2000 Windstar, no dash lights, speedo, electric controls

[majgick8]

Hello, I have a 2000 Windstar. The odometer and speedometer quit working and the abs light came on. I checked the manual and all 3 of these are on the same fuse. Checked fuse and it was blown. Replaced fuse and everything was working. Was not getting heat (thought it might be the front temp blend door actuator) so I checked some more fuses. I had the van running and pulled a fuse and everything on dash quit. No dash lights, no windshield wipers, no radio, no turn signals, no blower motor, no power windows, mirrors or locks. I put the fuse back in and still nothing ( the van remained running during this. ) If i turn the van off and turn key back into accessory position, everything works. I am dumbfounded. None of the fuses are blown. Could this be a relay? If so, why does everything work with key in accessory? Has anybody experienced this or have any suggestions. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Keith Hall

[ABE]

Hi majgick, welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you pulled a GEM fuse, there are 4 fuses for the GEM. It is a multi functional module that controls most of the features you describe. The GEM is filled with relays and control circuits. Is everything working ok now?

Fuses that are not blown can still be problematic if the contacts are less than perfect.

Good luck.

[majgick8]

Thanks for the reply Art. No, it is not working. I was fooling around with it and found everything works until the moment the motor starts. I was thinking maybe an ignition fuse or relay? What is a GEM fuse? Thanks Keith

[ABE]

Most of the late model Fords use a Generic Electronic Module (GEM) to control the door locks, windows, dash warning lights, front wipers, and a host of other features. There are usually 4 fuses identified as GEM for these functions. Your Windstar does not appear to use the GEM, there seem to be separate functional modules for locks, and there is a front electronic control module and a rear electronic control module. So your vehicle is different to what I am accustomed to.

In looking at the fuse box in the passenger compartment, you have 6 relays. The relay #1 and #4 are named switched system power relay #4 and #3 respectively. I am unsure of your setup, but typically there is one for accessory and one for run. When the ignition switch is turned to start the power is cut to most ignition fed systems (to ease the starter load) and returned to power when the ignition returns to run. Sounds like the relay does not return to the run condition but this is purely speculation on my part.

I have no way of checking the electrical circuits for your van, but you could see if both relays are the same setup of contacts and interchange them if appropriate. They are not usually expensive anyway.

I will check my Taurus and let you know.

[ABE]

The electrical system is quite different on my Taurus, no help there. Sorry.

[majgick8]

Thank you for all your help. I am going to check relays and try switching if they are alike. Again, thank you. Keith