Yet another GEM module issue.

[spacini]

Gem unit-updated

While i can't claim to be as technically or mechanically adept as some folks on this forum, I was able to gather enough information here that pointed me in the direction of replacing my GEM unit in my 97 explorer XLT 4WD.
That was over a year ago and the replacement of that part I found for $40 on eBay saved me from scrapping my beloved ride. If you read the forums here and have similar symptoms to those who have replaced theri GEM's, it might be prudent to track down a GEM unit and give it a try. It's certainly cheaper and probably faster than many of the solutions or troubleshooting I've read here and elsewhere, but it's your call.

 

[Limey2471]

Suspect GEM

Ok just a quick update to my last post.....After reading many posts on here this is what i found to be my issue. I first started by checking fuse # 25 which is a 7.5A and covers the GEM and Speedo...I replaced the fuse and could smell burning and the fuse blew within a few seconds. I then removed the radio and from cover to gain access to the GEM. I disconected the GEM and removed for observation all looked good. I replaced the fuse yet again without the GEM hooked up and got the same results buring followed by the blown fuse. after blowing 5 fuses i traced the fault down to the speedo cluster. After removing the cluster i replaced the fuse again...wipers, dome light , brake lights all working again So it looks like i need to replace the speedo cluster. Also to note fuse # 28 is also for the GEM alone and that fuse did not blow. I hope this post will help others that i see replaced the wiper unit, GEM and other relays only to find they still have the same issue...Good luck

 

[jmkjmk]

I now this is an old post but I'm running into a similar problem. My brand new battery keeps dying so I checked for a power drain. I've got about .5A draw when everything is off. So I started pulling fuses. It's the fuse to the GEM module. Pulled that and the drain dropped to less than 50 mA. I also am having a problem with the power locks. Coincidence? I doubt it. So I want to start by pulling the GEM and see if the power drain goes away. The radio took about 10 seconds to get out. And module is right there. But I can't get the 2 wiring harnesses off. Anyone with experience have any suggestions?

 

[15265]

battery drain

I have the same battery drain 2 days most and battery dead

what can I check?

 

[jmkjmk]

First of all, got the wiring harnesses off. So now all I need to do is swap out the GEM module. Now for your question. Start by narrowing it down. You have to see if you have a current draw when they car is off.
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal
2. Using a multi-meter check for current. Set the meter to amps and put one lead on the negative battery terminal and one on the loose cable.
3. If you are pulling more that .05A you may have a short.
4. To narrow down which circuit the short is on start pulling fuses and re-doing step 2. I pulled a few at a time but you can pull one at a time and check the draw.
5. Once you get a reading below .05A you know which circuit is causing the problem.

Once you know the circuit its a matter of looking for something like a wire that the insulation is work off and touching metal. Or it could be a loose connection.

Good luck. This can be very time consuming.

 

[jmkjmk]

OK, got wiring harness off, pulled another GEM from Pull-A-Part and put it in. Same draw. It was only $20.00 so it was worth the try. Then I disconnected each of the 4 wiring harnesses from the GEM one at a time. Looks like when the top harness is plugged in I have the draw. So I think I have to try to trace this one out. Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a wiring diagram that will show what is off of the GEM split up by the 4 wiring harnesses?

Thanks

 

[15265]

GEM module fix my problem

 

[jmkjmk]

That's great news. I wasn't' that lucky. Enjoy your Explorer!

 

[bobflood]

OK, got wiring harness off, pulled another GEM from Pull-A-Part and put it in. Same draw. It was only $20.00 so it was worth the try. Then I disconnected each of the 4 wiring harnesses from the GEM one at a time. Looks like when the top harness is plugged in I have the draw. So I think I have to try to trace this one out. Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a wiring diagram that will show what is off of the GEM split up by the 4 wiring harnesses?

Thanks

Great source for wiring information:
Auto - Online Repair Info
http://search.ebscohost.com/
ID: rrcc
PW: rebsco
Select: Auto Repair Reference Center
Fill in: Find Your Vehicle
Follow prompts down to Wiring Diagrams.

Might have to do some matching of wire colors to determine what wires are in which harness plug.

 

[djbazz01]

I recently posted a thread asking if anyone can decipher Gem module #'s, I haven't been able to locate a replacement for my '95 4.0 4 door 2wd auto explorer. Ebay has failed me (lol) heres a link to my thread if anyone can assist; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=364499

 

[Cobraguy]

Well, the number you are showing is generally a Ford part number. Decoding that probably won't do you a lot of good. I guess you could take it, call a Ford dealer, and ask him to tell you the application. He should be able to go back that far. But do some research here. There's like a bazillion different part numbers for these, but in reality, I think there are only two you need to worry about. And since you are a 2WD, I'm not so sure the 4WD wouldn't work...but I'm not positive of that. I can't remember if you have to match up the GEM to the transmission or not. But for example, for a V8 AWD, the 2WD GEM works perfectly. I know it's broken down somewhere here...I've read it.

 

[Mum]

Problem

Does this sound like a GEM module issue
Have a 2007 Ford Ranger the speedo does not read accurate (42k's is 100k's) same for the trip meter. the Four wheel drive lights are all on at the dash and cannot change. Mechanic has had it for 2 week and sent it to auto electrician still cannot find fault. Next thing they are going to pull apart transfer case to check there. Any suggestion as had so far 4 mechanics and still looking for fault.

 

[markie_g]

My GEM fried my transfer shift motor,2 batteries and my alternator in less than one week.

 

[BudE]

Gem location

Have a 98 Eddie Bauer 4.0L OHVC 4x4, is the GEM located on left side of radio compartment? Want to check it out, keep blowing same four fuses, a/c,wipers, windows, info center, interior lights don't work, all exterior lights, radio, seats and mirrors work fine. Not a mechanic, so its very confusing.

 

[Limey2471]

Gem location

BudE try disconecting your speedo cluster replace the fuse and see if you get the same results...if the fuse dont blow depending how many connectors you have on your cluster connect one by one...my speedo was the one taking out the fuses...hope this helps ya

 

[BudE]

Limey 2471 Everything on my instrument cluster works, all gauges and lights come on when key is turned on. All the fuses that are blowing are 3 in the inside fuse box, #25-a 7.5A goes to GEM-Instrument Cluster-Secure Lock,
#34-a 7.5A goes to Rear Integrated control panel-CD, and #36-a 7.5A to EATC Memory, Rear Integrated Control Panel, memory seat-Message Center, and a 10A in power dist. box under hood for the Air Bag Diagnostic Monitor. I had the GEM out and still blew fuses, so I feel the GEM is not the culprit. I have looked at all the wires that I can see and none seem frayed, ect. However, there are probably a mile of wires that you cannot see. I don't smell anything burning when start it. A/C, Wipers, windows, interior lights,
and message center do not work, altho in the upper info center, Compass and temp are displayed and will change to metric, but the map lights will not come on, bulbs ok. How do you go about disconnecting the instrument cluster, I am not a mechanic and don't have a clue. Seats, mirrors radio and all exterior lights, flashers and turn signals work fine. This problem just came on all of a sudden.

 

[BudE]

Limey2471, update, I was wrong in saying everything worked on instrument cluster, just went to gas station to put some gas in it, first time its been out of my driveway in months, anyways, everything in instrument cluster works except speedometer, also I stopped by Discount Auto Parts to see if their scanner could check out the GEM and they said no, would probably have to go to a garage with a super scanner, figures.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Scanners can't read the GEM. Ford dealers have the diagnostic tool to program the GEM, but as far as I know they can't be "read" from a scanner. Now if they hook up to the programmer and it doesn't communicate that may indicate a bad GEM.

 

[Limey2471]

GEM-Cluster

BudE...as I thought I'm 99% your speedo is the problem here...if you can get to the back of it and disconnect it...replace the fuses once again I think you will find they do not blow till you re-connect the speedo...
I had to go to the junk yard and find a used speedo with close to the same miles I had on my truck...or there are places you can take it to be repaired...Also look on ebay.

 

[BudE]

Well, I am going to try and get to the speedo, not sure how to remove all the paneling around it, I see 3 screws in the part in front of the glass, looks like the rest must pop out, hope I don't screw this up, maybe U Tube has some videos on removing paneling.