2001 Ford Explorer ChassisFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Test I: No Communication With Gem/CTM Module

  1. Check maxi-fuse No. 1 (60-amp) in Battery Junction Box (BJB). If fuse is okay, go to next step. If maxi-fuse No. 1 is blown, replace fuse and recheck system operation. If fuse blows again, check for short to ground in Tan/Black wire between BJB and CJB. Repair as necessary. Recheck system operation.
  2. Check fuse No. 25 (7.5-amp) in Central Junction Box (CJB). If fuse No. 25 is blown, replace fuse and recheck system operation. If fuse blows again, check for short to ground in White/Yellow wire between CJB, PATS module, instrument cluster or GEM/CTM. Repair as necessary.
  3. Measure voltage between ground and fuse junction panel fuse No. 25 terminal No. 2 (Tan/Black wire). See Fig 1. If more than 10 volts exist, go to next step. If 10 volts or less exist, repair open in Tan/Black wire. Clear DTCs and recheck system operation.
    Fig 1: Identifying Central Junction Box Fuse No. 25 Terminals
    G98D00367Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect GEM/CTM 18-pin harness connector C283. Measure voltage between ground and GEM/CTM harness connector C283 terminal No. 11 (White/Yellow wire). See Fig 2. If more than 10 volts exist, go to next step. If 10 volts or less exist, repair open in White/Yellow wire between CJB and GEM/CTM. Clear DTCs and recheck system operation.
  5. Disconnect GEM/CTM 26-pin harness connector C280. Measure resistance between ground and GEM/CTM harness connector terminals No. 14 and 26 (Black/White wires) individually. See . If resistance is less than 5 ohms in both measurements, diagnose network concern. See MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - EXPLORER & MOUNTAINEER article. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, repair open in Black/White wire(s). Clear DTCs and recheck system operation.
    Fig 2: Identifying Generic Electronic Module/Central Timer Module Harness Connector C283 Terminals
    G99A54882Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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