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

Used units available on ebay occasionally:
2002 Ford Thunderbird Front Lighting Control. Click here to purchase on eBay.
2003-2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD Front Lighting Control Click here to purchase on eBay.
Part number 1W6Z 14B205 AA -

1W6Z 14B205 AA: Search Result | eBay

Buy and sell electronics, cars, fashion apparel, collectibles, sporting goods, digital cameras, baby items, coupons, and everything else on eBay, the world's online marketplace

www.ebay.com

Get it rebuilt at Module Master which currently has 4.9 stars on Google- https://g.page/modulemaster?share
Link to rebuild- https://modulemaster.com/products/f...q=my_car-truck~yr_2003~mk_ford~md_thunderbird

Automotive Modules- http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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]

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

 

[Gus Gutz]

Kearny Pearson Ford in San Diego replaced mine . I was like you and not sure I had the technical knowledge to take it on. Here is the removal instructions. Kearny Pearson Ford gave me the core. I was thinking of getting it rebuilt as a spare.

 

[coat1971]

This list is an attempt to put many possibilities in front of users to possibly shorten their search/decision making. None can be construed as a recommendation but rather beginning info from which to investigate.

The following nomenclature list was provided by LA PHIL:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Restraints Control Module
ABS Control Module
Front Electronic Module
Rear Ambient Lighting Control Unit
Remote Keyless Entry Module
Instrument Cluster Module
Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module

(2018) our friend DavidA just added this as a source:
https://carcomputerexchange.com/ford...d/cat_258.html


this is the one that provided the PCM that got me running again. (Linear also used in January 2017 with favorable results).

http://www.fs1inc.com/
516-766-2723

The following is one Gene (007cruiser) posted and I believe that DavidA either used or found. Think this gent was also referred to me by Ron McCloud. Spoke to him at length and said module had to be sent to him. No shelf stock and might take two or three attempts at the right one. Both Links will get you to the same Company).

http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html
www.ecmdepot.com
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...A1789053F.html

 

[CherokeeMarty]

My 2002 developed the problem with the dash instruments and shifter indicator light problem. I had my FEM pulled by the local dealer (Reynols Ford of Norman, OK) and shipped to <OUT OF BUSINESS>. Once they got the module, they ran a diagnostic test and determined that the #1 pin was the problem. They also told me that they could not fix it. The part number for my original FEM is 1W6T 13B525 AH. The dealer told me that they could get another, but that it did not have the same part number, as that part was no longer available. I authorized the installation of the new module, and it worked perfectly. The new part is numbered 1W6Z 14B205 AA. The dealer had to flash the module with the original FEM program (S154), but it worked. The cost was $900 total, and I was glad to pay it as my car is fixed. ECM To Go was a complete bust.

Happy days!

 

[jimtcrowe]

I recently developed all the symptoms, erratic wipers, window problems, power steering problems. Found info on this forum and self diagnosed. Contacted Ross at http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html for $220 including postage he had my module repaired and returned with no programming needed in 1 weeks time. Super nice guy, and super helpful. I highly recommend. He also works on other modules for this model.

I tried to find a module initially and found almost impossible to locate and the ones I did find were $800 to $1700. Ford dealer wanted another $300 to install and program.

Ross saved me about $1500!!

 

[Larry F]

I used mid west tech in Detroit & he was great, he wants to know all ur faults, u have to forward core.
He has a turn key operation & from my shipment 2 day over Xmas holiday & unit was back in 10 days 100% fixed all calbrated ready to go!! Great job & very knowledgeable in modulles

 

[HKS]

Has anybody change the FEM by yourself. I have losen the two nuts, but it seems to stay put. maybe the FEM is glued to the wall. Is tere only to nuts to unscrew?

Two 10mm nuts and one 8mm bolt.
Service manual has errors.

 

[steelers12]

If you are having issues with your Dashboard Lights and Shift Indicator lights not working, I highly recommend sending your FEM to http://www.midwestteckmart.com/ . They worked on my FEM and it was repaired and back to me within less than 10 days and only cost $208 which included the return shipping. Super knowledgeable, honest, and courteous, would do business with them again. Very thankful.

 

[RJ53]

Does anyone else have an issue with intermittent headlights, driver side window & Speed control? I understand there’s a harness that is the issue.

 

[Gus Gutz]

Does anyone else have an issue with intermittent headlights, driver side window & Speed control? I understand there’s a harness that is the issue.

Lights and driver's window are probably the FEM and the speed control is the clock spring. If the air bag light comes on and stays on, that is the clock spring. The FEM controls many things, two of them you mentioned. Probably 2 Grand at the dealer but under 500 if you do it yourself

 

[CherokeeMarty]

CherokeeMarty, what year is your Tbird? I wonder if the part number you listed will work on all 2002-2005s?

Mine is a 2002 and the FEM was just the one in the system which was not year specific. I suspect that it will work with your car but it will need to be flashed with the program for your car. The dealer had to flash mine as they don't come with the program installed.The mechanic just plugs a laptop into the FEM, installs the program and away you go. The FEM I got was not specified for any particular year, it was just generic.

 

[Bark624]

Looking for any info on where to send module for repair, Problem is no power at connector C201e Pin #11. Live in central florida

Check this place out: http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html This is probably the place.

 

[Flkjr1950]

I just installed the FEM in my 2002 after sending it to Midwesttechmart for repair. I was a little leary but after researching my options I thought the $208 was worth a shot. I was pleasantly surprised to get my rebuilt unit back about 3 weeks after shipping to them. I am happy to report all electrical functions are restored and my T-bird is running like new. I would recommend their service to anyone with FEM issues. It came back with seals on the unit that void the 4 year warranty if removed. If I have issues with it under warranty or not, I will be sure to return it to them for repair.
Fran
Swansea, MA

 

[steelers12]

I just installed the FEM in my 2002 after sending it to Midwesttechmart for repair. I was a little leary but after researching my options I thought the $208 was worth a shot. I was pleasantly surprised to get my rebuilt unit back about 3 weeks after shipping to them. I am happy to report all electrical functions are restored and my T-bird is running like new. I would recommend their service to anyone with FEM issues. It came back with seals on the unit that void the 4 year warranty if removed. If I have issues with it under warranty or not, I will be sure to return it to them for repair.
Fran
Swansea, MA

I did the same and feel the same way. Great people to work with and did a wonderful job.

Thanks for the info as to where to get the FEM rebuilt. we are sending it off today.

I don't think you can go wrong sending your FEM to http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html and or
www.MidwestTecKmart.com

 

[WYS123]

I will probably send it to these people. Their website puts the cost at $208 plus a few bucks for shipping and insurance. http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html

 

[Bark624]

I will probably send it to these people. Their website puts the cost at $208 plus a few bucks for shipping and insurance. http://www.automotivemodules.com/Thunderbird.html

I highly recommend these people. Shipping should run you about $15, they pay for return shipping. They seem extremely busy, count on a good 2 weeks or so. But well worth it for the problems it solves.