3 weeks ago we bought a 2001 f350 diesel dually w/7.3. about 2 weeks after having it the horn started to go off on its own and the key reminder chime continues to go even when the key is not in the ignition. so after a few days my husband couldn't find out why the horn was going off intermittedly so he decided to disconnect the horn. as of a couple days ago the day time driving lights have decided to turn on and off by themselves. the newest one that started today is the best one of all, as I release the clutch the drivers side window decides to go down. any thoughts or recommendations on how to solve this issue would be great. by the way I have named her Christine...

 

There is a good possibility the driver's side of the windshield has been/is leaking moisture on the area behind the fuse panel under the left side of the dash.
Some folks have been fortunate enough to remove the module and manage to dry it out, some just replaced it. When moisture and corrosion get loose in there the circus begins. We couldn't plan it better if we wanted to, but unexplained things start happening. The module contains various relays and controls that start doing things on their own. Referred to as the smart junction box/generic electronic module it is extremely sensitive to voltage changes/signals and the leaking windshield problem should be addressed before repairs are made.

 

Welcome to the site..

We used to call them " Christine" like the possessed movie car too.

Hanky is straight up, the GEM piggy backs the central fuse box. If the windshield leaks the water tends to collect on the lower window pinch weld channel and then runs down inside the front left cowl area. The main wire harness passes right under there and water then travels down the harness road and into the CJB/GEM.

Have seen automatics crank the engine with no one inside as the radio plays, interior lights on'n off.. Horn,, just depends..

If you look up in the foot well area, sometimes you'll see where the water left 'tracsk' in the collection of normal dust and such either down the cowl and/or zig zagging the harness. If you drop the CJB/GEM you may see corrosion. Sometimes you'll see the 'green' on the buss bars on/in the backside of the CJB. If so, you know it's been damp.

 

I know the windshield was replaced just before we bought it but where we bought it was a very dry climate almost no rain or snow and of coarse where we live rains just about everyday. My husband will be looking into it further today. Thank you for your help

 

Welcome on a board dear!!

 

Welcome! Just so you know a lot of the GEM modules/smart junction boxes are on backorder. If that ends up If you send me your VIN I would be happy to find the right part and let you know its status.

 

So it was definitely water. one of the marker lights on the roof was leaking and the water traveled down the wires that lead under the dash and directly to the fuse panel. so surprised the head liner was not wet at all. we are going to let things dry out for a few days then start checking the for corrosion on the fuses and relays or if the entire GEM needs to be replaced.

 

That is awful, I am sorry to hear that... Let us know if you need anything.

 

yeah stephd if you need anything you can tell us.