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6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Check engine light is on.

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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 07:52 PM
  #1  
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Check engine light is on.

I have an 05 Excursion with 39k on it. I have been nursing the batteries over the last couple months. It cranks slow in the am but then is Ok during the day. Well here in S. Florida we are having a cold spell. 40's and 30's tonight. When I started it yesterday it cranked slow but kicked in. When it did it was real rough and blowing black smoke for about 20 seconds. Then it smoothed out and all was good.

Today same thing. It cranked real slow, started, sputtered and stalled. Tried it a few more times and it finally started. Ran real rough for about 10 seconds or so. Then it evened out. I let it idle for about 30 minutes. After it started and was running rough I noticed the check engine light on.

My guess is the batteries are just too low. It is going into the 30 tonight so tomorrow will tell the story. I have a battery charger on it overnight to see if it cranks right over tomorrow. If it does I will chalk it up to low battery voltage.

Is there a way to read the code without a reader?
 
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 08:26 PM
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check your ficm voltage
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by sarnott140
check your ficm voltage
Ditto. Load test the batteries as well.

Weak batteries have been linked to FICM damage.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 08:31 AM
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You are playing Russian Roulette with your FICM and you have 2 bullets in the gun. Get new batteries before it's too late if it isn't already.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 12:47 PM
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What is a FICM? ANd is it covered under the 5 year 100k warranty?
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 04:02 PM
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900+ posts and you don't know what a FICM is?
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by w_huisman
900+ posts and you don't know what a FICM is?
Post count has nothing to do with product knowledge just like size doesn't matter--LMAO

In all seriousness the FICM is the fuel injector control module. It's a fairly important electronic part that gets highly stressed by weak batteries and/or a faulty charging system.

It is covered by the 5yr/100K warranty but with an 05 that's really stretching it unless your vehicle has a very late inservice date.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 69cj
You are playing Russian Roulette with your FICM and you have 2 bullets in the gun. Get new batteries before it's too late if it isn't already.
I can vouch for the above thought it was just the batteries and when the FICM went out well lets just say $$$$. Also it will give a lot of codes from the cam sensor ---- well I can't remember how many. But I was stuck in po-dunk MISS at a meeting and well they said cam sensor, after 100 dollars in parts I asked to see what the codes were. FICM was one well to make a long story short had to tell them what was wrong. Needless to say the cut me a brake on the cost. And they learned a lesson on the 6.0.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by npccpartsman
Post count has nothing to do with product knowledge just like size doesn't matter--LMAO

In all seriousness the FICM is the fuel injector control module. It's a fairly important electronic part that gets highly stressed by weak batteries and/or a faulty charging system.

It is covered by the 5yr/100K warranty but with an 05 that's really stretching it unless your vehicle has a very late inservice date.

Tim, that is entirely too much info. LOL
 
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 08:18 PM
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tim, its not the size its the magic..... You can now all call me Merlin

and remeber its not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 01:19 PM
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I took the batteries and had them checked. One had a bad cell (Ford battery) the other was just fine (walmart) I purchased a new battery. Thing cranks like no tomorrow....but won't start. I called Good Sam today and they towed it to the dealer. Dealer called and said it may take a day or two to get to. Since I don't need it I said no problem.

My guess is, from reading a lot of posts, is that the FICM is gone by by. Merry Christmas Ford. :-)
 
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:26 PM
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Test it, and replace it yourself if necessary. It's R&R is only slightly more difficult than changing a tire, and you'll likely save yourself in excess of $500 over having Ford do it for you.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 06:00 PM
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You should also change both batteries at the same time.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by 69cj
You should also change both batteries at the same time.
^^^^What He said.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2010 | 08:30 PM
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Well its still at the dealership. They didn't call today so maybe Monday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
 
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