finally fought mine out and got the part number everyone told me i had to have... F75b14b205-nc
now im looking at sites saying its got a part that fits etc but on board programming may be required
Ford lists the part just as 14b205, my truck is electric shift 4x4

should i poney up at the dealer and pay the 370 or has anyone had any good experience with the ones from the parts stores and where was the place to go

 

if its the 97 you have listed you do not have to have it reprogrammed just plug and play

 

The programming at the parts store may be hit or miss. I wnet through this with teh ECM for my Expd. I bought it from Oriellys using teh part number off the factory computer, along with all pertinent info. When dealer went o install it had a program for the Navigator with 4 valve engine. I did end up saving about 200 bucks going this route though. Dealer gave me the option of a refurb, or new Ford, but quoted 200 over what I could buy the computer, ended up buying and delivering it to them.

 

The GEM should be plug and play on a 97 or 98, no PATS. The ECM is a whole different story.

 

GEM doesn't have anything to do with PATS in later models anyway.

PCMs and GEM modules are completely different critters. A difficult experience with a PCM isn't relevant to a GEM module.

There are four differetn versions of the GEM module for your truck: One for each of the combinations of w/wo ESOF and w/wo power group (windows, etc)

You need the version of the GEM that supports ESOF, so order it and it will be PnP.

 

I stand corrected. Thank you.

 

I was not attempting to compare the GEm module ECM. I was simply advising that units from the parts store could still require programming. I also did not realize teh GEM was that straight forward.

 

Yes the Pats does run through the GEM. Pats runs through 5 things on the 99-03 trucks. pcm, gem, instrument cluster, ignition lock cylinder, and ignition key. If those 5 things are not synced up the truck will not start or run.

 

The GEM is indepenent of the PCM.
It has it's own program that is dependent on the 'original build' of the truck, from the factory.
Gem has no connecton to the PCM or the PATS.

There would have to be a 'bus' line between them if they needed to communicate.
There isn't any.
Only the PATs has a bus line; and even then it's only for starting control to carry out the PATS function.
Good luck.

 

for sure for sure?

When I called the service department about the GEM on my truck they said that it would not start if I picked up a second hand one and that they would have to reprogram it to the pats on my truck.

 

What they told you is incorrect.
How many times have you ever heard of the GEM being involved with a dash, PATS or PCM change or trouble.
None.
Good luck.

 

Here, go read this: http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...ts_job_aid.pdf

 

What issues did you have?

 

Thanks, but his isn't an ECM/PCM issue for the original poster so your experience isn't relevant to him or the current conversation.

 

wow yall went in, i grabbed one from a junkyard monday morning, was there grabbing a few other things and found one with a matching number, put it in, seems to be the trick,
my door locks and windows ****ion now along with the speedo and several other issues that seemed to occur randomly when it was wet out side

now im debating replacing my fuse box with the one from the donor truck (taking this out and replacing it is a real ******)

my 4x4 light is still on , no action at the transfer case moter in relation to the switch
still have the air bag light
odd clicking and the lights on the doors wont go off (think the dome light is burnt out)

my truck runs good and the 4x4 works with the transfer case manually engaged
very tired of its electrical problems