate, as a percentage of the repair savings. Much like you would  tip a waiter, a percentage of the restaurant bill. 

Yes, the truck runs. was working fine, my sister borrowed it, brought it back and I got in it about 30 minutes later and it was a mess, I swore she must have done something, lol but couldnt think of anything she could of done. It had a aftermarket alarm in it, it was going off all lights were flashing, horn honking ect.. along with the other problems. I tore the dash apart and disconnected the aftermarket alarm, and that left me with what I described earlier. I am going to go to the shop now and check all of the grounds and power wires, along with the fuses. 

I checked the power and grounds under the hood, fixed a couple that looked bad below the ebrake. Checked the ground in the loom to the door. We have all data but I dont know how to read the schematics. 

Hi David,

Do you have a scan tool that will communicate with the GEM?  Have you checked the grounds behind the right and left kick panels? Is there any sign of a water leak around the fuse box or GEM? Although you replaced the GEM, there could be corrosion inside the fuse box. Let me know what kind of scan tool, voltmeter, test lights or other diagnostic tools that you may have access to.

We have a Tech 2, a Genisus, and a older snap on scan tools, and volt meter, test light, ect. I checked the grounds on the left kick panel, replaced the ends on a couple of them that looked bad. I didnt know there were grounds on the right kick panel. I will check there tomorrow if I get a chance. I work in a auto repair shop. But I do mainly mechanical work, engine and frame. My boss is good with electrical stuff but he is always to busy.

Hello, you were right, I found a rusty ground behind the passenger side kick panel. Thanks so much. Its great to have my truck back.

Hi David,

I am glad your truck is fixed.

1997 Ford Expedition, Battery Goes Dead, Dealer Claims GEM Is The Cause!

Sparky

I read your write-up on replacing a GEM module in a 1997 Ford. Thanks!

I have a 97 Expedition, the dealer told me after 10 minutes and $300 that I need a new GEM and the price tag was going to be $1700.

The symptom is this: everything remains on after the key is turned off and removed. Drains the battery. Does that sound like the GEM or are their other things that would cause this? Thanks


Dan

Dan,

I guess they just don't want to work on a 1997 Expedition. About $450 to $700 would be in the normal range for a GEM replacement on your truck, depending on the cost of the actual GEM for your truck. Some are higher than others depending on year and trim levels. Now on to your problem. You stated that everything stays on with the key off. Can you be more specific, windows, lights, dash warning lights, radio,engine, interior lights, wipers and etc? If the windows and radio stay operational but the dash warning lights are out, I would suspect one of the relays on the left side of the interior fuse box. Specifically relay #2 (battery saver relay) and relay #5 (accessory delay relay). Try tapping on the relays or removing them. If you remove them, look for signs of water intrusion. These trucks have known problems with leaking windshields that damage relays and GEM's. If the dash warning lights stay on along with other items I would suspect a faulty ignition switch or ignition switch linkage.

Sparky,

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Sparky

That was it, relay #2. Works like a champ, and change back from my $20. Much better than $1700.

Thank you so much!

Dan

Hi Dan,

Glad I could help. As we all know nothing is truly free, so I need some help from you. The site is intended to generate ad revenue to keep it free. Please encourage as many people as possible to use the site or if it is easier you can make a Thank You Sparky donation at the following link.

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Sparky,

1994 Ford crown Victoria, Power Mirrors Inop

Hi Sparky,

 I hope you can help. The power mirrors on my 94 Crown Vic just stopped working neither mirror in any direction. I thought it might be a fuse but I cannot find any fuse location for the PMs. Can you point me in the right direction? 

Thanks, 
Rich

1996 Ford F350 Fuel Gauge Reads Full Ar All Times

I have a 1996 Ford F350 Dually and the fuel gauge reads full for both tanks. How do I check this?