Getting real tired of this!!!

[lone_star_dsl]

My windows and radio only work about 10% of the time now. The problem started about 3 years ago and it only happened once every 6 months or so. Now the radio never seems to power up.

I used to be able to give the dash a thump and everything would come on, now I have to after it like Mike Tyson to get things working.

I had to drive home in the rain with my windows down with people looking at me like I am an idiot.

Has anyone found a cure for the problem? It seems like it is just a relay sticking but I dont know.

 

[Frankenstien]

Sounds like you have a relay going south.... under hood, check your manual... you have four relays, one of them controls accessories. you can pull, and juggle them around as they are all the same to help eliminate which one is the culprit.

 

[clintusaf]

i feel for you man. i have the same thing happen to the drivers window on my ranger. it used to piss me off to no end. happened to me once in the rain too, so i had those same looks from people like you did. ended up being a bad relay.

 

[BamaSixGun]

I have hold my left hand in the air and bite my tongue to get my pass. side glass to roll up, to make the head lights come on sometimes, and get my power seat to back & forth.

I guess i need to do some relay checking myself.

 

[JLDickmon]

I used to be able to give the dash a thump and everything would come on, now I have to after it like Mike Tyson to get things working.

It seems like it is just a relay sticking but I dont know.

I think I'd be looking at the GEM module (like a loose pin or pushed out connector)

think about it.. why would you thump the dash and make something under the hood work?

 

[Scooter]

Dang, they are cheap. Replace them all, and then if there is still a gremlin, you can chase it down because you have eliminated one potential problem.

 

[lone_star_dsl]

I think I'd be looking at the GEM module (like a loose pin or pushed out connector)

think about it.. why would you thump the dash and make something under the hood work?

Where would I find the GEM module?

 

[JLDickmon]

sorry...
behind the fuse box (mounted to the back of the fuse box, fuse box is mounted to it.. take your pick)..
if you have a Ford capable scanner, or access to one, it should be able to scan it for codes..

 

[lone_star_dsl]

I found out that there is no GEM module in the 2002's. They switched to a vehicle security module, or VSM, which is located on the firewall behind the radio. That would explain why I have to hit it in that spot to get it to work.

The VSM is basically the same as the GEM but much harder to reach. They also cost more and have to be programmed by the dealer. Apparently there was a recall on a few of Internationals vehicles powered by the DT 466. The VSM's are basically the same for the 466 and the 7.3's. I guess Ford didnt want to mess with it.

From what I have read, most of the dash has to come out in order to reach the VSM. I guess I have a good weekend project ahead of me.

I just hope it's the VSM causing the problems and not something else.

 

[JLDickmon]

I found out that there is no GEM module in the 2002's. They switched to a vehicle security module, or VSM, which is located on the firewall behind the radio. That would explain why I have to hit it in that spot to get it to work.

OK... if pounding on the dash works, I'll be money you're looking for a splayed or backed-out terminal in a connection at the VSM