Well... not very impressed with the dealer. When I phoned up to book it in, I mentioned the GEM unit Tech Bulletin and advised of the symptoms. I also asked them to check the clutch pedal washer thing had been done while they were in the footwell.

Got there to drop it off, and they had on the notes that my Central Locking wasn't working... jeeze. So, explained all again and also mentioned the clutch thing as it wasn't on their sheet.

Got a call 1.5hrs later.

Dealer:"Is it when you use the key, coz we can't re-create the issue"
Me:"No, the remote.. it's intermittent. Press the unlock button and the alarn sounds. Did it 5 times on Friday and only once on Sunday"
Dealer:"Well, we ran it through diagnostics and it's not showing any errors"
Me:"Have you checked to see if the GEM unit needs replaced?"
Dealer:"Eh?"
Me:"The GEM unit... there was a Broadcast and a Technical Services Bulletin about an issue with them on post face-lift cars. The symptoms are intermittent issues with the alarm, for no apparant reason"
Dealer:"That's news to me, I've not heard about that"
Me:"Well, if you check the internet you will see it's quite a common problem"
Dealer:"OK, well come and pick it up and in the meantime I will check through the Bulletins"

AAARRRGGGHHH !!!!!! I mentioned this when I booked it in AND when I dropped it off FFS !!!

Anyway. Got there to pick it up and was told that they had found a Bulletin and that they were just about to take it back in the workshop as they needed to get some onfo from the GEM unit on mine and then run it through Fords system to see what the fix/if any was.

Hung around for another 20mins or so, and was then handed the keys. Was told that they had updated the software on my GEM unit? I asked for clarification as I understood the GEM unit would need replacing and then some software update, but according to them the Bulletin says they should first try and update the software on the current unit and if they can't then order a new one??

No-one else on here seems to have mentioned this , so I'm now not sure if I have just been fobbed off by a dealer that hasn't got a clue (well they aren't coming across as very organised anyway). I'll keep an eye on it over the next week or so to see if it's fixed.

Oh, and apparantly I don't need the clutch washer thing... if I can trust them.

nah the GEM unit needs to be replaced not re flashed.

ford do state this in technical bulletin!!

Well... as soon as it re-occurs I will be on the blower to them. Is there a Tech Bulletin number? I saw a Broadcast number earlier in the thread, but if I can quote the Bulletin number to them, they surely can't argue.

hmmm... does it sound like they are going to get my business at Service time?

dont think u need the clucthc washer its just standard fiestas fromm 55plate onwards and also ford fusions

My car is an 05 plate and was recalled for the washer (and had it done - that's my hand holding the washer a few pages back in this thread!). It has affected 05 onwards. I know of some 07 plates that have been recalled.

I think they have been told to update the software first (it'll save them money on replacing a new unit remember!) but it sounds like it'll happen again so the unit will be replaced.

hmmm... not happened a single time since having this apparant GEM re-program without the unit being changed...

The alarm on them are really rubbish to be honest. Not that loud, just a beep.

Ah....this is the problem i am having with mine. Ive got my booked in at garage week monday, i shall make them aware. Got a friend who does MOT's at ford and he had rough idea of the problem but ill still tell them anyway.

do you need to just take the broadcast number in and explain whats happing as i have a 56 plate and it goes off sometimes when i unlock the car ?

Yep, get it done quick before your warranty runs out

ok will do cheers

well the ST went in for the alarm today 1.5hr later i get a call saying they have ordered a new alarm gem thingy lol, im glad i joined the forum and found out about this as i wouldnt want to pick the bill up for a warrenty job lol.

cheers guys n girls.

The alarms fcn pointless, I can never hear it! Might get a different one at some point. One that makes a cool noise when u lock it, and sounds like a rape alarm when its going off!