To start, I have a 97 F-150 Supercab with a 4.2 V-6. A few months ago I realized that I was getting rain water leaking into the cab and collecting on the drivers side floor mat. I also heard a hissing sound coming from inside of the drivers side panel under the dash. When I went to start up the truck the airbag light started flashing and stayed on. The noise eventually went away, but the airbag light stayed on for a few weeks until it finally went off and stayed off. This was after a time of little or no rain. Then just a few days ago we got 3 days of rain. Now the problem with the airbag light came back plus the speedometer will jump to 0 MPH while driving and back up to the normal speed. Also, the windshield wipers sometimes won't work, the blower motor will run even though the truck is off, the passenger airbag off light will light even when the truck is off, and there are relays clicking under the dash on the drivers side. I suspect this all has to do with the water leak, maybe leaking on a GEM or something. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what I should do to fix this problem. Thanks

 

I am currently having this exact same problem, hissing dinging bells, fan blower, etc.... Took the truck to a auto glass installer and he told me that it is a leak in the body panels, not the windshield. Suggested I buy a can of spray on undercoating and rip off the front driver side plastic cowling by the wiper and spray it on the body joint there. Haven't had time to try it yet, as it's been 25-40 degrees here in Ill.

 

Water leaks into the GEM module....I've heard it dozens of times on this forum...

Tony

 

Wow, I couldn't have written a better description! I have the exact same problem. Now my 4x4 won't work and I know the worst snow will hit this weekend, just because of that!

Any idea on what the GEM unit costs?

Thanks!
Joe

 

Wow, I'm experiencing very similar if not the same symptoms which equilibrium13 has described.

I have an '02 f150 supercrew 4x4. This has happened to me once before during the last rainy season, but my truck started after charging the battery and things (electrical) had time to dry.

So will Ford take care of this particular body (seam) leak?

 

Not sure if Ford will cover this or not. I'm taking the truck in tomorrow. You need to get this problem fixed though, as it was only a minor inconvenience before, but now the brake interlock switch is fried, wipers, dome light, power windows don't work. Went to go to work this morning and couldn't get it into gear. Pulled the fuse for the brake interlock, and it would finally let me shift.

 

Thanks for the feedback and the words of advice. I hope that everything works out for the best!

 

It's not a user servicable part....you'll need to take it in to the dealer. The GEM module requires programing, usually, the dealer w/ download the programing off of the orginal/existing GEM module and then upload/reprogram the new GEM.

Or so the service manual says.....


Tony

 

I pulled my fuse panel this morning to check for corrosion (as mentioned in another post), but nothing .

It looks like it will have to go into the shop this week. Any ideas what this will set me back?

I hate electrical problems!

Joe

 

Ok truck went in this morning.
Windshield loose. you can push on it on top drivers side & it moves. Told me 60/40% percent chance of breaking it in removal.... $250 for a new one
Fuse Panel badly corroded. new one approx $150 + install
GEM badly corroded. New one approx $150 + install

On the way to dealership, power steering sounding funny, mentioned to the rep. Pump cracked, $200+, + install

So, are they raping me for a widespread problem???

 

I have just developed the same problem with my 98-F150, first it was the speedo then the air-bag light stayed on and now the heater fan runs when the key is removed.. this morning I went out to ol'besi and she is now beeping and the fan is running, gotta love this! Any suggestions before I go to Ford?

 

Get aquote form ford and your local auto glass plac on re-sealing the windshield. Could be $100 difference!

 

$250 wouldn't happen to be your insurance deductible would it? Most insurance companies will cover the cost of windshield replacement (even if its a bad seal because it's a safety issue). We wouldn't want that windshield popping out in the middle of a car accident now would we?

T

 

Barn,
Those prices sound about right. I was calling around about having the windshield removed and resealed and that was $115. I also called the dealer and the price for the fuse panel was $125. So you are in the ballpark, but the big question is the "+install"! I pulled the fuse panel / GEM unit out this weekend and its not impossible, but its not the easiest thing to do.

I plan on taking mine in this week, so I will be in the same boat as you. It will be interesting to compare bills! As sad as that is....

Joe

 

Hey guys,

I've been having alot of the same problems that are listed above. It seems to me that if so many trucks are having this problem that there should be some sort of recall issued by FORD. Does anybody out there know of any recalls or how many trucks have to have problems before Ford will issue a recall.