2003 Windstar LX Blowing Fuse #11 (Inside Car)

[bradleyz34]

Hey guys, I have been doing some research on the issue at hand and I can't seem to get a clear explanation of what is going on, or at least I am somewhat confused.

I just bought an 03 Windstar from a friend that runs/shifts excellent. The problem is that fuse #11 blows under the dash while starting the car, or at least within the first 5 minutes of it being started.

The only thing he has done is replace the brake pressure switch, and fuse 11 still blows out. Brakes work great.

When fuse 11 blows, this is what happens: Can't shift gear out of park (have to start it in neutral); Rear lights/blinkers do not work; rear door locks do no work; fuel gauge does not work; ABS/brake warning lights on. Door ajar light on; Low tire pressure light on. When fuse 11 is replaced, these all work.

Now, when I research these symptoms, most people say fuse #10 blows out and the fix is the brake pressure switch. Fuse 10 in my van is not blown and the A/C works, as do many things running on Fuse 10.

I have been reading a lot about the REM Rear electronic module being the culprit, but is there a way to test that the REM is the exact problem that is blowing the fuse? It is a $100 part and I don't want to start guessing at parts.

Is it possible I could remove the REM and put a new fuse in and test it that way? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[bradleyz34]

Forgot to mention, cruise control also does not work when fuse blows. It will work when the fuse is replaced, like everything else.

[bradleyz34]

Note: Today we removed and unplugged the REM. All of a sudden the shifter was able to shift out of park and the cruise control now works. The rear brake lights, rear locks, gas gauge still do not work. I then put a 15 amp fuse into slot #11 and it did not blow yet. The cruise/shifter still worked, but the other things still did not. It doesn't matter if a fuse is in or not. The only thing that helped was removing the REM. Is this solid evidence the REM is shot? Thanks