GEM module?

I've seen alot of problems with this on the board, but I'm not familiar at all with what they do, what problem they cause, and what needs to be done to fix it.

Anyone care to enlighten me?

Thanks, Dan

GEM Module is Generic Electronic Module.  GEM is available on all Ford vehicles starting from 1999 and up.  This unit controls Keyless entry, Driving Lights and Head Lights system, VSS, Tech, etc. etc. etc.

Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer Automobiles Recalled

Detroit, MI  ( SafetyAlerts) - The National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) has published the recall of certain 1999-2000 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer automobiles because the generic electronic module (GEM) could experience a condition referred to as "lock-up."

According to NHTSA,  this could cause a situation where the GEM controlled electronic functions (e.g., front windshield wipers, interior lights, 4x4 system, etc.) could not be turned ON or, in some cases if the function is ON, could not be turned OFF.

208,903 sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines and All-time 4-Wheel Drive (A4WD) powertrains, manufactured between September, 1998 through September, 1999 are affected by this recall.

Dealers will install a resistor in the GEM circuit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 15, 2000.

Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V072/Ford Recall No. 00S04]

Notice of this product warning was sent via email to SafeMail subscribers June 2, 2000.

Generic Electronic Module: The GEM module provides the sophisticated operation of this lighting system that turns on the interior lights when you lift the external door handle, and keeps them illuminated for 25 seconds or until the ignition is turned to the "on" position or the vehicle reaches 8 miles per hour. If for some reason the interior lights stay on, the GEM module will time them out after 40 minutes to prevent a dead battery.

The problem with this is that after 40 minutes teh door trigger wires loose power and where there was once a (+) signal is now resting at nothing . If your alarm system is hooked up to this wire then it wil think that the doors were opened because the current is not there. Also, the GEM controls the door locks and takes power away from the door lock system until it is "woken up " with the OEM FOB remote or with a key in the door lock cylinder.

so if one would ever lock up while i was working on it, all that needs to be done to fix it is turning the key in the drivers door?  or is that just for the door locks?

what's with the recall/resistor, does that prevent it from ever going into lockup?

just trying to learn something and squash this bug before it bites.  Thanks for the replies.