1999 Ford Windstar 1999 Ford Windstar Rear Light/REM issue

Tiny
KALWEIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD WINDSTAR
Electrical problem
1999 Ford Windstar Front Wheel Drive Automatic 99102 miles

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar LX. The driver's side rear lamp, middle of the three lights (on when headlights are on) is out. I have swapped bulbs, and the bulbs work on the other side. I've swapped sockets, to the same effect. I've gone after this with a multimeter. I get 12 V at the socket.

I have read on the internet that the Windstars have Rear Electronic Modules. I've also read that the 99 LX model does not. That confuses me. If it does not have an REM, how does the bulb ever go off? I can test 12v at this socket whether the car is on or off. I deduce from this that the mechanism for toggling the light is based on manipulating the ground, which is what an REM apparently does. I am further confused, because the fuses that feed this are obviously working. As near as I can figure, if there is an REM, then the fuses are feeding the rem, which then feeds the individual components. Or so I deduce.

I'm not sure how the relays work, or how they could be involved in this. Where is this REM? Is it supposed to be on '99 LX?

How does this tie in to TSB 985155, "Some vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns caused by the tire jack pinching wires to the rear electronic module (rem)."

Any thoughts? Thanks! Ben
Thursday, May 21st, 2009 AT 12:10 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
If you have 12 v with light on
its one of two
socket no good and or ground wire
check for ground
good luck

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need manual CHECK IT @
https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 AT 5:58 AM
Tiny
KALWEIN
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I mentioned in the question that I already tried swapping the sockets. They're fine.

The reading I've done says the ground is controlled by the REM, if I have one. I think I'm trying to find out if I'm supposed to have one on this car. If so, I'm trying to figure out how it works and how to troubleshoot it.

Any thoughts?
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Monday, May 25th, 2009 AT 2:28 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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Rear electronic module (REM )at right rear quarter panel
use an ohm meter and check wire continuity between socket and module
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Monday, May 25th, 2009 AT 6:29 AM

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