I have a 1997 f150 and the 4 wd went out and I've traced it back to the chassis control module. I cannot find a replacement at any junkyard or anywhere for that matter so i went to oreilys and they can send mine in and get it fixed for two hundred or so bucks. Now when he called the company they said i may need to get my computer flashed because of the security system and it could be done with a flash 2 or something like that...
Can someone please enlighten me on this if it is necessary, how much it may cost and where i need to take it to? Also will the truck be dead(will i have to tow it in somewhere)?

Any questions i will answer thanks


Jeff

 

A 1997 doesn't have a security system that I'm aware of - PATS didn't start in the F-150 till 1999.

Are you sure you don't mean the GEM?

 

That they need to reset?

 

And there is some sort of alarm. When we were digging in there something top left of drivers side floor made the horn honk like mad when we disconnected it. We didn't realize it was literally screwed to the back of the fuse box

 

I guess they call them gem sometimes and chassis control module other times. Sorry I'll change it to gem if that is the correct way to put it.

 

F65b-14b205-cd is the number on it

 

Yes, that is the GEM. You should be able to find that one in a junkyard for around 60 bucks, and there's no programming required that I'm aware of.

You may be dealing with an aftermarket alarm.

Are you positive your problem is in the GEM? Do you see any corrosion on it or evidence of water leakage on it?

 

We tested everything. Removed control on transfer, manually put it in 4x4, put switch in 4x4 and she worked perfectly. Tried new on transfer to no help so it has to be back at the gem. There's small spots of corrosion but board looked okay when i flipped it so that has me worried some.
I have tried every junk yard in the country and have not found a match(rock auto). Many have claimed to have one so i filled out their forms and paid for it but always get a call a day later saying sorry do not have one. Just paid for one @woodfins.com and was refunded yesterday! Swear Im looking for a flux capacitor or something lol.


Jeff

 

When I look up that part number, it also shows that it was used in a F-250 - does that help?

The reason I asked about corrosion is this - a common issue in the 97-03 F-150 is a windshield leak, which drips right onto the GEM.

If you have ESOF, the A-1 Cardone part number appears to be 733026, MSOF would be 733027. Rock Auto lists them as return and rebuild, I'm assuming O'Reilly is offering the same service.

 

Seems to not matter between f150 and f250.
I have read that also was just hoping to find a burn mark.
Im assuming its all the same service just worried about the flash that is needed.

 

I'm not convinced that anything needs a flash.

 

I don't know just going by what they said

 

From Rock Auto's listing - bold is MY emphasis:

The way I read this, it looks to me like the GEM itself may need programming, but the ECU should be fine. Worst case, I think a tow to a dealer and programming would be cheaper than their price to replace the GEM - if they can even get a new one. I am guessing that it will start and run, and you may need to drive it to the dealer for programming to match everything up.

 

Ah i get you. The gem needs to be programmed for the trucks needs. They must wipe it clean when they fix it.
Appreciate the help I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Im still waiting for it to be returned.. Will update and definitely try it without a flash.