electrical problems
 

Hi everyone, new here. I need some help with some issues I'm having. A lot of weird things are happening. 1st, sometimes my wipers will start working without me turning them on and when its raining sometimes they will stop. The other day I looked out my window and noticed my headlights were on and the light switch is off and no keys in the ignition. Now the problem is getting worse, now the radio and wipers only work when the truck is either in park or nuetral. I have to disconnect my battery when I'm not using the truck to keep from running the battery down. Also my 4x4 indicator lights jump on and off and I can feel it go in and out of 4 wheel drive while I'm driving. Anyone have anything on this? I hate to take it to a dealer cause I'm afraid they will take me to the cleaners $$$ on this. Is it a computer issue? Please help. Oh I forgot, it's a 2000 yr. 5.4 Triton automatic.
Thank you
Jim

multi-function switch
 

You don't give the year of your truck, but I assume you have a multi-function switch on the left of your steering wheel that controls the lights and wipers. They must get their power from some place to come on.

electical
 

The wiper control is on the turn signal lever and the light switch is a nob on the left side of the steering wheel on the dash

might want to search GEM MODULE

The wiper issue is the infamous ghost wiper issue. Search for 'ghost wiper' and all your questions will be answered.

The bad multifunction switch could also account for the headlight issue as well. As for only working in park and neutral, that's a new one for me... no clue where to start there...

-Joe

what is the gem module? fancy name for the computer? Where is the gem module located on 2000 F150?

Got any ideas for a cheap place to get one?

I appreciate the help.

Is Electronic Chassis Control Module, for the key the same thing as the gem module? I took the fusebox out as far as i could get it without unhooking the wires, and thats the only thing i can see up under the dash.

heres the part # f87f 15k602 aa

the parts store has never heard of a GEM Module

thanks for the help

more questions
 

I assume your headlight dimmer switch is in the turn signal arm(push pull)? Where is your 4X4 control located?

yes the headlight dimmer switch is on the turn signal arm, the 4x4 switch is on the dash on the right side of the steering wheel between the radio and steering wheel

anyone have any idea how I can get this fixed with out getting raped by a dealer?

Well, you either need to try the repair yourself (not difficult, maybe a 2.5 on a 10-scale) or find a good electrical shop in your area that's willing to tackle the repair. Troubleshooting it remotely is a bit difficult, but I've given my best guess above. If you were in the neighborhood, I'd offer to help, but that's not very possible.

Good luck!

Call the nearest dealer with your VIN & ask if it's still under any warranty, AND if there are any outstanding FSAs (recalls). There's a known issue with windshields leaking onto the GEM, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, like yours.

If you're out of warranty & not covered by any FSAs, find a local windshield shop & ask them to test the w/s for leaks - they're probably so familiar with them by now, they know exactly where to look. Once you get the leak fixed (if that's it), then you can figure out which parts are ruined.

gem unit controls most of your electrical stuff. my windshield leaked and NO MATTER where it leaks it will hit the module ha. its started after a 3 day rain. i was on the highway and 4x4 would keep going on and off then the windshield wipers started and stopped working. i turned the heat up high and took it for a drive to dry things out a little. it fixed its self after i got the windshield fixed. ford told me it would be about 800 for them to do a new gem cuz they have to be programed for the vehical. hopefully u can catch it before damage happens

If all that dosen't work for you, you may want to go to your nearest church and get some holy water and give it a good spash. that should do the trick. :lol:
:beers:
:cool:

ROTFL - :lol:

Thanx , I needed that .