I have a 1998 F-150 and the interior is giving me fits. Sometimes the lights work, sometimes they don't. Same with the windshield wipers, locks, and windows.

I've done alot of research on this and it seems the gem module is bad due to the windshield leaking. Found out that a leaking windshield is a common problem with this truck. Is this a sure sign of windshield leakage? I don't want to spend money replacing the windshield if it's not leaking.

Thanks in advance

 

More than likely, that is your spot. That is exactly where mine was leaking. I saw drips of water in that corner with the interior trim piece removed. I had to get the butthole that installed my windshield back out to my house to fix it because I couldn't drive it. He had a damn spray bottle trying to get it to leak, and nothing was coming in. We got into a bit of an argument because he told me I was wrong..... I took the bottle out of his hands hand dumped the water from the top and let it run down. It was then that said butthole saw that it was indeed leaking.

In other words, I suggest you pull the trim piece off and dump water from the top. It may just be pooling down at the bottom, and the leak is actually at the top.

OHHHH, and just because the GEM got wet doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. I made a survivor out of mine by pulling it out of the truck and submerging it in a bucket of rice for 48 hours. The rice will draw out all of the moisture. It's worth a couple bucks in rice...



When you install it, it would be a good idea to pack the bulkheads with dielectric grease to keep moisture out. See the corrosion in the bulkhead below. Also, I got a sheet of PVC plastic (any plastic will do) and made a "roof" over it, so in the event it happens again, the water is diverted. Guess what? The event just happened again, and the "roof" worked out. I do not have pics of the roof deal I made though.

 

Here is where mine was leaking. You can see a little drop of water (shiny).

 

Thanks, at least I know that I'm on the right path. I'll do the rice trick and see how it goes from there.

 

Probably wouldn't hurt throwing rice at the windshield as well. Like you just married off the truck.

 

lmao

 

Brew always coming through in the clutch!

Mine leaks from the top and runs down the pillar. Radio would work in park but not in gear. Wiper have a mind of their own, not good while raining. And the blower would constantly run. About to drop $175 to have it replaced rather than resealed. All the black around the edges is flaking off so might as well.