truck has mind of its own

[expeowner]

Ok so it's a 97 ford expedition xlt. It just recently rain and I developed a leak somewhere around the drivers side lower corner of window (i don't believe it's the window itself but in the area). So I came out of work and (with the keys in my hand) everything is on. The blower the radio and I hear a hissing from under the dash. Now I get it home and everything is screwy. The radio wont shut off nor will the blower unless it's shut off By the controls. The radio will also shut off if the wipers are turned on. While turning on the wipers the locks will ocassionally go nuts. The airbag light is on. If I shift from park or back into park all the 4x4 lights and the dome light comes on. There's too much to list but you get the idea. Mind u everything I listed happens with truck off and keys in hand. Has anyone seen this before or have a clue where to start or what it could be? Thanks in advance for any and all help. I do all work myself and so don't be afraid to give me advise or things to try.

 

[stamp11127]

Do a search for GEM. You'll end up having to reseal the windshield to stop this from happening. Common problem on these and many posts covering the effects.

 

[expeowner]

Where would it be located in the truck.

 

[stamp11127]

Driver side, up under the dash, behind the fuse box. When it gets wet it goes crazy.

 

[expeowner]

Trust me the whole truck is going crazy right now lol.

 

[stamp11127]

Here is a link on what the gem controls:

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f16/what-all-does-gem-control-18616/

 

[expeowner]

Update I finally got everything ripped apart. It's been almost a week and after looking at the gem there's no sign of water on or in it. Took a closer look and the water was in the connectors with the bolts in the middle. Do u think if I dry everything with a blast of air from a compressor it'll work without ruining anything?

 

[toms89]

Update I finally got everything ripped apart. It's been almost a week and after looking at the gem there's no sign of water on or in it. Took a closer look and the water was in the connectors with the bolts in the middle. Do u think if I dry everything with a blast of air from a compressor it'll work without ruining anything?

When I had issues my gem module itself appeared dry but my fuse block had water in it. As soon as I removed it and tilted it slightly water poured out. I think much of the issues are how the gem is dealing with the wet fuse panel. The fuse panel itself is multi layered conductor (buss bar),insulator,conductor, insulator, etc.... Not sure if compressed air would be enough to dry it out. I set my fuse panel as well as the gem next to a pellet stove for 24 hours, re-installed and have not had issues since.

My symptoms was that items remained on when the ignition was turned off, killing my battery.

 

[toms89]

My observations when I was there is the gem would tend to shed water over time due to its location and position but the fuse panel directly under it does not. It holds water..

I considered drilling a hole in it but its full of buss bars and insulators which may be damaged if drilled.

 

[expeowner]

I took the gem off the fuse block and moved it around while looking and it seems bone dry it also had a plastic cover covering it the was in place. But I noticed that down on the spades where the two main connectors with the bolts in them connected had some water and visible erosion. So I went out and tapedthe two connectors and bingo water droplets came out. But as iI said there was dust and dirt in the gem and back of fuse box that didn't seem to get wet. Nor did the plastic cover judging by the dust and dirt. I'm wondering if I dryer out the connectors if that could be the problem

 

[toms89]

I took the gem off the fuse block and moved it around while looking and it seems bone dry it also had a plastic cover covering it the was in place. But I noticed that down on the spades where the two main connectors with the bolts in them connected had some water and visible erosion. So I went out and tapedthe two connectors and bingo water droplets came out. But as iI said there was dust and dirt in the gem and back of fuse box that didn't seem to get wet. Nor did the plastic cover judging by the dust and dirt. I'm wondering if I dryer out the connectors if that could be the problem

I would say its worth a shot.

If you have it to the point it can easily be removed though you may consider pulling it out just to guarantee there is no water/moisture in it.

 

[toms89]

By the way.... my fuse panel appeared dry on the exterior until I pulled it out and tilted it enough for water to pour out.

 

[bedrck46]

If you need a new fuse panel/gem I have one for sale would sell it for $25.00 plus shipping I also am in PA near Harrisburg

 

[expeowner]

Maybe I'm not wording this right I pulled the fuse panel completely out if the truck and took it in my houseto inspect it and ccantvfind any visible water damage to fuse panel or gem just on the spades on the bottem that are alittle corroded.

 

[expeowner]

Just updating everyone. It's up and running again as far as electrical. It ended up being the two main connectors got wet. I ran a space heater to dry it over night. Put everything back together and now it's back. She lives kinda. Now a bunch of other problems that I believe are front end related. I put a post up if anyone would like to check it out. It explains everything. And now 4x4 doesn't work. I give up I have a Durango that has nothing but engine issues the whole five years I've owned it and the expedition with a solid string motor and everything around the motor falling apart. I give up. I'm trading them both in for a bicycle lol.

 

[Eastmeadow1472]

Any pictures of how to do it. I'm a novice when It comes to repairs.

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

If you need a new fuse panel/gem I have one for sale would sell it for $25.00 plus shipping I also am in PA near Harrisburg

Is this still for sale? I'm near Gettysburg. Is it first Gen? PM me if you still have it.

 

[bedrck46]

I would dry out the fuse block and you should be ok You may want to take the cover off of the GEM and look at the circuit for any signs of burn marks or corrosion if all looks ok then it most likely is just water in the fuse block causing your problem The fuse block is a maze of copper bus and it doesn't take much for water to get in and create problems Also if you have any compressed air available you may want to try using that and then dry it out even in a oven at lower temp Make sure you remove fuses and relays if you use the oven

Yes I still have the fuse/gem panel for sale