Can FEM module be re-flashed? Knowledgeable dealer in central Florida?

[Spotrot]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone has experience with the FEM.

On my mother in law's 2002 low mileage T-bird:

Headlights, flashers and wipers stopped working (power window issues started prior to this)
A local mechanic said “multiple module failure” and told he to go to the Ford/Lincoln dealer.

The service manager at Nick Nicholas Ford Lincoln said:
1. they need to remove aftermarket alarm to get to the FEM;
2. FEM can’t be re-flashed
3. No error codes came up

I'm concerned that the tech isn't knowledgeable about these T-bird systems.

Questions:
A. Does anyone know for sure if the FEM can be re-flashed (previous posts suggest it can be re-flashed)
B. Does anyone know of a knowledgeable dealer or technician on the west coast of central Florida?

This forums prior posts have been a big help,

Thanks

John

[Brad]

Is the aftermarket alarm mounted to the driver kick panel? (that's where the FEM is)
The FEM probably needs to be repaired (and probably re-flashed after). There are several recommendations of businesses that fix these modules found on TBN.
Find a local mechanic (non-dealer) to pull the bad module and then you or them can send it in for repair.
You or the shop can figure out which module may be bad based on the symptoms.

[wcoates]

John hope the thread below helps. If you find a closer vendor that you are pleased with please post and we'll add it to the list. I know at least one member listed a FEM repair he was happy with!


http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...e-manufactuers

[Spotrot]

Brad and Bill, thank you.

The dealer just called and said the $375 they charged for removing the alarm system did nothing to help (no surprise there).

Now the dealer says there is no communication between the IDS (code reader) and the car's system. Therefore they say they need to pull the dashboard and door panels to disconnect each of the 7 remaining modules to determine which one is bad. (They said they already tried disconnecting the FEM module.) That may cost $800 more -- and that will supposedly only determine which modules need to be replaced at further cost.

[Spotrot]

My mother-in-law chose to take it to another Ford dealer. They said it needs a new FEM module (no surprise there) "power goes into the module but does not come out." They said they located a NOS Ford module which will have a two year warranty for $500. But they say it’s going to be $700 more for 'installation and programming.' So that’s $1200 total but they are not sure if that will fix all the problems. They would need to put the module in before doing any further diagnosis if problems remain.

Does anyone know

1. Does it take hours to remove and install the FEM module?
2. Does a new FEM module require programming?

It seems strange to me that these are unknowns. Most modern shop manuals describe the steps to installing parts.


In case it is of help to others, on 12-4-17 I spoke with Ross at http://www.midwestteckmart.com/ (734) 228-8679
He said that rebuilding the FEM module would cost $208. He said he does four or five per week and believes he’s the only one that rebuilds them. I think he also said that you can just plug in his rebuilt modules – no reprogramming is necessary of the car for the module.

[Brad]

1. The FEM is behind the drivers kick panel, from people on here that have removed it, sounds pretty simple.
2. Most of the guys that fix the FEM include the programming (they usually ask for you VIN#. Theoretically if the part he fixes isn't programmed then it might not need to be reprogrammed.

I've heard many stories of Dealers replacing the module and then later realizing it is something else causing the problem (dirty connectors, etc. since the new module didn't correct it)

[Spotrot]

Thank you Brad

They charge $100/hr so it sound like they're claiming 4 hours to R&R it and 3 hrs to program it. I don't believe those hours.

[dewdrop]

It takes less than 1 hour to remove and same to reinstall. I have used the Midwest tech guy and no reprogramming needed. Just install when you get it back. Make sure you describe symptoms to fixer.
Dan Wilcox

[Spotrot]

Thank you for the helpful information.

Two days ago, I told the Ford dealer we wanted the original module and its packaging (I was suspicious that they found a NOS module) but they told me their policy is not to install rebuilt parts.

I called to get an update today and their story changed again, The part is a "Ford" rebuilt module and they now say they will install rebuilt parts but only ones rebuilt by Ford. And their is a $72 core charge so they can't give me the module back, and they may have to send the packaging back too.

[Birdlover]

Two days ago, I told the Ford dealer we wanted the original module and its packaging (I was suspicious that they found a NOS module) but they told me their policy is not to install rebuilt parts.

And their is a $72 core charge so they can't give me the module back, and they may have to send the packaging back too.

John, Isn't there a law in Florida requiring repair shops to return any replaced part if requested? I'm only a winter resident but the shop I use for repairs has a sign (looks as if provided by the state) indicating they are required to return parts if requested.

[Spotrot]

Yes, but they wanted the $72 core charge to return the part.

Good news: the 2002 T-bird's systems are working again; my mother in law just went to pick it up.

The bad news: the story from the Ford dealership changed yet again. They now say the module was a brand new unit and it cost over $700. But they still wanted the old one and had to return the packaging, although they said they took a photo of it for us.

The labor changed also. They charged about $250 to change the module but added a $75.00 diagnosis fee twice. They said the current for Ford IDS at first does not appear to communicate with the older cars. However they learned of a way that the IDS System can be used to check the older modules.

[Spotrot]

In case of help to others, the Ford dealership states that the FEM they installed was a new (not rebuilt) Ford part. They still said we would have to pay a $72.00 core charge if we wanted to keep the part and its box. However they did take a photo of the part and its box. Interestingly, the Ford label on the box says “packaged May 2017.” I wonder if the part is still being made. The dealership charged $703 for the part and $247 to R&R it.

I bought the service manuals on CD off eBay for $22.00. That showed it is very easy to remove the FEM. Remove the LH sill plate and kick panel – there it is. However they do say to download information from it before removing. But note that the $208 rebuilt FEM does not require programming.

[merlot4]

Thanks for adding the information, John, it likely to be something we all run into if we keep the Birds long enough.

[steelblue5505]

A new never been used FEM, key word here is "NEW" has to be programmed to match the car it is being installed in. The programming containes special ,& unique data to that car & only that car such as build levels or versions of some of the other components the FEM inter faces with.

A rebuilt FEM, where the module is removed, sent off to be repaired & then reinstalled into the same car does not need to be reprogramed.

A rebuilt FSM that is not original to the car would have to be reprogramed to the car it is going into. That data info can only come from the original FSM. And as time continues to move on I don't think many Ford dealership will be able to do this.

The FSM is the only module in the Retro that requires programming, all the others are plug-n-play.