I sent the FEM module to AutomotiveModules.Com in MI. Upon reinstall it works perfectly! I am grateful! Certainly much less expensive than what Ford wanted to "REPLACE". the unit and reinstall. With shipping time it took a little over a week to receive the unit back. I found that sellers wanted $600-800 for a used unit from a wrecker vs. $190 for the repair with a 1 yr. warranty. It was not fun to get the thing out (see picture).
 

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Hello friends!

My 2003 bird has no light in the instrument cluster or shift indicator (makes night time driving a bit strange), and I was thinking its the FEM as I've seen on here, but I scanned for DTCs and it came back with several DTCs for circuit failures: Fuel Sender Circuit, Turn signal/hazard switch signal circuit, Headlamp input circuit, etc. Here's a screenshot from the scanner app.
Some of the DTCs say they're from the Rear module! I'd love some input!

Do you think its the FEM or something in my wiring/fuse boxes?
I replaced all of the FEM and cluster related fuses after the lights went out the first time.

Many thanks in advance!IMG-2667.PNGIMG-2668.PNG
 
Hello friends!

My 2003 bird has no light in the instrument cluster or shift indicator (makes night time driving a bit strange), and I was thinking its the FEM as I've seen on here, but I scanned for DTCs and it came back with several DTCs for circuit failures: Fuel Sender Circuit, Turn signal/hazard switch signal circuit, Headlamp input circuit, etc. Here's a screenshot from the scanner app.
Some of the DTCs say they're from the Rear module! I'd love some input!

Do you think its the FEM or something in my wiring/fuse boxes?
I replaced all of the FEM and cluster related fuses after the lights went out the first time.

Many thanks in advance!View attachment 24300View attachment 24301
If the only problems you are having are with instrument cluster and shift indicator lighting, than your FEM is most likely the cause. As far as the B and U codes that your Veepeak OBDCheck scanner detected, I think those codes were stored when you replaced all of the FEM and cluster related fuses. Are you able to clear those codes with your scanner, and if so do they return?

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
If the only problems you are having are with instrument cluster and shift indicator lighting, than your FEM is most likely the cause. As far as the B and U codes that your Veepeak OBDCheck scanner detected, I think those codes were stored when you replaced all of the FEM and cluster related fuses. Are you able to clear those codes with your scanner, and if so do they return?

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
Yes, I cleared them once before, but then I believe I checked the fuses again. ? So, I will clear them and see if they return and leave those fuses alone in the meantime. Thanks!

New symptom this weekend:
The Odometer displayed "Lamp Out" or something similar and my right turn signal indicator flashed faster, as if a bulb were out. BUT, the message was gone by the time I parked and the turn signal functioned perfectly once again..

I sent my Fem to module masters. They sent it back stating all the components they repair worked. Credit to them for not charging me. I have tried everything and can not find why I still do not have dash lights or shift indicator lights. Can someone explain the procedure for testing Fem to see if it is the Fem. Or send me repair manual for testing Fem.
Thanks.
That's not good to hear! I feel your pain! I think I'll be sending my FEM out to Automotivemodules.com for $190 with my fingers crossed. Its really strange driving at night with no lights in the Instrument Cluster!
Have you thought about sending your FEM to another specialist?
 
I received my FEM back from Modulemaster.com; it took about 10 days even with my paying for FedEx Next Day Air because they're out in Iowa off the beaten path. But still, the joy it has given me to see all of my lights back on was well worth the wait and the total cost of around $300.
 
My Bird is a low mileage 2002 that has been sitting for a year or so. Battery finally died (was 15 years old but was kept alive by Battery Tender). Since replacing the battery the dash, shifter, and steering wheel lights will only illuminate while the engine is not running. When you start the engine, they flash a couple of times then go off. I'm assuming this is a FEM issue. If someone has a different opinion, please chime in.

The variable steering control stopped working (steering is always "heavy"). I'm seeing in some of the posts that is also controlled by the FEM.
 
My Bird is a low mileage 2002 that has been sitting for a year or so. Battery finally died (was 15 years old but was kept alive by Battery Tender). Since replacing the battery the dash, shifter, and steering wheel lights will only illuminate while the engine is not running. When you start the engine, they flash a couple of times then go off. I'm assuming this is a FEM issue. If someone has a different opinion, please chime in.

The variable steering control stopped working (steering is always "heavy"). I'm seeing in some of the posts that is also controlled by the FEM.
As noted in post #3 and throughout this thread.

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.
 
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.
Sent my FEM to Module Experts/ NationalParts in Jacksonville Fla. Think I was ripped off and/or scammed. Anyone have an issue with them?
 
Sent my fem to module masters in Moscow Idaho. Returned in about a week for 200$ and everything is working great!
 
FYI Module Masters in Moscow took care of my fem fast and efficiently- I reccommend'm- Anyone for anything in Florida- BE CAREFUL- Ive come across many experts who know very little- yes, I live here.
 
I am very tempted to keep it. I do not see them going down in value actually they are going up. I understand that there are issues with some FEM's that cant be repaired and mine has none.
Have any members experienced two FEM failures?
Have it repaired and keep it as a spare eventually they're going to get hard to find and probably a lot more expensive.
I went thru the same ordial you did and send my original to be repaired and also found a REM Module used at a great price and have it as a spare.
 
Hello

Hoping to get some advice someone on this forum. I'm having the exact same problem as Gene Woodrum had, "While driving I realized the turn signals didn't work and the headlights came on only in the auto position although I can turn the running lights on with the switch. When I tried to use the turn signals the dash lights would go out." understandably it seems Gene gave up on trying to solve the problem after spending a lot of money, God knows I'd do the same, I'm really wondering if this is game over and it's time to trash this Thunderbird or what the deal is I don't want to I really like the car It's my car it hits that sweet spot between sporty car and luxury but I can't sink $5000+ trying to attack an issue That may not be solvable. With my problem/car The car runs great mechanically, besides the issues I'm having, The wipers and convertible top are running fine The radio and heat and heated seats everything still works It's just I have that light dimming problem if you try to use the blinkers or hazard lights. From reading over different things on this forum it seems like it might be an FEM (front electronic module) problem, or maybe an Instrument Cluster problem as my mechanics thought that's what it might be but they don't want to touch this thing as the guy that did work on the Thunderbirds for him retired and they know the nightmares behind the electrical problems with these cars. I want to try to narrow it down so I know what needs to be worked on and taken out, I feel if I can do that I can find another mechanic to at least take the parts out for me so that I can ship them off somewhere to get repaired and then have them put everything back together. If anybody has experiences probably please share your stories and the information you have or if you think it might be the FEM module or instrument cluster let me know if you think I should get both of them repaired and send both of them off I'm even open to that idea as the company I'm looking to send them to seems to do both fixes.
Thank you for any time and consideration anyone takes in reading this and gets back to me.
Gypsy Davy
2004 Thunderbird.
p.s. I just wanted to add I'll be sending my FEM or instrument cluster or maybe both if that's what you feel I should do, I'll be sending them off to automotive module/Midwest teck Mart, They seem to be recommended pretty highly.
 
Hi,

2002 Thunderbird - about 40,000 miles

Recent problem - intermittent

after using the car, and it is fully warm, occasionally, the head lights won't work and the drivers side window won't work. You can put the headlight switch in any position and they won't turn on. Dash lights out. The lights that are on the odometer will change brightness as the light switch changes from auto to off to on. The right window works normal. All turn signals work. After the car cools down overnight, everything works normal. Suggestions please. Thanks
 
My Driver window went down and will not come back up. Top was put down and it will not come back up. Radio does not tunn off when door is opened.
Any suggestions
 
2005 Tbird Passenger Side High Beam Doesn't Work, but driver side works fine.
Replaced bulb & still doesn't work.
Checked voltage and only low beam has voltage.

When high beam is enabled, are both low and high powered?

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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