Why avoid dealer diagnostics? Then youd have the problem solved instead if asking peiple who can only guess what's wrong. Diesnt sound very proactive to me.
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Its almost certainly the FEM if the shift indicator AND the instrument lights are out....I have an 18,000 mile 2002 in which that was the only issue and some Bubba had hot-wired a patch inside the instrument cluster itself to have the lights on full time. I reversed that and then had the FEM repaired and all is well. There is more going on that just fuse voltages...the sash light switch sends a signal to the FEM which then determines what the instrument lights and shifter light do. There is a workaround by sending voltage to the shifter light to "backfeed" the instrument cluster lights and adding an external on/off switch which I have done and guided others through. Not perfect but very functional and can save an owner about $500.We recently bought this 2002 Thunderbird with only 22,000 actual miles in early fall of 2020. Driving late one evening we noticed that the gear indicator light and most of the dash instruments would not illuminate. After reviewing this site I thought the front electronic module was at fault. I removed this module and had it looked at by a module repair specialist. He found no issue with the module. I reinstalled the module and traced power back to the fuse box. It indicated I had 13 volt power going from fuse 13 to the instrument cluster and fuse 5 to the transmission shift selector when the main light switch was activated. I am pretty sure others with this car have had this issue and would like to get feedback if possible on what had to be done next by others to resolve this issue. This is the only electrical issue with this car. Everything else associated with the Front Electronic Module works fine. I also changed out the Instrument Panel Dimming Module to no avail. Trying to avoid dealership diagnosis cost if possible.
Thanks
Larry Hunt
I to have my original FEM. The dealer gave it back when they replaced mine 3 years ago. I didn't get it fixed when the price was reasonable. That was a mistake on my part.Very true - the 2002 FEM is unique and has its own part number, they sometimes show up used on eBay - the one in my car now is a used one from there and I had the original fixed and its stored as a backup.
From what I understand, it is plug and play. I would make sure the battery is not connected and everything is discharged.2002 Tbird in inspiration yellow. Just recieved a FEM from Ford in Dearborn. It did not come with instructions, wich is not an issue, I dont think. But I am curious if anyone who has replced a FEM has had any issues, ie FEM needing programed after install. Anyway thanks in advance and happy Birding.
I think somewhere in this thread there is an upload of the pages from the service manual. If not, I will upload the pages when I get home tonightMy 02 dash lights and manual lever selector doesn't illuminate either. I am new to retrobird and trying to find out about this. Some people say it must be programed some say no, I sure would like to know before spending close to 700.00 dollars. I can't even find a dealer in central florida that knows or will work on vehicle to diagnose. I am looking for service manual- wiring diagram to diagnose myself as I am retired mechanic. P.S. someone already bypassed fuel-pump circuit.
you actually found a reman from ford? may I ask the cost was there a core charge? thank you for your time Rick2002 Tbird in inspiration yellow. Just recieved a FEM from Ford in Dearborn. It did not come with instructions, wich is not an issue, I dont think. But I am curious if anyone who has replced a FEM has had any issues, ie FEM needing programed after install. Anyway thanks in advance and happy Birding.
$527.88 for thr FEM $50.00 corE and $14.64 freight. $592.52 total cost from Village Ford in Dearborn Mich. Took two weeks to receive after payment and vin# Best Regards.you actually found a reman from ford? may I ask the cost was there a core charge? thank you for your time Rick
I've never heard of that issue being associated with the FEM. Nearly all cars have a jamb switch and could also be a fuse.Does the FEM control the driver side door and trunk light? Those are out on my bird.
See post #10- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...ectronic-module-fem-2002-2005.5560/post-35306I'm having some weird electrical issues in the dash that my mechanic can't figure out and I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction. It started with the entire dash lighting up while I was driving, every darn light, speedometer would bounce between 160 and 0, other gauges would also max out and then drop to zero/empty.
See post #10 https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...ctronic-module-fem-2002-2005.5560/#post-35306After having all strut bushings and ball joints replaced on my 05 to pass MD inspection, steering is stiff. Is this caused by the FEM?
The FEM controls the driver door window drop and the REM controls the passenger side. I noticed this when mine went bad.Does the FEM control the driver side door and trunk light? Those are out on my bird.
Why would this even be considered an option after numerous members reported issues getting their deposits back? I suggest you read post #1 in it's entirely- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...d-front-electronic-module-fem-2002-2005.5560/I also need a F.E.M. but thunderbird Specialties prices are scary high.