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.

 

[gte]

These are the only electrical issues I've noticed, expect the auto 4wd does not work consistently, which may or may not be an electrical problem, but I assume it is because 4 high and 4 low work fine. But the truck does not get driven very much.

I have not noticed anything crazy with the windows or starter or cruise as I've read online from other people having GEM module issues.

If there are certain things I should test, I will go out and drive the truck and report back, I'd just need a list.

Do you have any other electrical issues?

 

[toms89]

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.

Thank you.

This ^

The only time mine does this is when the battery voltage drops too low or you disconnected it for whatever reason.

 

[gte]

Ok, it is not doing that, it takes at least 30 seconds before the gauges do what is pictured in the second picture. For the first 30 seconds, right after I start the truck, is the only time the gauges display correctly.

Did you ever put a meter on the battery before and after it was started to see what voltage values it had? There has to be a test procedure for it I would think.

 

[gte]

So before I spend any more money on this issue, does anyone else have any ideas as to what this could be?

Synopsis of symptoms:

• Truck starts fine, battery seems strong for starting
• Gauges work when truck is not running
• Gauges work for first 30 seconds
• After 30 seconds, gauges go haywire as shown in picture in first post
• After 30 seconds, gauges continue to flicker and read incorrectly

 

[gte]

FYI, this turned out to be a problem with the gauge cluster, I believe with the circuit board above the speedometer.

Gauge now works with a new cluster, original gem module and original coolant temp sensor.

 

[Vanha Pieru]

I know this is an old thread, but we have similar issues on 2000 expedition XL. Intermittent issues, radio works, or not. Same with blinkers; sometimes work, or not, and inside indicators may or may not work if they DO blink; sometimes both blinker indicators show on the dash but nothing outside showing. Yesterday turned rear AC on and driver window came down a couple inches, but had to be assisted back up. Rear windows do not work. Today driver window creeped down again, not sure what I tried that caused it this time. AWD will not come out of 4x4H, crow hops when you turn and tires squeak (Ford dealer in area tried to tell me "Oh they ALL do that". Guess they do, when in 4x4 mode). Battery tests ok, can't find any blown fuses. Per what I am reading, sounds like the GEM Module? Any input? Have not had rain for several days, Not even a full moon!!
If I replace the module is there some reprogramming involved? Does not look too difficult.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Bedrck47]

Welcome to the forum

I would suggest that being this is an old thread that you start a new thread with details of your problem