Had this 2003 Mercury Sable in with a window problem. Window would go down sometimes but not back up. When pressing the switch you can hear the breaker clicking.
At first I suspected a switch, but then after wiggling the "Flasher" relay of all things it would work. Decided to remove the GEM module which is attached to the under dash fuse panel to investigate for a poor solder joint. Once I got the GEM module removed and taken apart its clear to see the design does not allow for repair. There is two circuit boards that are held together by almost 50 soldered pins making it totally a waste of time to even try.
Apparently this problem with the GEM module is well known, as occurs as a result of the "auto" down feature running thru the GEM module. I decided to bypass this feature and all seems to be working well now.
To bypass the "Auto" down feature that runs thru the GEM module you remove the door panel and cut the orange and white wire to the window motor. Then cut the light blue and tan wire from the blue plug that connects to the window switch. Using a splice wire connect the light blue and tan wire (from the plug) to the orange and white wire (to the window motor plug). Now tape off the disconnected wires to ensure they do not short and all should be well and the GEM module removed from the operation on the drivers side front. The job is made easier by removing the speaker to gain access to the window motor plug (this way you do not have to remove the window motor).
I should also mention I have seen switches themselves go bad in the past, however in the case the window goes down but not up its probably a problem with the GEM Module if the problem is limited to the front drivers side. If you do need a switch the aftermarket now sells them for $35 manufactured by Dorman.
Hope that helps.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Thank you very much for your informative post. I have a 2001 Sable (dohc) and my drivers door window has not worked since I purchased the car (1 yr) but all other windows worked great. I finally decided to repair the window. I bought a new motor/regulator (did not fix the prob), so I bought a new master window switch (again did not fix problem, took car to ford dealer they said GEM Module ... Obsolete but they found one only$1,300.00 ....I found a used one for $35 but dealer claimed they could not program it for some unknown reason. Then I just spotted your post and couldn't be happier. My drivers window doesn't go up or down so I was hoping you inform me of how to bypass up and down functions ? I thank you very much for your time and hope for your reply
The instructions of how I bypassed the "auto" feature of the GEM module for the driver window are listed in this post. I don't know what else I can offer you as I did not take photos of this repair. Doing a search on google for this repair may help you, as I'm sure someone out there has taken photos of this repair.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
