Replacing GEM, what numbers need to match?

[98whitexploda]

Here is a picture I just took of the one currently in my 98 explorer sport.

My question is, if I buy a used one either online or from a junk yard, which of these numbers need to match? And will I most likely still need to pay a dealership to have it programmed to my explorer or is it possible that if I install the part myself it will just work with out programming? The local dealership here wants 145 to program and install but they want about 400 just for the part so I was thinking of just buying a used one. (of course i risk the used one having the same issue i'm having with my current one but 50-100 is cheaper than 400 lol)

 

[albi1cnobi1]

The part # F87B-14B205-** needs to match. The last 2 letters are not critical, they are a build date code. If you can get one from the same year and model you shouldn't have to get it programmed. The GEM is only a "chassis" computer and has nothing to do with PATS or the PCM. The main thing is matching the year, because ford changes pin outs from year to year. I have swapped GEMS from rangers and v8 explorers into my v6 mountaineer with no programming issues. They were however from 99 model year vehicles which matches my year.(the ranger and v8 GEMs are not plug and play for your application) I only mentioned to show the need for no programming. It also needs to say "Sport Utility Automatic 4wd".

 

[98whitexploda]

Awesome. I might just buy this one on ebay for 40 bucks then.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

 

[albi1cnobi1]

That should be fine. Check with the vendors here on the forum. Might find it cheaper. I got one for $25 from one of them. Just curious, what problem are you having?

 

[98whitexploda]

Lots of problems lol. My windshield wipers, power windows, dome light, seatbelt warning light, door ajar light, 4x4 switches.... none of it works. They have all been intermittently working for about 6 years now and they are to the point they might all work once a week. I've replaced fuses, i've checked wires, i've tested for power, i pulled the gem to see if any corrosion and none. No pinched or singed wires and after searching the forums I think the GEM is the culprit. Might be putting it up for sale soon and living in washington and having no wipers would probably make it hard to sell.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Gotcha. You're probably on the right track.

 

[budwich]

certainly lots of issues... probably all related to the GEM... BUT in general, the GEM doesn't use voltage to get a "job" done... it puts on a ground so you need to check ground both on the circuit involved for the "feature" but also related to the GEM itself.

 

[98whitexploda]

Parts on its way. *crosses fingers* thanks for all the help

 

[98whitexploda]

Part arrived Friday and I installed it durring my lunch break at work. Worked perfectly! No more electrical issues what so ever. Thanks again for your help.