I am no expert but I would look closer at your batteries. Your voltages are only a little low and it sounds like they come up as soon as your alternator starts charging your system.

 

I checked swamps web site . They state $750, -$350 core so cost $400. for repair but if the unit has been tampered with will only credit $50. costing $700. CBM web site don't state if the will repair. Tried to call but closed on weekend. I found a company on ebay (don 't know if im allowed to post company name on here) that charges $225 . They test before & after repair.They replace capacitors,resistors & drivers and give a three year warranty. Also have a 24 hr turnaround. If i ship on monday will have by friday. I think i might go this route. What do you think?

 

There about four months old.

 

One of FTE's ex-members is posting up a storm on this subject on another Forum. He warns against places that replace parts because NO ONE will divulge the specs on the parts they use! I tried to get more details on this from SWAMPS, CBM, and an FTE member (5030tinkerer) ............. basically no one responded.

It really is a subject that few can give advice on ..... only opinions.

SWAMPS has probably the largest business. They have also been in the business of repairing older units (IDMs and such) for quite a few years. I do not know about CircuitBoardMedics history.

Maybe you should let the decision be made based on offered warranties???

If you have the skills to try re-soldering (or know folks that can - like reputable local electronics repair shops), then this is not a bad option either. Anyway you look at it, you will be taking a chance.

You can try to contact an FTE member Matty169 - he might have a working spare he could sell you. Also, check out the prices of Ford remanufactured FICM's from TousleyFordParts.com or PartsGuyEd.com. The part number is 4C3Z-12B599-ABRM. They are around $475 and then you can get it programmed by PowerHungryPerformance for apprx. $100 more IIRC.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9993626


As far as batteries go, even a set that is 4 months old can fail. IN FACT, mine just did this very thing a few months ago.

 

I just soldered up another one today that wasnt working and now she works fine. Truck started right up. I would certainly do this before dropping $$$ on anything if you have the ability. Its not difficult at all. Got nothing to lose.

 

Actually, there is something to lose. You can lose the core credit from a number of places. I am not discouraging anyone from trying, just want the full picture painted .....

 

I called the company on ebay saturday he said they replace upgraded capacitors, resistors,and drivers,for $225. w/ three year warranty and has never had one come back yet.So i called CBM they said they replace upgraded capacitors,resistors,and drivers, one year warrranty. I told CBM i tried to repair was getting 48,20,20. after repair getting 48,39,48 said my problem is in the drivers. some times if just a capacitor or two is loose or loose resistor, re-solder will work fine . But mine more than likely is in the drivers. I ask about the 58v upgrade,they don't recommend it. In time it will burn out the injectors especially if you tow alot . Also said batteries are really not what does the ficm in . they would have to be very weak for some time to take out the ficm. Swamp diesel will only credit $50. of the $350. core if already tamper with,mine has been. This would cost me $700.

 

Ford seems to think low voltage is more of an issue than CBM thinks it is ...... There are quite a few posts that refer to battery issues just prior to FICM problems. It is more than coincidence IMO. My FICM failed soon after I replaced my batteries and I caught the battery issue VERY early. I do admit that it is impossible to say exactly what took out my FICM (low voltage, heat, vibration, etc), but it is a data point.

SWAMPS specifically disagrees w/ the statement on towing w/ regards to the 58V FICM. Personally I do not see a benefit to it, but no one has complained about the 58V mod yet - towing or not.

 

thanks bismic. I gess i'm between ebay company & CBM . would like to ship out tomorrow . I have to get my 32' TT out of storage in two weeks.

 

I think CBM has a good reputation (even though I tend to disagree w/ a couple of their statements).

As I said earlier - what is the definition of "upgraded components"? I just wish that if a company says they use upgraded components, that they would give you the specs on the OEM and on the new parts. No one has done this so far

 

Well i've already had mine apart . Didn't pay attention to see if there are any spec.s or #'s on capacitors,but do remember seeing markings on resistors.not sure where about the drivers are .But i can take it apart , look and write down info. Then send it in and take back apart if they don't somehow mark the case or screws to show it has been tampered w/after repair for warranty .

 

Anything you would be willing to do in that regard would be a help.

I can track down the thread on the other forum that lists some of the electronic component specs (and either post a link or PM you).

 

Ok. I will take apart tomorrow and see what i can find. Thankz. right now 5:00 will be coming around fast enough.

 

All I have found so far is 125C rating for the capacitors.

 

subscribing. mine is bad again. i re-soldiered it about a year ago. need to replace it or have it repaired. would also like to have the 58v or 52v (i've seen both) done and reprogrammed to work with my ID tunes. i know CBM advises against the upgrade, but will they do it. what about the ebay guy. also, doesn't ID reprogram FICMs?