Help needed Front Electronic Module FEM 2002-2005

[Gus Gutz]

My lights went off and my drivers window would not go down. The radio would not turn off when the door was opened and the windows do not drop. this happened twice in two days.

I am sure it is the front electronic module. Anyone know what to do and where to take it?


MODERATOR NOTE 2020- We've found a direct source for the FEM's!
You can now purchase a remanufactured FEM directly from a Ford dealer with a 2 year warranty! These FEM’s we are remanufactured by Ford and are covered by the nationwide Ford warranty for 2 years/unlimited mileage. The part numbers listed below are all of the versions of the FEM modules. They all carry a $1200.00 core. When a core is returned they will not refuse to refund the customer's money provided you follow the core return instructions. They do not list all of the part numbers on the site to avoid customer confusion. Since a VIN is required they just provide the correct product to the customer when the linked item is purchased.


1W6Z14B205AA
1W6Z13C788BA
3W6Z14B205AB
6W6Z13C788AB, available here: https://parts.lakelandford.com/p/62892252/6W6Z13C788AB.html


Used units available on ebay occasionally click here.

Get it rebuilt at http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html


MODERATOR UPDATE! We've have had numerous complaints from members who had serious problems when purchasing a new FEM from Philip Wegener Thunderbird Specialties aka Powersport California Custom. See this page for details.

 

[Johnvins]

Many might disagree, but your best service is at your local Ford dealer. Yea I know the hourly rate is up there but they know what to do and you'll get fluids topped off and a good inspection of the Bird to alert you of potential future issues.

 

[Gus Gutz]

Many might disagree, but your best service is at your local Ford dealer. Yea I know the hourly rate is up there but they know what to do and you'll get fluids topped off and a good inspection of the Bird to alert you of potential future issues.

i went to the Ford dealer. we will see

 

[Gus Gutz]

You can have your FEM rebuilt by these professionals:

http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html

Thanks U5512. I had the dealer replace mine but they gave me core. I should have it rebuilt and then ebay it

 

[Victory]

My lights went off and my drivers window would not go down. The radio would not turn off when the door was opened and the windows do not drop. this happened twice in two days.

I am sure it is the front electronic module. Anyone know what to do and where to take it?

Hi,
I have a 2002 T Bird and have the same problem. I went away for three weeks and when I came back my car had all of the above. In addition, the oil light is on. The oil is full and there were no leaks, so my husband (who is going to take care of this) wants to know, is this meaningful? Can the car still be driven to the repair shop (we live on an island!) Any one know? Thanks.

 

[Gus Gutz]

I had the oil light problem. When it first happened I went and had an oil change. The module was available from the Ford dealer and I did get to keep the old one. I guess they can be rebuilt. I drove it to work one morning and the lights turned off before I turned off the car. The top would not operate, the drivers window would not work or drop. Even the radio would not shut off after I turned the car off. I unhooked the battery for the day. I took it to the Ford dealer on the way home and they said there were no codes. After replacing the module , I have not noticed anything yet.

I was able to drive the car, but check to make sure you have functioning tail lights.

 

[Victory]

Thanks, Gus, we'll check for tail lights.

 

[Alan]

All my lights are ok, but my steering is stiff ...??

 

[Gus Gutz]

All my lights are ok, but my steering is stiff ...??

These cars have a speed sensitive steering. I wonder if you have a sensor problem Mine was gone when the FEM was replaced

 

[Alan]

Thanks, Gus. I will look into this as I need to get it corrected, but hesitated to just take it to a garage and let them have free will to repair. I have been down that road before where they just change parts until they finally correct the problem.
Thanks for the reply, Alan

 

[Gus Gutz]

Thanks, Gus. I will look into this as I need to get it corrected, but hesitated to just take it to a garage and let them have free will to repair. I have been down that road before where they just change parts until they finally correct the problem.
Thanks for the reply, Alan

Look for other strange things happening. My wipers would just go off every now and then. My radio did not shut off when the car was turned off. Driver's window would not go up or down and the window drop didn't work. the top would not go up. A couple of times the headlights just went off and of course I would get off the freeway and the steering was still stiff. These were all intermittent. There were no codes in the computer pointing to a bad fem. The ford dealer couldn't find a problem but I had them change the FEM and no problems since.

 

[Alan]

Interesting, my window down "auto" doesn't work either. I will be checking into the FEM repair it replacement.

Thanks for additional info, Alan

 

[tbird]

You can have your FEM rebuilt by these professionals:

http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html

Some of the Most Common Problems that are fixed:
Instrument Illumination Problems (No Dash illumination & Shift indicator)
Headlights issues.
Front Turn Signal Problems.
Window inoperable (driver side).
No Wipers, No Horn.
Convertible. Top
Power Steering Assist.(stiff) Code C1925 .
Also Codes such as :B1342,B1438,B1446,B1676.

 

[Alan]

Some of the Most Common Problems that are fixed:
Instrument Illumination Problems (No Dash illumination & Shift indicator)
Headlights issues.
Front Turn Signal Problems.
Window inoperable (driver side).
No Wipers, No Horn.
Convertible. Top
Power Steering Assist.(stiff) Code C1925 .
Also Codes such as :B1342,B1438,B1446,B1676.

Thanks for this information, hopefully I'll not experience all of these problems

 

[WYS123]

Interesting, my window down "auto" doesn't work either. I will be checking into the FEM repair it replacement.

Thanks for additional info, Alan

Alan....

I just got my Bird back from Ford for the same window problem. They had do something to reset the window. My problem happened after the battery went South. All is good now.

 

[vcionetti]

Look for other strange things happening. My wipers would just go off every now and then. My radio did not shut off when the car was turned off. Driver's window would not go up or down and the window drop didn't work. the top would not go up. A couple of times the headlights just went off and of course I would get off the freeway and the steering was still stiff. These were all intermittent. There were no codes in the computer pointing to a bad fem. The ford dealer couldn't find a problem but I had them change the FEM and no problems since.

Does anyone know what the actual part number is for the Front Electronic Module? THANKS!

 

[Gus Gutz]

Does anyone know what the actual part number is for the Front Electronic Module? THANKS!

I have the box from Ford with the number for mine. I will post that this weekend. I heard they are all different and may be particular to your car

 

[vcionetti]

I have the box from Ford with the number for mine. I will post that this weekend. I heard they are all different and may be particular to your car

Thanks, Gus!

 

[Gus Gutz]

Thanks, Gus!

Here is the label on the box. Ford gave the core to me in the box it was shipped in.

 

[vcionetti]

Thanks, Gus. What was the dealer charge for the FEM replacement & labor? Thank you.