[pdx1953]

I just bought a late manufacture 2001 Explorer Sport. It's in good shape, has been very well maintained and has 187k on it. Other than the dog hair in the way-back & a filthy(!) driver's seat I think I made a good buy for $2000. I also have a 2003 Escape 2wd w/ 190+K on it that I'll probably get rid of.

I have a problem on the Explorer; I can't override the auto door locks & make them stay that way. I've repeadedly done the Ford 'Hokey Pokey' according to the user guide but after a few minutes they go back to the auto lock mode. Since I've owned a number of Fords ('95 Explorer, '00 Taurus, '02 Windstar, '03 Escape) I'm pretty well versed in the process. I even tried it with the keyless lock pad but it reverts to auto lock after a couple of mins of driving.

Any ideas? I've heard on something called a GEM and am wondering it it's the cause and where in blazes is it located?

Thanks!!

 

[Boghog]

The generic electronic module (GEM) controls the power door lock and keyless entry system. Lockand unlock operation is achieved through the use of internal relays in the GEM. The relays
are all door lock, all door unlock and driver door unlock. The normal path of the relays is to
ground. Pressing the door lock control switch to lock or unlock sends a ground signal to the GEM. The same GEM pin is used for unlock and lock input. The unlock signal is a direct connection to
ground. The lock signal is altered by an internal resistor in the door lock control switch. This
varied resistance identifies lock or unlock command to the GEM.​

If the GEM module was bad it probably wouldn't let you do the change from the onset. Have you checked the door switches on the latches for sticking?




If you have a late model Ford truck you can enable or disable the auto-lock feature by follow the directions below. Generally the auto-lock feature is turned on by the factory when the truck has an automatic transmission and it is turned off from the factory on trucks with a manual transmission.

1. Start in the truck with all doors closed and the key turned off.
2. Put the switch in the on position and press the door unlock button 3 times.
3. Put the switch in the off position and press the door unlock button 3 times.
4. Put the switch in the on position, you should hear a quick note from your horn.
5. Press the door unlock button 1 time then press the door lock button 1 time.
6. You should hear a short note from your horn indicating that the auto-lock system is disabled. If you hear a short note then a longer note from the horn then the auto-lock system has just been enabled.
7. Turn the switch to the off position. You will hear a short note from the horn to let you know that the system has been changed.

These steps should be done within 30 seconds in order to properly activate or deactivate the feature.
The system will in most cases revert back to the original setting anytime you disconnect the battery. I understand that these directions will work on any late model Ford vehicle but I have only performed it on the Ford trucks