Is this a GEM module failure symptom?

[gte]

When I start the truck (1997 Ford Expedition 5.4L Lariat 4wd auto), the gauges display as below

After approximately 30 seconds, the gauges then do as pictured below

I know this is a common problem, if it is the GEM module, should I replace the fuse block and windshield as well? Is there a forum preferred place to get the GEM module and/or fuse block from?

Thanks

 

[toms89]

Never heard of gem directly affecting the instrument cluster myself.

Any other symptoms??

 

[04SVT]

That doesn't sound like a GEM module but they can be fickle as they are electrical. What's the voltage on the battery? Fords are finicky with regard to voltage

 

[gte]

Hi, thanks for the reply. That's all I've noticed. The vehicle sat for 2 months and the battery died. I didn't not notice the gauge flakiness until after recharging the battery. I load tested the battery and it was on the weaker side, but did not totally fail the load test. The alternator is putting out a solid 13.8 volts as well.

Is there anything I should look for? I do not drive the truck much, so maybe I just haven't noticed another symptom that I should intentionally try during a test drive.

 

[gte]

I can check the voltage without the truck running as I didn't take notice of that, but running it was ~13.8v. For my own knowledge (this is the first Ford I've owned) what's the minimum voltage it will be happy at?

That doesn't sound like a GEM module but they can be fickle as they are electrical. What's the voltage on the battery? Fords are finicky with regard to voltage

 

[toms89]

If after you start it you get the gauge cluster sweep you have a weak battery as that happens when the voltage drops below a certain spec while cranking. Mine did that when the battery was on its way out.

 

[04SVT]

Mine hovered around 14v on my yellow top in the Lightning, which is now in the Harley.

 

[toms89]

When my gem/fuse block had issues things would stay on after the ignition was shut down killing my battery.

I just removed both and thoroughly let them dry out by pellet stove for 24 hrs. No issues since.

 

[04SVT]

Do you have any other electrical issues?

 

[gte]

To make sure I understand correctly, when I think of "gauge sweep" I think of when you start the vehicle, immediately the gauges display a self test by pegging clockwise and then settling at wherever the gauge sensor is directing the gauge to go.

Is that what you mean, or do you mean more along the lines of what I've described where the gauges display proper values and then a short time later they will peg highest readings? Sometimes my gauges will flicker a little before settling pegged.

Thank you.

If after you start it you get the gauge sweep you have a weak battery as that happens when the voltage drops below a certain spec. Mine did that when the battery was on its way out.