So, after getting my Torque application working properly it's been found that my FICM is on it's way out. People have recommended sending it off to Ed to have it repaired and a tune put on it. Also, I've heard about the upgraded voltage FICM's as well. I'm assuming also that my best bet is to have the FICM repaired instead of replacing it. What are your guys thoughts on the higher voltage FICM's? How about the different tunes offered for FICM's?

 

I just sent mine off today to Ed in Iowa. It was 475 for the whole hookup. 2 yr warranty and the atlas 40 tune. Everyone says it will be far better that the one I would walk out of the dealer with. Ficmrepair.com.

 

Haha, I just checked Ed's location and he only lives about 15 minutes away from me! From what I read about the voltage increases it's not really a good idea. Ed's website states that they found that increasing the voltage reduces the life of the module as it just gets hotter. Also, a scan tool will not read about 50 volts anyways as that's all the ECM can read, so if your 58 volt FICM is only reading 51 volts you have no way of telling. I guess I would just pass on the voltage increase then. As far as the tune goes it seems the Atlas 40 is the popular one as it retains the flexibility of the truck. Most likely it's the one I will go with as well.

 

Mine was just pulled out tonight going to get boxed up and sent to Iowa as well. Still on the fence over the ECO tune or the Atlas 40. I still have factory exhaust and pull a 28 ft travel trailer. May go with the Atlas 40 and ask for a straight exhaust from Santa Claus

 

Once ED rebuilds the FICM, will it need to get the work done again in the future? 5years? 10 years?

 

Im sure it would outlast your need for it, but what lasts forever? The main critical thing is keeping the supply voltage to it a good. If you have bad batteries or a bad alternator you could have the best soldering job in the world and it will still burn out

 

I just bought a BPD setup for $523 to my door. It is the power supply side only. You split the old unit power supply off and attach the new power supply. No need for programming cause the programming is on the bottom side of your ficm. Not the top half. This way. I can still ship off the old power supply and have Ed repair it so I have a spare.

 

One thing I do like about the BDP FICM is the billet case. The 6-phase is a cool idea, but seems like big time overkill, especially at 700 dollars. The voltage upgrades seems sketchy as well since you're heating the module up even more in an area where its already getting hot. The BPD FICM is also more expensive than Ed's FICM that's had the 2-year warranty, upgraded components, AND a tune.

 

Just installed my upgraded ficm from Ed I went with the Atlas and the 2yr warranty. It definitely drives better and has better throttle response, and according to the computer significant increase in fuel mileage. I was at 13.5 mixed city and highway, and my comp is pretty accurate per hand calc. After putting about 50 miles on it the usual mixed city highway it showing 17.5 if thats somewhat close I am a happy camper.

 

I had the atlas 40 put on mine and I am pleased. The only thing is when I got the FICM back I was missing a grommet and sleeve in one of the mounting places.

 

I took a peek at Swamp's site tonight and am not surprised why people go to Ed. Cheaper and better warranty. I myself will have Ed rebuild mine and am still leaning towards the Atlas 40 tune. I don't tow with the truck often, but from what I've read if you want to retain the flexibility of the truck to go with the Atlas 40. The Hercules for sure is not heavy towing friendly and it seems like the Atlas 80 is borderline and requires very close monitoring. I would hate to loan the truck to a friend and have them blow it up because they weren't paying attention.

 

I inadvertently came across this thread and saw your post indicating that you were missing a grommet? If you haven't located it, drop me a note as we can get you a replacement. If it helps any, we actually log the number of grommets that modules come in with, so could let you know if you need to look around your garage a bit...

Update: so I was too curious...based on your location and the date, I was able to look you up (of course, you listing your user name on our intake form only helped...) and see that indeed your module DID come to us with four grommets. If you haven't yet replaced that missing one, we can send it over to you. If you HAVE replaced it, let us know so that we can reimburse you. Sorry about that...

 

That's service right there!

 

I installed my FICM with the ATLAS 40 tune I got from Ed yesterday. Let me say this..............WHAT SERVICE AND PERFORMANCE!! Ordered the FICM on Monday 2/11 afternoon, he remaned it on the 13th (he didn't have a core and I wasn't going to have the truck down) got it on the 15th. That folks is service!!! I live in Ohio and to get something in 2 days USPS is awesome!

I bought my X 2 months ago and it only ran this good for a few weeks before the Alternator went out and my FICM started going down hill. I read up on here, online and then called and talked to Ed. I was on the fence because my ScanGauge was acting flakey. Ed insisted I needed an FICM due to the voltage being low on the high side. But I was in denial due to not wanting to spend the $! I got a new ScanGauge sent to me and installed. FICM voltage was reading the same. BTW if you have a ScanGauge with version 4.06 send it back and get it upgraded to 4.10.

So ED thanks for the great service and awesome tune. I may not get better gas mileage due to my foot likes the pedal!!

Just to put this into context....

I went to the dealer and priced a new FICM and they quoted me $900 installed and would not sell it to me as a walk out. When I told them that I could get a remaned and plug and play for $425 they laughed at me and said we will be more than glad to sell you one when that doesn't work for you. I think I am finding a new dealer to use.

 

I've got 58k mi on my 2 yr atlas 40 ficm from Ed. Still truckin. I outta b able to do about 300k in two years. The service he backs the product up with is why I went with him. Very happy.