Can damage to the wires run inside the wheel well cause same issues as the GEM mod

[HarveyCat]

Can damage to the wire harness that is run inside the wheel well cause the same issues as the GEM module problems?

So last year in the summer my wheel well wiring harness came loose and rubbed up against my tire. My mechanic found it and said he taped it up -- and all then was fine. Last winter I started to have an issue with my blinkers not working, as well as my ABS light and 4X4 light coming on all at the same time. I replaced the multifunction switch on the steering column (blinkers - wipers - etc) -- but still when driving in heavy rain or snow these issues return. My mechanic saw online that windshield leaks in F150s can cause the G.E.M. module to fail and cause such problems -- but I looked at mine under my dash -- with a mirror and a light -- but I saw no signs of corrosion -- also I never get the classic water spot on the drivers floor symptom. Anyway -- I got the right replacement GEM module so that can be replaced without the dealer needing to program it.

BUT I got to thinking -- maybe it is just these damaged and taped up wires. Any thoughts anyone? I will inspect these wires as soon as the snow here in Hoboken stops.

BTW -- I have 2002 Expedition -- but it looks the same as the F150 -- the wiring harness was foolishly run in the wheel well by FORD... Here is a picture of the wires --

 

[stamp11127]

Wiring harnesses are normally run in areas so that they are not exposed to damage.

I'll look at the component location view for your year and let you know where the harness should be. Which wheel well is in the the picture?

If the mechanic only used electrical tape to "repair" the wires, it is only a matter of time until it fails again. The correct procedure is to splice in a new section of wire and seal with heat shrink tubing or to replace the entire wire from connector to connector using new pins of course.

 

[american steel]

this is driver side front wheel well. I had this issue with my 2002 years ago.
it caused a few shorts and I found which wire was causing this mayhem and spliced in a new wire. worked fine

 

[HarveyCat]

Thanks! Yes - it is drivers side wheel well towards drivers door -- what was Ford thinking putting a wire harness right there held in with just a plastic strap & anchor.... So "AmericanSteel" -- when your wire harness was also damaged -- what symptoms did you have? As I said--I get an ABS light, a 4x4 light and no blinkers working -- yet my flashers work.

BTW, this has cost me so far -- a new sensor in rear hub --a new multifunction switch --and I just got a matching GEM module ( but didn't install yet) -- and I sealed around my side doors and looked for leaks around windshield sunroof and under the hood.

I will be very happy to solve this by finding just a stripped wire or two -- and sealing it up well.

Thanks to you both for helping!

 

[HarveyCat]

Here it is -- there is tape the whole way with silicone at the top -- I will likely open it back up and see what is what -- and then redo. Could this kill my blinkers as well as cause the 4x4 and ABS lights? Also any ideas on what would be involved to replace this wire harness? Does anyone know what all these wires do?

Thanks again!

 

[stamp11127]

Ease of replacement will depend on what it connects to and how it is run.

 

[american steel]

I had this happen back in 07
I think if I remember correctly my ABS light was blinking and that is all.
I spliced in another wire and it never did anything again.
I used a heavy style zip tie I think 6 of them and used a long zip tie wrapped the wires with the frame.
I don't know what these wires are connected to but I have a feeling they're for the back ABS sensors but I might be wrong.
you can follow the wires to their destinations and see what they are connected to. I never did that so I don't know.
I also replaced my GEM because of the stupid window leak
my interior lights rear wiper didn't work my running board lights didn't work except for the driver side front light.

 

[american steel]

almost forgot, you have a matching GEM? good luck with that I too bought a matching GEM module installed it and found it didn't operate all of my electronic functions. the ford dealer told me I need to take the strategy from the old GEM and download it to the new GEM he also said there are specific module for each model expedition. so I bought a GEM and fuse box everything worked fine after that.

 

[HarveyCat]

Thanks! I bought a GEM module from a matching 2002 EddieB Expedition -- with matching number code -- mine is yl14-14b205-ab

--will that work -- or should I buy a matched set of both fuse box and GEM? Do you know of any good web links to read on this?

Thanks for all the help -- I was thinking these damaged wires go to GEM Module or the multi switch -- they are not far -- but I do not really know!

 

[american steel]

take the expedition and GEM module to the dealer and have a tech look at it. he will tell you if you need a new module. my fuse box that the I got from another 2002 with the same options I had need to be replaced with a new fuse box. the tune GEM tune was uploaded from my old one and downloaded to a new module.
the ford tech told that a lot of times swapping modules wont work.
I did the swap and a lot of stuff didn't work for me so I went to the dealer.
it was a hassle

 

[HarveyCat]

Can the dealer re-program my spare GEM Module from my existing? ...nd then I can put it in myself? Also any idea of cost -- if the answer if yes. Can the tell if my GEM or fusebox is bad?

 

[american steel]

Can the dealer re-program my spare GEM Module from my existing? ...nd then I can put it in myself? Also any idea of cost -- if the answer if yes. Can the tell if my GEM or fusebox is bad?

man that task is a night mare.
there is two big connectors behind the module that are bolted in with a 9/16 bolt (I think) there is 3 or 4 screws in the front of the fuse box on the metal piece of the dash where it bolts to.
the stuff behind the GEM is so cluttered up its pathetic.
if you have an electric wrench or an air wrench with a shallow socket that makes the job faster.
you can install it yourself if the dealer retunes it. but the dealer needs your fuse box and GEM for this.
they will tell you if it is good or not.
the GEM has a door that pops open im sure you'll be able to see corrosion on the chip board. look behind the fuse box to see if green residue (copper rust) is present. this indicates water was on your fuse box and or GEM.