Sound like a bad GEM?

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AVERY CONFER

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Sorry for posting a lot but I'm new to this vehicle and am trying to get up to speed as fast as possible. I just learned about the leaky windshield destroying the GEM.

It just so happens that
1, radio doesn't work
2, cruise control won't work
And 3, 4 wheel drive engage.

Sounds like a GEM issue. Can it be replaced at home easily or is it something best done by a professional. Also how much would it set me back on average?

97 EB
 

The_Bad_Guy

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Hello,

have you used a obd II test device to read the codes? that would be the fastest way to detect any electric problems.
 
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AVERY CONFER

AVERY CONFER

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Hello,

have you used a obd II test device to read the codes? that would be the fastest way to detect any electric problems.


I'm not seeing a Check engine light, but then again I just got it today, idk if the dash lights even work. What codes could I expect in case of a bad GEM?
 

Bedrck47

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Why are you wanting to replace the GEM?
What troubleshooting have you done to indicate that the GEM is your problem?

The following was copied from the Ford Service Manual for the 97 expedition

GEM Feature and Functions

The GEM controls the following features:

  • Wipers/washers (front/rear).
  • Warning chimes.
  • Battery saver.
  • Illuminated entry and courtesy lamps.
  • Driver power window.
  • Accessory delay.
  • 4-wheel drive.

As you can see The GEM has nothing to do with the radio or the Cruise Control.

I would suggest that you troubleshoot your problems before you start throwing parts at the problem with the hope that you get lucky.

Could be a simple matter of a blown fuse.
 
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AVERY CONFER

AVERY CONFER

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Why are you wanting to replace the GEM?
What troubleshooting have you done to indicate that the GEM is your problem?

The following was copied from the Ford Service Manual for the 97 expedition

GEM Feature and Functions

The GEM controls the following features:

  • Wipers/washers (front/rear).
  • Warning chimes.
  • Battery saver.
  • Illuminated entry and courtesy lamps.
  • Driver power window.
  • Accessory delay.
  • 4-wheel drive.

As you can see The GEM has nothing to do with the radio or the Cruise Control.

I would suggest that you troubleshoot your problems before you start throwing parts at the problem with the hope that you get lucky.

Could be a simple matter of a blown fuse.

There was a list on here listing off everything it controlled and it came down to the fact that it controlled most of the interior electronics. Since most of my electronics don't work and it's a common problem I came to the conclusion that it is likely the GEM. No fuses are blown but a few re not there. I don't know what fuses go there (if any)

IMG_20160728_115110193.jpg
 

Bedrck47

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As I stated the GEM has nothing to do with the radio and cruise control on the 97 expedition and that is 2 out of the 3 problems you are reporting.

I asked you what troubleshooting steps have you taken to prove that you have a bad gem?

You state that no fuses are blown and you show a picture of the fuse block under the dash.

How did you check and verify that the fuses were good??

You say fuses are missing. Which fuses and what are they for. Did you check the owners manual to see what fuses should be installed in your expy?

Did you check the fuses in the fuse box and the Engine Mini-Fuse Block in the engine compartment?? There are two fuses in the mini fuse block that are for the radio.

The cruise control could be caused by many other items Bad switches bad clockspring Wiring problems blow fuse and being it has nothing to do with the gem you can say the gem is the problem

However the 4 wheel drive is controlled by the GEM but also could be having problems due to many other causes.

If you don't have an owners manual you can download a copy at owner.ford.com

What are your troubleshooting skills? Can you read and understand wiring diagrams? do you have any test questions.

In order for me to help you I need for you to answer all that I ask.
 
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AVERY CONFER

AVERY CONFER

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I pulled each individual fuse and checked it.

As of now I don't know what each fuse does. I'm assuming it would be in the manual and I'll look it up tonight.

I saw another vid of a guy replacing the gem and his box was missing the same fuses so I assume they are supposed to be empty. But I've been wrong before.

I did check that mini fuse box I didn't know existed and bingo! Two blown fuses. One empty slot. I will post a pic pointing to the blown fuses one 20 near the empty slot and one 10 further down. The 20 sparked as I pulled it out.

I can read wire diagrams to some extent. The more complicated they get the less likely I am going to read them properly.

Electronics isn't my strong suit, if there's two things I don't mess with its electronics and transmissions but I'm willing to educate myself if it gets my EB working right

Dash lights don't work.

AC doesn't work

Locks DO work

Windows DO work

Wipers DO work

Blower DOES work

I have just come to the conclusion through what I've seen so far and again, I could very well be wrong.

I hope I have answered what you need to to the best I can at this time. I'll try to dig up the info on the missing / blown fuses today.

I really appreciate the help!

Also my battery drains crazy fast. Brand new battery and it barely holds a charge.


IMG_20160728_140018.jpg
 
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Bedrck47

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It will say you answered the questions and even though you answered the first question the answer you gave was not what I wanted to hear. So I will ask it again . How did you check the fuses?

The picture of the fuse box under the dash shows 3 missing fuses That is correct Those fuses aren't used so everything looked normal

In the current pic of the mini fuse box both of the fuses you are pointing to are for the radio. The 20 amp fuse is for the audio amp.

As far as the battery draining fast That indicates that something is drawing power when it shouldn't be and there are ways to find out which circuit is causing the drain
 

stamp11127

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The one thing about pulling fuses and visually checking them is you don't know if the circuit is getting power. That is why it is better to test the fuses in place using a test light.
 

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