Removing the FEM

[Frank Dreano]

I just had my shifter light bulb out to replace it...in my '02...
This article shows you how to access it: https://www.justanswer.com/ford/2utg...indicator.html

My car is going to the Ford dealer Wed for a diagnostics run....my dash instrument lights are ALWAYS on with the key on, even with the dash light switch in the OFF position; and they don't dim at all; even though the odomoter LCD and climate control panel dim (my shifter light is also out). All of this points to the FEM except the dash lights usually go out. Then I read that the FEM can bypassed by running a jumper off the dash dimmer thumbwheel to wire C220A coming out of the cluster microprocessor to give you dash lights (a workaround) and I wonder if somebody did that on my car.

[BillCT]

Thank you Mike!

[BillCT]

I just had my shifter light bulb out to replace it...in my '02...
This article shows you how to access it: https://www.justanswer.com/ford/2utg...indicator.html

My car is going to the Ford dealer Wed for a diagnostics run....my dash instrument lights are ALWAYS on with the key on, even with the dash light switch in the OFF position; and they don't dim at all; even though the odomoter LCD and climate control panel dim (my shifter light is also out). All of this points to the FEM except the dash lights usually go out. Then I read that the FEM can bypassed by running a jumper off the dash dimmer thumbwheel to wire C220A coming out of the cluster microprocessor to give you dash lights (a workaround) and I wonder if somebody did that on my car.

Thanks for the link. Yes I also read that about the jumper someplace, but it sounded like one of those work arounds that might have consequences. Possibly that's what you have that causes the dash lights to be on all the time. Good luck at the dealer; I'd be interested to hear how you make out.

Bill

[Frank Dreano]

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

The interior light dimming feature of these cars is way over-engineered for such a simple task....e.g. -- the dash headlight switch talks to the dimmer switch WHICH THEN sends a dimming signal to the instrument cluster WHICH THEN in turn sends a signal to the Front Electronic Module WHICH THEN sends a dimming signal to the gauge lights and shifter console light.... Simultaneously, via a different route, the dash mileage display and the radio and A/C-heater controls are dimmed separately. The result being that if the FEM route fails the gauge lights and shifter light go out, yet the mileage, radio and heater controls work properly. Which is EXACTLY the symptoms you describe... This is all described in the service manual...

You can remove and send of the FEM to several places for repair for under $200 - this is a VERY common problem with these cars.

[BillCT]

The interior light dimming feature of these cars is way over-engineered for such a simple task....e.g. -- the dash headlight switch talks to the dimmer switch WHICH THEN sends a dimming signal to the instrument cluster WHICH THEN in turn sends a signal to the Front Electronic Module WHICH THEN sends a dimming signal to the gauge lights and shifter console light.... Simultaneously, via a different route, the dash mileage display and the radio and A/C-heater controls are dimmed separately. The result being that if the FEM route fails the gauge lights and shifter light go out, yet the mileage, radio and heater controls work properly. Which is EXACTLY the symptoms you describe... This is all described in the service manual...

You can remove and send of the FEM to several places for repair for under $200 - this is a VERY common problem with these cars.

Sorry Frank, I didn't realize you had replied. Thanks for all the info, I'm probably going to remove it in the next day or so and send it out.

Thanks

[Frank Dreano]

Sorry Frank, I didn't realize you had replied. Thanks for all the info, I'm probably going to remove it in the next day or so and send it out.

Thanks

If you're sending it to MidWestTekMart in MI you need to pay up front and fill out and include their work order form in the package, and, their turnaround time has gone up to nearly three weeks; just so you know...

I've purchased a used spare (2002 is unique from 2003-2005) and I'm hoping it solves the dash lighting problem; I'll send my current FEM out for repair for a "hot backup" if I ever need it. Clearly this is one of the most failure-prone components in these cars...

[BillCT]

Just thought I'd post an update, I sent the module to MidWestTekMart for repair and got it back a couple of days ago. Everything is working perfectly, dash lights, console and steering wheel lights. It took about 20 days but at least it's fixed and I hope it stays that way!
Thanks for all the advice

Bill

[Alpacawrangler]

I have a 2003 TB, I need to send out the FEB. is there a secret to disconnecting the cable harnesses from the FEM. I have access to the FEM I not had much luck in pulling the connectors free, I dont want to damage it, is there any secret or do I just need to pull harder?

[Frank Dreano]

Its been a while but if I recall correctly there are push tabs to release the connectors and it takes some force to depress them and then wiggling the connector back and forth usually does it. Rarely you might have to wedge a screwdriver in there to pry the connector loose while depressing the tabs. If you have a thin plastic tool to remove plastic trim panels that would be better. While the connectors are off hit them with a healthy blast of DeOxIt electrical spray:

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-De...5-4be35d7258cc


DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST of course.

[Jimr]

Below is what I use to remove the plastic clips. https://www.harborfreight.com/panel-clip-pliers-63699.html?cid=paid_google|||63699&utm_source=goog le&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&gcli d =Cj0KCQjwrIf3BRD1ARIsAMuugNuVTGNWMl90Xk8iySz8VGwre 3ax76iSJGARXqnJP_wLeAxwqM2ye4EaArz3EALw_wcB

[Brad]

https://thunderbirdbob.com/ols/produ...ebuild-service