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Glow plug control module..

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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 11:17 AM
  #1  
SteelerSal's Avatar
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Glow plug control module..

OK..been searching the forums all morning and have not reall been able to find a clear cut answer to my question...so here it goes,

I have been having cold start problems unless I'm plugged in overnight. I'm really strapped for money so I would like to avoid taking my truck to the dealer...should I try the GPCM myself first? Was this a common problem with anyone else in the past?
My truck is an '04 6.0.

Thanks in advance..
 
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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 11:25 AM
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Glow plugs, and the GPCM, are pretty solid on these trucks and don't often cause problems. A more common cold start culprit is the Fuel Injector Control Module (FICM). There is a procedure in the tech folder (at the top of the forum) for checking the FICM output voltage.

You should also figure a way to get codes read to see if there are any. Many auto parts stores (like Autozone) will read codes for free, but it takes a code reader that will read Ford Enhanced codes from the CAN bus.
 
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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 11:26 AM
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need to check some things out

glowplugs
Page 66: Electrical Components

Page 67: Electrical Components

There is a way to check the gp system with an inductive amp meter I dont know if its in theses 2 links or not

Check FICM Vol;tage

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...procedure.html
 
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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 11:35 AM
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SteelerSal
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Originally Posted by dchamberlain
Glow plugs, and the GPCM, are pretty solid on these trucks and don't often cause problems. A more common cold start culprit is the Fuel Injector Control Module (FICM). There is a procedure in the tech folder (at the top of the forum) for checking the FICM output voltage.

You should also figure a way to get codes read to see if there are any. Many auto parts stores (like Autozone) will read codes for free, but it takes a code reader that will read Ford Enhanced codes from the CAN bus.
I will check it out..thank you for your quick response.
 
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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 11:39 AM
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SteelerSal
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OK..my truck starts...just stumbles till it warms up (unplugged) and starts great plugged in.
Would the FICM just be a no start?
 
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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 11:43 AM
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Not necessarily. The FICM takes 12V and turns it into 48V. The 48V is used to open and close the spool valves in the top of the injectors.

What happens is the 12-48V conversion circuitry starts to fail and the output voltage drops. Since it takes more power to work the injectors when they and the oil are cold, you'll get rough starts until things warm up.
 
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Old Jul 5, 2011 | 11:47 AM
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SteelerSal
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Originally Posted by dchamberlain
Not necessarily. The FICM takes 12V and turns it into 48V. The 48V is used to open and close the spool valves in the top of the injectors.

What happens is the 12-48V conversion circuitry starts to fail and the output voltage drops. Since it takes more power to work the injectors when they and the oil are cold, you'll get rough starts until things warm up.

Ok..thanks again for your answers..thank you, BLADE35 also!
 
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