Hi,

I have a 2000 F350 7.3 Diesel and mostly loving it (till I have to fix something).

I am getting a DTC code PO-0541 - Manf Intake Air Heater Circ Low. What is this and do I need to worry about it?

Thanks,
Merk

 

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It is exactly what it says. There is a big heating element in the middle of the five way manifold on top of the motor. You might need to worry about it. If it just quit working it's no big deal, you don't need it anyways....but if the element is crumbling/breaking apart then the chance exists that it could push it's way into the engine.

Several of us have simply removed the heater and the wiring for it and installed a plug in it's place.

 

What do you did you due with the wire going to it then Cookie? Just tape it up?

 

No, there are ring terminals on both ends. Just take off the power and ground wires. The blue wire needs to be reattached to the solenoid end, otherwise you lose the ability to do a contribution test.

 

cool, guess that's my next mod. Thanks.

 

Yeah. In fact my boost gauge attaches to this point using an AIH plug that is drilled and setup for the boost hose to attach to. Easy solution.

 

Does it serve enough purpose to leave in until it kicks the bucket?

 

Blackclouddiesel sells an AIH delete plug for 8 bucks.
Some of us use the boost plug there, they sell that too.
When you take it out, you'll be amazed at how huge that blasted thing is.

 

Here's an excerpt from the service manual describing it's operation.

"To reduce white smoke during long idle periods at low ambient temperatures, the PCM will activate the intake air heater. Specific conditions must be present before the heater is activated: "

-ambient temperature must be below 0 deg C (32 deg F)
-engine oil temperature must be below 55 deg C (131 deg F)
-vehicle power must be between 11.8 and 15 volts
-parking brake must be applied on manual transmission vehicles
-the transmission must be on park or neutral on automatic transmission vehicles
-glow plugs must be off

I think it's completely useless, and it blocks approximatey 20% of the arflow through the manifold. Can't say that I've ever missed it in four years of running without it.

 

Wow, when I look at those numbers it's no wonder you get rid of the thing. Thanks Cookie

 

Did you buy the pickup used? My guess is that you did and the previous owner removed the IAH (a common modification) and that is why you have the code set. These things don't operate frequently or long enough to burn out.

 

A Dodge Cummins engine's drain plug is the perfect size for the resultant hole when you remove the IAH module. Locally available at most parts stores.

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