Think i got water in my GEM the lights will not go off will this dry out or is the GEM toast

Most likely GEM module thinks driver door is open . Most common failure is the micro-switch in the driver door latch assembly. To confirm, a scanner needs to be hooked up to be able to read GEM signals.

If lights are on, trouble codes are stored. Get he codes read. That's always the starting point.

You either have a windshield leak & water in the
delayed relay & or the GEM Module failed

If only the lights are effected & not the radio,
blower,interior lights- the the GEM is most likely
okey

Then you trouble shoot the main problem

Try Google There is an overwhelming amount of ford
problems you can read

The gem can go crazy if exposed to water or if the battery voltage is too low. You can find wiring diagrams at the link below.

http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html

The symptoms sound similar to the Soaked GEM issue that some F-150s had. The usual cause is the Windshield on the driver's side leaks, and allows water to get into the cab, soaking the GEM ( Generic Electronic Module ) which is mounted to the back of the CJB ( aka Central Junction Box / Cab fuse panel ). The other source of the leak has been linked to the power sun roof, where the drains a re blocked, and the water comes inside the cab down the A pillar )

1st thing is to have the windshield pulled and resealed, you might want to think about replacing it, if it is bad enough. This is to stop the water coming into the cab of the truck.

Next is to dry out the cab of the truck, to see if the symptoms go away. I have seen this be done via running the truck with the AC on, and the temp high ( heat with the humidity control of the AC ) or a space heater on the driver's side floor board in a garage to dry out behind the dash.

I would say drying out the truck cures the issues long term ~ 60% of the time ( after fixing the windshield ). If the leak has happened for too long, the GEM to CJB connectors might have corrosion on them, or the GEM damaged, causing the CJB to be removed and the connections cleaned and / or the GEM replaced.

There are 5 GEM versions for your MY, so if you get one from a bone yard, make sure it is the same ESOF 4x4, do not use a MSOF ( Manual Shift On the Fly ) 4x4 GEM, they are not interchangeable.

1997 Service Manual GEM removal directions in PDF ( Right Click Save As )
http://my.voyager.net/~sscully/1997F150GemRemovalandInstallation.pdf

Hi,
Did you also check fuses on fuse panel in the engine compartment? GEM/ body module could be the cause. It is mounted on the back of the interior fuse panel. If you have had alot of rain in the past few days, you may have gotten water in the gem module and interior fuse panel. I would remove the 2 large connectors located on the bottom back of the interior fuse panel (they are held in with 2 10mm bolts) and see if there is water present. If there is water then you will need to replace the fuse panel and gem module that is mounted to it. But first fix the water leak which is most likely the windshield or cab visor if you have one installed. If you don't find wet connectors then the gem/ body module is a safe bet since it does control all the things you mentioned.
Hope this helps

i'd look at the ignition sw and
starter relay ( behind the battery).....check the smaller terminals/wires on the relay....hope this helps.....also check out one of the ford forums on line,,,,,perhaps someone there has experienced same problem.....also don't dwell on the cause being a water leak....maybe just dampness....good luck

This is a common problem in F series pickups -- up under your dash above your fuse box or in that area is your (gem module) this controls your horn, speedo, ligths.ect.. most likely has water inside or moisture -- you may be able to take the top off of it and dry it out with a dryer...

Your multifunction switch on the steering column controls your exterior lights. The GEM module controls the interior lights and other stuff. If bad, it would not blow fuses. WHich fuse blows?
Your Ford dealer might be familiar with this issue, so call the service dept and ask them and get a quote. It may be wiring.
reoprt back.

• The high beams are inoperative

• Circuitry.
• Multifunction switch.

• Go To Pinpoint Test C .

--------------------------------------------------------------
Principles of Operation
Generic Electronic Module (GEM) The generic electronic module (GEM) receives inputs from the following:

• door ajar switches
• liftgate ajar switch (wagon)
• liftgate glass switch (wagon)
• headlamp switch
• keyless entry keypad switches
• the powertrain control module (PCM) (vehicle speed signal)
• ignition switch
• remote keyless entry transmitter

The GEM uses these inputs to control the output to the battery saver relay and interior lamp relay. Both relays are integral to the central junction box (CJB) and cannot be accessed directly.
Interior Lighting Systems The GEM grounds the battery saver relay and interior lamp relay coils when any door ajar switch or the headlamp switch is closed. The interior lamp relay then supplies power to the interior lamp circuit. Vehicle speed must be less than 15 kph (9 mph) for the GEM to ground the interior lamp relay. The interior lamps will remain illuminated for a period of up to 25 seconds after all doors are closed or until the ignition is switched from the OFF position, or the GEM receives a vehicle speed signal. Actuating the interior lights from the headlamp switch will operate at any time.
Illuminated Entry Illuminated entry is activated when a keyless entry keypad switch provides ground on the GEM input or when the GEM receives an unlock signal from the remote keyless entry key fob. The GEM then provides ground to the battery saver and interior lamp relay coils. Illuminated entry is deactivated when the GEM receives a lock signal from the remote keyless entry key fob or if the GEM receives ground inputs from the keyless entry keypad switch lock code. Illuminated entry will also be deactivated when the GEM receives input voltage from the ignition switch.
Battery Saver The battery saver is activated when the GEM is not receiving voltage input from the ignition switch (off position). The GEM will then provide ground to the battery saver relay coil for a maximum of 30 minutes depending on the state of the interior lamp switch inputs to the GEM. The energized battery saver relay switches voltage to the demand lamp circuit and the interior lamp relay coil. After time-out, the GEM removes ground to the battery saver relay disabling the demand lamp circuit.
Puddle Lamps The puddle lamp relay operates reverse from the battery saver relay and the interior lamp relay. The puddle lamp relay coil receives voltage when the ignition switch is in the START or RUN position, which disables the circuit to the puddle lamps.
Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the system.

1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart Electrical

• Battery junction box (BJB) fuse 101 (60A)
• Central junction box (CJB) fuse 226 (10A)
• Bulb(s)
• Central junction box (CJB)
• Generic electronic module (GEM)
• Connectors
• Circuitry

Disconnect Battery, remove lower dash knee bolster. From under dash, you'll need to disconnect the 2 bulk connectors on top of the fuse box. (10mm bolt heads) From dash remove the bolts holding the box. Once you have the box free lower it until you can get to the connectors on the GEM module. disconnect connectors. Now box can be removed. It's tight, but it'll come out. The rest is pretty easy. Good Luck and please leave rating. Thanks