Removing the FEM

[rodeknyt]

I need to have the FEM repaired (via vendor recommended here on TBN), but I've run into a snag I can't figure out.

I got the kick panel off, but there is a panel that runs across the underside of the dash that I need to remove to access the bolts that hold the FEM in place. This panel covers most of the area under the driver's footwell and has a 90 degree bend and some insulating material on the left end of it right where the FEM is. Can someone help with instructions how to get that under dash panel out of there?

I provided a photo (which may not be too useful). The FEM is just barely in the lower left of the image. The panel I'm trying to get out of the way takes up most of the rest of the photo.

Thanks.

[steelblue5505]

Hope this helps. The two attached photos are from the Ford Shop manual.

[rodeknyt]

Only one pic is showing in the post on my computer, but I have this one from another post (probably from you). It doesn't address how to get access to the FEM which is being covered by the panel that runs under the dash. Without that panel moved, there is no way to access two of the three bolts I need to remove to get the FEM out.

[steelblue5505]

Don, either I can't determine what your picture is showing or the 05s (my model year) does not have that hard plastic piece. When I remove the kick panel I expose the entire FEM and can easily see the nuts that hold the FEM in place.

In your photo I do see what appears to be the round head of the push in type fasteners that are so common on this car. Possibly prying those out will free up the panel that is in your way.

[rodeknyt]

Yes, I did some deductive reasoning and noticed that only the edge of that panel closest to the driver was anchored. Those are push fasteners and they are what was holding that panel in place. Hopefully, I won't need to get in there in the future. I don't have it in front of me right now, but I seem to remember something about it involves the footwell vent for the HVAC.

If you aren't the original owner of your Bird, maybe the prior owner dealt with some issue under there and never put the panel back in. I dunno.

[Brad]

Don, just to be clear, the FEM is in the panel to the left of where your feet are at (behind the fender) and not under the dashboard. When you take the kick panel off you should see the FEM right there (I don't see it in your picture either.

[steelblue5505]

Don, I am the original owner of my 05, purchased in Nov., 2004. No one has been inside the driver's kick panel but me.

If you had to remove the hard plastic venting or anything else up & under the dash you are NOT going after the FEM. The FEM is mounted directly to the inside wall of the fender exactly where Brad pointed it out. If you see the Inertia Fuel Shutoff switch which is labeled on the driver's kick panel, the FEM is right next to it. It is a gray colored steel covered box with many( about 6) connectors attached to it. Mine has a label on it stating FEM with other included information.

[rodeknyt]

Had a chance to look at the panel I finally got out. No vent connection, but the driver side footwell light is socketed into it. Now that I have it out, I can get to all three bolts that hold the FEM in. In the photo I put in the OP, the edge of the FEM (sliver) is just barely visible in the lower left of the image, right next to the yellowish insulating material attached to the panel under the dash. The panel had to come out to get access to all the bolts holding the module in place.

Maybe the '02s are different than later production.

[steelblue5505]

Very pleased you got it out. Now be sure to let us know the rest of the story about this FEM. What is it doing or not doing, where are you sending it for repair and certainly when you get it back has the problem been resolved.

[SugarDaddy]

Don,

Good to see you here on TBN again. Sorry it had to be because of a problem with your T-Bird.
It's been a while since we saw you last on one of the Las Vegas Thunder T-Bird trips.

[rodeknyt]

We started having grand kids and....well, you know, not much time for anything else.

[hotwrench64]

The FEM controls many things including dash lights. If your dash lights don’t work check the console lights and door switch lights. If these don’t work most likely it’s the FEM. If it’s just part of the dash lights then there are burned out bulbs. They can be replaced although the dealer will try too sell you a whole cluster. There are 2 sizes of mini bulbs in it. They are the same bulbs used in many European cars dash bulbs.61431 is the bigger bulb and the smaller did not have a number on it.

[hotwrench64]

I saw some of these bulbs at Orielly’s Auto Parts and am going to pull some out of my original cluster to take up there and get some. Have also seen replacements on EBay as well as LED’s if you would like that option or change dash light colors.

[BillCT]

My wife just bought herself a very low mileage 2002 and we recently discovered the dash lights are not working also, so I've been reading posts about this problem. On ours the dimmer switch seems to function OK dimming the radio display and heater controls, it seems like a pretty unique thing if every bulb is burned out in the dash display but I suppose anything is possible. Can someone tell me if the shift lever position is supposed to be illuminated if the lights are on? Ours is not, that may be proof that the FEM is at fault and not the bulbs.............................maybe..........

Thanks,

Bill

[steelblue5505]

Yes Bill the shifter position panel is illuminated.