When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey all, I'm having a similar issue to the beginning of the thread. When I start my truck(98 f150 4x4) my windows and dome doesn't work. But when the key is in the ignition set to on but not cranked over everything works as good as it should be expected. Any suggestions?
Have the exact same problem. Windows and everything else works when truck isn't cranked but will work with key turned to on
Ok so I've got the same problem . I'm currently searching Google, however I know of a mechanic that has fixed this same problem on 4 trucks. Apparently it's a common problem, turns out to be melted wires in a harness under the dash. Apparently this is caused by a bad main battery ground. That sounds kind of iffy but worth checking. Does everything work on accessory position? A lot of people with this problem say it does, hope this helps.
Start with the obvious, fuses and relay. Then check each component. Do not start chasing ghost from someone else's nightmare.
My advice is go to the guy with the motor hanging from a tree in his front yard. Not only will he know, he will be glad to tell you and might come by your house to trouble shoot it with you for a six pack and a 3 piece from Bojangles.
I know of a mechanic that has fixed this same problem on 4 trucks. Apparently it's a common problem, turns out to be melted wires in a harness under the dash. Apparently this is caused by a bad main battery ground.
I think somebody is pulling your leg, there's no way that a "bad main battery ground" could cause melted wires. If the cable shorted to ground it would do nothing since it's already connected to ground. If the cable developed an open then anything connected to it would draw LESS current (as in zero) and that wouldn't damage any wiring. I'm also deeply suspicious of the claim that he has found this on four trucks. I've been working on Ford trucks (and cars) since I owned a 1963 Ford Ranchero and I've never seen or heard of them melting wiring except when someone would put a .22 shell or aluminium foil or something else in place of a fuse.
Yeah, got the same problem with my windows on my 98 4x4. Windows work fine if key in accessory or on position. Once engine starts the windows will work for about 5 seconds then stop. I changed the ACC delay relay and checked fuses 14 & 15. All looked good. Don't think it is the master window switch on driver's side because it shouldn't stop working once car is started. Haven't noticed any water leaking in through windshield under dash or around GEM. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I have '97 xlt 150. Dome lite and exterior cab running lites would stay on about 50% of time when I turned off ignition and closed door. Unlocking door and closing again usually turned off everything. Now a bigger problem. No power windows, no interior dome/door ajar signal, no exterior cab lites. I've checked the fuses and power to both sides of fuses. Oweners mannual , as well as wiring diagram in repair mannual, suggest checking the GEM module. However, neither shows location of GEM or how to test it. Where is it located, how do I test it? Any other suggestions - I'm going crazy without the use of my truck.
did you find the problem cuz mine's doing the same thing
Sometimes my wipers and windows stopped working then automatically they start working again I don't know what the problem is can anybody help please email me at Jamesbarngrill@yahoo.com
So my windows and interior lights work when they want to and then my wipers joined in with the fun. Replaced all the relays in the inside fuse panel twice and just did them a 3rd time with Ford parts from the dealership ($75 for 4 relays, not bad compared to NAPA which is where I got the other sets from) and checked all the fuses inside and under the hood, replacing a few that just didn't look good anymore. Nothing helped so just came in to do some Googling and first came across this forum and then came across a video on YT where a guy shows how he wired around the wiper issue and what he (and a lot others) believe the problem is, the GEM which is on the back of the interior fuse panel. A lot of folks say that the windshield will leak and cause it to corrode. I haven't noticed this leak in my truck but my truck's issues all seem to point to it. Hope this helps:
window,interior light,wipers,and"door ajar" light not working-FIXED
I've been following these prob for a while,decided to take mine apart again 98F150 3door 4.6. took the GEM off the back of the fusebox under the driver side dash. opened it up and found little red dots between solder joints,picked them off and put back together hook everything back up and IT WORKED,Everything.
i guess the dots are corrosion that melted the thin layer of clear coating on the board and shorted board. red dots messing up board,
