1998 Expedition electical problems.....

[garrigan]

The cars lcoks and lights are constantly on the fritz. The locks open & close and the lights blink on and off. This keeps my kids entertained, however at night this is quit embarrasing looking like a disco tech!Also when exiting the car and locking it, the running board and internal lights stay lit.

I thought this could have something to do with one of the doors not closing properly or maybe a fuse. Not having a trained eye I am not sure what to look for. Any help or ideas are appreciated

[Griffon6]

Hello, I have the same problems with my 1999 Expedition. The problem seems to be water leaking into the fuse box which then fills up with water and shorts out. This also eventually destroys the Gem module too, so both need to be replaced.

I have searched and there are some different resolves for the leak from previous posts below, but so far no difinitive answer as to where the water is really coming from to be able to stop the leaking.

I am taking mine now to try and find the leak source. Replaced the fuse box and Gem module already ($600).

Problems usually start after a hard rain. When dry no problems, but problems continue until water drains or drys up in fuse box.

I'll let you know what I find out.

[critterkeeper64]

I know how you feel, I very helpfull auto forum member sent me this!


mailto:[email protected]

This is the message:

I know exactly what is wrong. I fixed it this weekend on my 2001
Expedition. You have a leak in your winshield and it does leak onto your GEM
which is bolted to the backside of your fuse block. The gem is not
broken. The problem is that there is water inside your fuse block and as
signals change to the GEM there are voltages going to the wrong pins.
Remove your fuse block/GEM, unbolt the GEM, remove the relays, look at the
screw holes that the bulkhead connectors bolt to. You need a drill that
is THE SAME SIZE as the surrounding metal (about 1/2"). Drill down
about 1/4" without hitting the threaded hole too much. This will allow the
screw-hole-things to be pushed out through the back. Pry open the fuse
block and start removing the plastic plates one at a time. There are
lots of metal bars and shapes that need to be kept in place so keep it in
order as you disassemble. Dry out each layer with paper towels or air
and then spray liberally with WD40 or similar to displace the wa!
ter. When you are done put it back together and be happy you spent
nothing on it. Fix the leaky window or it will come back. note: when you
are removing the layers be careful to watch the metal pins that go into
the layer below. as you pry up get a long flatblade screwdriver and go
under the layer to pry up each pin. When you reassemble the unit the
same thing has to happen. sometimes you have to push the pins around to
get them in their correct holes. Each plastic plate has a recess for
each metal bar so if you get confused, look for a recess that is a similar
shape to the metal bar. Good luck. Takes about 2.5- 3.5 hours.

Originally Posted by garrigan

The cars lcoks and lights are constantly on the fritz. The locks open & close and the lights blink on and off. This keeps my kids entertained, however at night this is quit embarrasing looking like a disco tech!Also when exiting the car and locking it, the running board and internal lights stay lit.

I thought this could have something to do with one of the doors not closing properly or maybe a fuse. Not having a trained eye I am not sure what to look for. Any help or ideas are appreciated

[fishinquest]

I had a similar problem with my 98 Expedition. I had rain leaking onto the GEM module (drivers side just above fuse box) and causing a lot of electrical problems. I had a long crack running along the roof channel next to the roof rack support. I think that the rain may have run down the inside of the left windshield post. I sealed up the crack and got a new windshield. The leak has stopped but now I have a battery drain. I suspect that the rain caused a short in the GEM Module or Fuse box. I hear that Ford Dealers replace the GEM module ($235 for the part) and Fuse Box ($129). I'm wondering if anybody knows why they have to replace both. I'd like to just replace the one causing the short. I read the post about cleaaning up the back of the fuse box but I'm not sure if this is causing the electrical drain.

[critterkeeper64]

I didn’t need to replace the fuse box, only the GEM. The second time I had a problem with the electrical, (before I fixed the leaky window) All I had to do was let the GEM dry out. I have not had a problem since.

[JeffroH]

I'm having same problems with my 98 Expedition but mine the starter will engage while running after lights on dash flash on and off, door ajar, interior light comes on, 4×4 low high on, does this a few times then engine dies. Will start back up then has same problem again. Do you think replacing gem will take care of the problem?