GEM module stands for the generic electronic module, which is the computerized system of the Ford F150. It controls the functions of various electric systems, including headlights, wipers, sensors, power windows, interior lights, and warning chimes. You can see several problems in this part, which leads to malfunctioning of electronic devices.
Ford F150 GEM module problems include electric devices malfunctioning, corroded parts, poor signal detection, overheating, grounding issues, short-circuited wires, and engine stalling.
It is located on the backside of the fuse panel or in the fuse panel box located in the dashboard compartment.
Last year, I faced a problem starting my Ford F150 because of the faulty GEM module. I had to go to the party, and I inserted the key in the ignition but could not start the engine. I checked the battery with a voltmeter, but it showed a 12 V charge. I checked the GEM module located in the dash compartment, and its wiring was loose. I tighten the loosely connected wires properly to restore their functioning.
| Problems | Solutions |
| Electric devices malfunctions | Replace the faulty GEM module |
| Corroded parts | Remove corrosion with a brush |
| Poor signal detection | Check sensors |
| Overheating of components | Avoid parking in direct sunlight |
| Grounding issues | Replace the corroded ground wire |
| Short circuited wires | Tighten the loosely connected wires |
| Engine stalling | Inspect engine |
| Broken internal parts | Replace GEM module |
| Incorrect programming | Reprogram the GEM module |
Electric devices malfunctions
The GEM module is a significant component of your Ford truck, which stores the electricity and provides it to various electric components. It works with various sensors and switches that signal their input devices.
These input devices transfer the signals to the microprocessors that generate response through the output devices. A faulty module does not allow the electric components to function properly.
It causes the intermittent functioning of various devices, including windshield wipers, radios, signal chimes, headlights, and sensors. You can see wipers and radio switches won’t work when you turn them on for their respective functions.
Moreover, you can also hear the sizzling sound from the dashboard because of their faulty components. You cannot engage the four-wheel drive, defrosting feature, and exterior and interior lights because of the problems in a computerized system.
It is better to locate and check the GEM module in your vehicle when these parts stop functioning instead of inspecting the batteries.
Read the owner manual to find their location because it varies according to the models of the Ford F150. Replace the faulty module with a new one after locating it in your truck. You need $300 to $600 to replace this component.
Corroded parts
Corrosion is also common on several parts of the GEM module, which cause interruption in their functioning. It causes resistance in current flow and does not allow this device to supply electricity to various components.
My friend has the 2019 Ford F150 model and told me he heard the sizzling sound coming from the steering column. He faced this issue one year back because of the corroded components of this device.
He also told me he did not feel overheating or smell from there. In addition, the radio in his truck starts working without a key in the ignition.
He opened the dashboard compartment and located the module near the fuse box panel. He saw the greenish color corrosion near the leads of the fuse holders.
He used the brush to clean the corrosion from there and applied the dielectric grease for future prevention. Corrosion can come on these parts because of the incorrect windshield installation, allowing water to seep inside the dashboard during the rainy season.
Furthermore, accidental spillage of liquid drinks on the dashboard causes the water to penetrate inside and damage the electric components.
Poor signal detection
GEM module contains input and output devices and microprocessors to receive signals and generate responses for the functioning of various electric components.
Sometimes, they cannot detect the signals because of faulty microprocessors and input devices. In addition, the issue also comes because of the damaged sensors that cannot transmit the signals to these devices when you press the switch of the several components to turn them On.
Poor detection also comes because of loose and disconnected electrical wiring. You should check the sensors of the respective components and replace the damaged sensors with new ones.
Overheating of components
GEM module not working can be due to overheating of their components. Overheating issues usually come when you park your truck outside.
High outside temperatures and heat from the sun directly come on the dashboard compartment. It causes overheating of their parts, which leads to the malfunctioning and intermittent working of electronic devices.
In addition, the overheating problem also comes when overheated engines transfer the heat to their parts. You can see melted plastic on their sides because of the high temperature.
Avoid driving your vehicle when the engine overheats because it transfers the heat to the various parts and affects their normal working. You should not park your truck in direct sunlight because it can affect the dash and steering components.
Grounding issues
GEM module also has ground wires, which change the current flow path after detecting unusual changes in electric circuitry.
You can face problems in their normal functioning because of the loosely connected and corroded ground wires that do not change the current path.
Poor grounding causes the high ampere current to flow through these devices and damage them. Ground wires can corrode in Ford F150 because of the rusted screws and metal parts.
They become loose because of the vibrations from the road, loose screws, and age. You should check their ground wires and tighten the loosely connected wire.
However, replacing the corroded ground cable with a new one is necessary for smooth current flow.
Short circuited wires
The GEM module is connected to several wires that receive sensor signals and transmit the power supply to the electric devices that rely on them.
Sometimes, it does not work due to poor signal detection issues and intermittent functions of electric devices because of damaged or disconnected electric wires.
Replacing the short-circuited or broken wires with new ones is necessary after tracking its components. Use the screwdriver to fix the disconnected wires in the electric circuitry.
Engine stalling
You can also face engine stalling issues in the Ford F150 because of insufficient power supply. Ignition components also need electric current for air and fuel mixture burning.
A faulty GEM module cannot supply the power to these components effectively, and you can struggle to start your pickup truck.
Moreover, many people complain that it is hard for them to accelerate their vehicles. It is better to inspect its wires and replace the corroded and damaged ones with new ones.
You can also remove the corrosion from the connectors for their efficient functioning.
Broken internal parts
It is located in the dashboard compartment near the fuse box panel. Their parts are vulnerable to wear and tear because of several factors.
Hard-impact front-end collision increases the risk of damage to their components. In addition, their internal parts also break during severe accidents.
You cannot repair the broken parts, and it is necessary to replace them for the functioning of electric devices.
Incorrect programming
Sometimes, the issue in the GEM module comes because of their incorrect programming. You have to program this device in your vehicle for their correct functioning.
I also programmed this device when I replaced it with a new one. My Ford F150 GEM module broke during the front-end collision, and I installed a new one in my vehicle.
I programmed it by connecting the programming device to the OBD-II scanner connectors. I turned on the ignition, but the engine was turned off.
I followed the instructions mentioned on the programming device to reprogram the module. I removed the device after completing the process and turned off the engine.
I started the engine and went for a test drive to ensure everything worked in my pickup truck.
Related Articles: