03 EB VSM/gremlins

[LoneStarLoner]

Hey y'all, hope everyone is doing well. Been a while since I've been on due to work and health but I'm glad to see everyone's cool rides!

I've done so much work to my 03 since I bought it about 3 years and I'm now finally getting to the VSM. I had the VSM (which it might not even be called) ford dealer called it a smart junction box, the other ford dealer said junction box module, etc. Either way, I had it replaced yesterday and some of the most annoying electrical gremlins have disappeared. Initially, all the problems I was having were as follows:
1. Door Ajar light always on
2. Dome lights turning on randomly when headlights are on.
3. Having to manually power dash lights each time I turned on the headlights because the dash wouldn't illuminate until I did and waiting for dome lights to turn off once I hit first gear.
4. Dome lights not turning on when door would open.
5. When I hit remote, mirrors would go crazy and seat always moves up. Very annoying.
6. Auto headlights always on.
7. Door locks unlocking while driving.
8. Door locks not locking once I started moving. (Setting was set to on)

So after I got the truck back from a local mechanic who has always done great work for and actually uses a guy that works at a Ford dealer to program the VSM, it started working much better. Problems 5,6 and 8 remained. (Other 3 doors do not trigger the door ajar or dome light but I can live with that as it might be bad sensors in the door) the only problem is, once I got the truck back my power fold seats no longer work, my auto headlights don't work at all and my liftgate glass no longer works. I also can no longer toggle through the setting for my door locks to lock when moving.

Could they have hooked something back up in the wrong spot or do you think it might be an electrical problem at this point? Liftgate, power seats and headlights were all working before. Any insight to this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

 

[LoneStarLoner]

Just wondering if this thread is visible?

 

[Bedrck47]

Very Visible

 

[Bedrck47]

FYI You need to know which module was replaced

Your 03 has what is called a VSM (Vehicle Security Module) which is totally different than the
SJB (Smart Junction Box) also called the CJB (Central Junction Box) but most will referred to it as the fuse box

They are both mounted very close to each other The SJB contains all the fuses
The VSM can be identified as it will have large black numbers on it which id the keypad code
The SJB is mounted behind the passenger side kick panel The VSM should be mounted under the dash but above and slightly forward of the SJB

The VSM can be the cause of your remaining problems #5, 6 and 8
However the SJB could also be a problem if that was changed and wasn't reconnected properly

 

[LoneStarLoner]

Before I purchased it, I did a fair amount of research but kept being told it was called something else by the parts experts at the stealership. I have a new access code for my keyless entry now so it was in fact the VSM that got replaced. I'll have to get my mechanic to check it out. I was also thinking something was connected wrong since I lost power to the rear of the vehicle and never had issues before. Liftgate glass and rear powerfold seats were working great before the switch but are all non functional now. :/

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as Bedrck47, but I'll throw my two cents in.

The 6 problem could be as simple as the sensor that is mounted on the center of the dash. Does your radio dim at night when the headlights are on or is it at full brightness?

5 might have something to do with the memory module for the mirrors or the mirrors might need to be reprogrammed and their position memorized and saved.

The doors auto lock when the vehicle hits 12 mph, maybe there is a bad sensor that isn't sensing the speed correctly.

Like I said, just my 2 cents.

 

[Bedrck47]

The vehicle security module controls the following systems:

• • • perimeter alarm
    • remote keyless entry (and panic feature)
    • computer-operated locks
    • autolamp

Check the following fuses in he SJB

• • • 5 (7.5A)
    • 6 (15A)
    • 30 (30A)
    • 40 (20A)

All the above fuses have power at all times. Check to see if voltage is present at the fuse

 

[LoneStarLoner]

ExpeditionAndy, I thought it might've been a sensor but they were staying on at all times before I replaced the vsm. When I switch to auto headlights they don't operate at all now. That's why I'm leaning towards something with the vsm. I actually didn't know there was a memory module for the seat and mirrors so I'm going to look into that. As far as the auto lock, it never worked but I was still able to toggle through the on and off settings. Once I replaced the vsm I was no longer able to toggle through the settings. Might have something to do with the programming? Thanks for all great feedback!

Bedrck47,

Thanks so much for the info. I'll check those fuses when I get out of work tonight. When I use the keyless entry system my seats and mirrors stay put. It's only when I use the keyless entry system.

 

[Bedrck47]

The remote also uses the memory function whereas the keypad only opens and closes the locks. Two different functions I also have to agree that it may have something to do with the programing of the new VSM being those items that are not operation were operating before the VSM was replaced

Let me know how you make out with the fuses.

FYI The 3rd row fold down seats also use the VSM see the attached print and also check the fuses shown in that print

 

[Bedrck47]

Condition

• The third row power fold seat is inoperative — Left and Right

Possible Sources

• Fuse(s).
• Circuitry.
• Body Security Module (BSM).

The BSM that is referred to is the VSM

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

ExpeditionAndy, I thought it might've been a sensor but they were staying on at all times before I replaced the vsm. When I switch to auto headlights they don't operate at all now. That's why I'm leaning towards something with the vsm. I actually didn't know there was a memory module for the seat and mirrors so I'm going to look into that. As far as the auto lock, it never worked but I was still able to toggle through the on and off settings. Once I replaced the vsm I was no longer able to toggle through the settings. Might have something to do with the programming? Thanks for all great feedback!

LoneStar, you mentioned that you had an independent shop program the VSM. Maybe he didn't put your specific program back in. I have FORScan software and the OBDLink MX connector and I downloaded a copy of all of the factory modules from my 17 so I have the base settings. From the reading that I have done there are a couple of settings that I want to change, like Auto fold mirrors, and the reverse down tilt on the right hand mirror. I have been a little reluctant to make any changes as my truck in only 5 months old, but I am going to play with it one of these days.

Having said all that, somebody must have the "As built" module settings for your truck.

 

[LoneStarLoner]

Bedrck47,

Tested the fuses and they were all good. I'm betting he left something out in the programming. Going to take it by the shop again when I have some time and show the mechanic those diagrams you sent me.

ExpeditionAndy,

That's what I'm thinking. Spoke with my mechanic and he's going to be in contact with the guy he uses to take another look at the truck. For what I paid I might just take it to one of the Ford dealers in the area if he doesn't get it right on the second time. I'm 75% there as far as these small electrical problems are concerned. Other than the loss of power in the rear, the only other thing I might be looking into is a new drivers seat memory module if I can't get their settings reprogrammed. Excited to get all these bugs out and start working on other stuff. Can't wait to get new front and rear sway bars!

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

[QUOTE="LoneStarLoner, post: 267316, member: 48985"

ExpeditionAndy,

That's what I'm thinking. Spoke with my mechanic and he's going to be in contact with the guy he uses to take another look at the truck. For what I paid I might just take it to one of the Ford dealers in the area if he doesn't get it right on the second time. I'm 75% there as far as these small electrical problems are concerned. Other than the loss of power in the rear, the only other thing I might be looking into is a new drivers seat memory module if I can't get their settings reprogrammed. Excited to get all these bugs out and start working on other stuff. Can't wait to get new front and rear sway bars!

That's what I do when I buy a used vehicle, I spend my time fixing all of the little problems with it until I get it back to 100%. I like my stuff to work, so I completely understand.

 

[LoneStarLoner]

Well as luck would have it, my truck was broken into at work Tuesday evening. They stole a couple of things from my console, sunglasses, headphones etc... but the most important thing they took was my owner's manual with the original build sheet for the truck aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand my new access code for the VSM I just replaced. Fortunately, my insurance is taking care of the whole thing and I'll be getting a new vsm and it'll be programmed from the dealer. What a hassle.

 

[Bedrck47]

For the owners manual you can download a copy at

owner.ford.com

for the build sheet go to ford etis

enter you vin number and you will get a copy of the as built sheet

 

[LoneStarLoner]

Awesome! I knew about the owners manual but had no idea you could retrieve the build sheet. Thanks Bedrck47!!!

 

[Bedrck47]

Ford etis can be a little tricky to navigate When you get on it click on VEHICLE Then enter your vin number

when the next page comes up it will only show some information You then need to go on the right side of that info and at the bottom click on the sentence that says

There are more minor features for this vehicle, click to expand this list.

 

[pt091877]

Condition

• The third row power fold seat is inoperative — Left and Right

Possible Sources

• Fuse(s).
• Circuitry.
• Body Security Module (BSM).

The BSM that is referred to is the VSM

Check the purple wires under the driver's side moulding where you step in. I was having multiple issues that involved things that the vsm would control. Find the purple wires that are splices together with a heat shrink. Cut them and splice back together. I was racking my brain trying to figure out where my problems were coming from. I replaced the central junction box and was ready to replace the vsm until I saw a thread on this site. I sliced open the hear shrink to confirm and sure enough the wires had corrosion inside the shrink and the wires were all but gone. After splicing them back together my problems were gone.