Any mechanics out there?

[h20fowler]

Before I get started on this question please do not push agendas fella's. I'm not trying to talk crap on any maker. This is the first problem I have had with any of my ford trucks in the past 11 years.

So, here goes. the back story.....

I noticed that I had a small leak in my windshield trim about a month ago. Not because it was leaking air, but because when I hit a good size bump it would squeak. You could tell that the glass was rubbing somewhere. Mental note - get that fixed.

And now the problem

I go out to start my truck after work yesterday and the battery is dead. Freaking great. So i pull the key out to go inside and find a jump when I notice that the heater is still blowing. Yes, the climate control was still on with the ignition off and key out. NOW that is weird. No radio, no windshield wipers. Just the climate control.

So I go home and do a little research, and find what I think is the problem. My neighbor is a mechanic and I heard him come home so I went over to talk to him about it, just to get a feel and see if I was going in the right direction.

He volunteers to take a look at it. He pulls the dash out and looks and everything is normal. No wire burns, shorts, volt meter is running everything fine. He thinks maybe a bad relay.

So I go inside and try to find out which relay runs the climate control. While doing this I find out that in 97 they changed everything from relays (windshield wiper, power windows, climate control, cruise control) to one GEM (general electric module) module. I find out that it is common for ford to have a leaky windshield, and then moisture gets in under the dash. It forms right above the GEM module which makes it get wet and short out. It causes the climate control to either stay on all the time, or never turn on at all.

The Fixes include
1 - get a new GEM module and reseal windshield - 600 to 1300 total

2 - let the gem dry out, see if it fixes itself (most often does) and reseal windshield.

3 - FRUCK it, take the 1000 and put it towards the new vehicle I was most likely going to get in 6 months anyway.

In the mean time. It keeps draining my battery.

Thoughts?

[Kelly Rees]

I would vote #2. If that doesnt work go buy a GEM at a wrecking yard, chances are they wont have a clue and you'll get one for $5.

[HRK]

look for one in your local savage yard.they usuall carry a 30 day warrenty
that is a common problem ive seen. but not just on fords, most of the big 3 have climate control systems. moisture is the contributing factor here. whether its from a leaking windshield, snow melting on your floor mats,window left down or a pluged evaperator box drain. anything building moisure on the inside of a auto. also seen this problem with the newer gm's wiper motor delay circuit boards and gm gem mods for the interior lights. also had problems with ABS conrol gem mods.

hope this helps

[HRK]

KELLY
dont want to bust yer bubble there boss, ever had your cell phone wet and dry it out and have it work? your computer smart, same princable as a mother board.

FYI most salvage yards know there is a problem with gem mods, but they are still less expencive over new. just experiance talking here been a certified mechanic almost 22yrs....... also check with ford on tech bullitens or recalls they may have one. might save ya some money. till you figure out what you want to do you might have to unhook the battery all the time till you get things fixed

[h20fowler]

checked recalls first thing. Apparently they recalled 97 - 2000 vehicles. Leaves my 02 out.

Thanks for the advice Barry. I hope that it was a little moisture and not like being dropped in water... But who knows.

[HRK]

H20 shoot me a pm with your PH # just talked to my bud at the ford dealership and heres got the answer to this problem, might get this fixed for free.....................

[Kelly Rees]

Ouch...look out Barry's gettin pissy. :D :D :D

No, my cellphones always work for about 10 minutes after I let them dry then they erase all my numbers and die. Fell better? :lol:

[HRK]

not gettin pi$$y ...........sometimes im not as dumb as i look. just had to give ya a hard time BOSS.......yes i feel better http://www.websmileys.com/sm/cool/653.gif