Hi guys
I'm having some bizzare problems with my 1997 f150 scab 5.4 rwd.

First a few weeks back I got in the truck on a humid morning and started the truck and the wipers came across the windshield. Did it again 5 minutes later (switch was off) I cut the switch to high and off and they stayed on high. I had to pull over and pull the 30amp fuse out. I put it back in the next day, no problem. About a week later the problem returned on a dry day. Came back a few more times.

Two days ago I went to roll my drivers window down and it didn't move. A relay clicks in the fuse panel and if the door is open the lights in the doors turn off until I release the button. Also chimes when I let off the down button. Passenger window rolls down normal however slower than usual.

Tonight, I get off work crank up and turn on the headlights. No lights. Popped the hood and wiggled wires, nothing. Cut the headlight switch on and off a couple times and they lit up.

It seems to progressively be getting worse, I've heard of a ground on the firewall going bad amd causing crazy stuff but this also sounds like the GEM to me.

I've not noticed any leaks up front. No wet floor or anything. Really grinding my gears though.

If this sounds like GEM I would like to replace. I would like to get one that I don't need to program.
Do I have to remove the GEM in order to get the specific part number for my vehicle or can I get that number by using the VIN?

ANY help, info is much appreciated.
Any additional info required? Fire away.
Also vin is 1FTEX17L0VNB49185 (off the top of my head)

Thanks

 

It almost sounds more like a faulty multi-function switch to me. It can cause all of those symptoms, except I'm not sure about the window. All of the lights and wipers run through that switch though.

 

I believe you may be incorrect. Blinkers/wipers run through the turn signal switch. Parking lights and main head light run through a switch on the left drivers side of the dash almost 'behind the turn signals' so to say.
Not saying it's not bad, but I replaced it 18 months ago due to no wipers/ intermittent blinkers. That was the only electrical issue I've ever had on this truck.
Thanks for the quick reply though

 

I do know you can only use a 97 or 98 GEM. They are non-PATS so you shouldn't need to program it. The only thing I've seen that matters is if your truck is 2wd or 4wd. If it is 4wd you also need to get the correct GEM for manual transfer case or electronic.

 

What does non-PATS mean? And the truck is 2wd. Will any GEM work as long as it's for a 2wd?
Thanks again

 

PATS = Passive Anti Theft System

So it does not have a factory alarm, keyless entry. So yes, a 2wd 97 or 98 GEM should be just fine.

 

pats is the anti theft. 97-98 don't have it 99 and newer do. You have to have a chipped key to start it with pats.

 

It sounds like a ground to me. Check the one in the passenger kick panel.

 

Is that the only one that I should look at? I'm about to locate it, and remove/wire brush and replace.

Thanks Mr Beef Gravy

 

No problem. There are several grounds. You can check the one on the fender but in my experience, the in cab problems stem from this ground. It gets a lot of moisture and has been known to go bad.

I would also check my fuse box. See if it is hot or if wiggling it, makes anything go wonkey. That's a technical term. Wonkey. lol