Electrical Nightmare (Close to solution)

[Sven]

2000 Expy, 4x4 EB 169000 miles

It started off with my blower motor staying on Hi when the key was out of the ignition. This was last summer.

The next thing that started happening was the low washer fluid light and 4x4 light would blink on and of simulainiously (at random)

It seemed to do this only after a good hard rain.

This winter I then had the radio quit working except for when it was in Neutral or Park.

By this time I was sick of wrenching my battery cable on and off to save my battery so I installed a disconnect.

We had a terenchal down poor for nearly a day and then things started to fall together. My carpet was soaked.

I suspected water was getting into the GEM unit but never was convinced till I saw water. I was also told a bad battery or poor connection could cause this as well.

This problem still comes and goes with rain I just have not had the time to really dig into it.

My next step is to get the winshield replaced and sealed up good and install a new battery.

Has anyone else had this happen?

 

[JUST4FUN]

the dreaded windshield leak is a very common problem

 

[Thermo]

Yes, the windshield leaking is a common problem. It is the upper corner on the driver's side that will fail most often. May want to try putting some electrical tape across the top of the windshield and down around the corner. That may atleast make it a bit more difficult for the water to make it in.

 

[Sven]

the dreaded windshield leak is a very common problem

Does a new windshild solve it?

I`m afraid now I have corrosion in or at the connection to the GEM.

 

[tmajikman]

Does a new windshild solve it?

I`m afraid now I have corrosion in or at the connection to the GEM.

It will prevent future damage (the new windshield, check for rust before the new windshield goes in), you will need to possibly either see if the current gem is salvageable, clean up the contacts on the gem and the connector with electronics cleaner and possibly a brush to get the heavy corrosion off, if the gem is not salvageable you could find a wrecked X and pull the gem out of it and use it in your truck.

 

[Sven]

Well windshield was replaced yesterday, I found a GEM on Ebay for $45.

I hope this solves my problem.

 

[tmajikman]

Well windshield was replaced yesterday, I found a GEM on Ebay for $45.

I hope this solves my problem.

I think that as long as the connector thats goes into the new GEM is clean you should be set..


In what year or years did the bad sealant/windshield issues exist in?

 

[niowa98eb]

This is why I love this forum!! I've had the same problem a few times since I got my X in January. Hope this fixes it.

 

[Sven]

I think that as long as the connector thats goes into the new GEM is clean you should be set..


In what year or years did the bad sealant/windshield issues exist in?

I dont know, the Ford dealer in town says it doesnt happen on Expeditions. Said the roof stucture was stronger and didnt flex.

I rasied the BS flag and showed him the lake on my floormat.

 

[tmajikman]

I dont know, the Ford dealer in town says it doesnt happen on Expeditions. Said the roof stucture was stronger and didnt flex.

I rasied the BS flag and showed him the lake on my floormat.

Yeah right, funny how you should not admit a complete screw up when there are a ton of documented cases all over the country.

 

[Sven]

Well after the new windshield we have had 5-6 inches of rain, and guess what?!?!

No lake on my floormat, radio works all the time, not random indicator lights, no crazy switching relays sounds, and the blower motor stays off when I turn off the key.

I still have yet to install my new gem, Just havent had the time.

 

[walnuts4x4]

hope everything works out for ya

 

[tmajikman]

Good to hear bro.