There was a thread recently that someone linked a factory high idle controller for the 7.3s that a seller had on Ebay.
I have done searches and cannot find the thread, does anyone remember this or know where it is?
I'd like to get one of these controllers for mine......what else do they do besides control the idle? what do "we" want to idle at when we let the engine run for extended periods?? Thanks!!

 

I use the high idle tune on my DP tuner. It is 1200 rpms. I use it when I need to jump start another vehicle or idle for an extended time with the a/c on. I try to keep my EGTs at 300* while idling to prevent "wet stacking". I also have a homemade idle controller that allows me to adjust it to ~2500 rpms. I use it when I'm checking things out under the hood, etc, when no one's around.

 

Thanks!!! But I don't have a tuner and don't plan on getting one anytime soon. Any idea of where the thread is that links the Ebay seller who has several??

 

It is called an AIC aux idle controller
that are usually on Ebay for about $150
I have the manual for one if you need it.

 

If you search ebay for "ford diesel idle controller" you will see several come up. New OEM will be in the $150-$190 range and normally come with a bracket. Used will be less but may not have a bracket so you might need to make your own. I have seen two kinds, they look the same but one has a "PTO Control" button under the RPM Control button (left side of display). The PTO control is useful if you have a PTO device that has an electrically activated control (not common).

Sometimes they will appear on bay where the seller has no clue what they are so try searching for "ford diesel" or "ford controller" now and then and you might get lucky. I got mine for $15 so there will be the occasional deal once in a while.

In the RPM Control mode you can choose from 3 preset idle speeds (1300-1750-2200) iirc. You can also adjust the idle speed to whatever you like with the up and down buttons. There is also a voltage control button that is good for when you are jump starting another vehicle etc, it basically regulates the rpms to keep the voltage in the 13.8v-14.0v range. While in this mode the box will display the system voltage but it doesn't appear to show the voltage any other time. I wish it did because that would be a neat feature...

I have one on my wife's truck since it has a PTO trans...however she uses it to help cool down the cab by running the A/C @1300 rpm while parked. It does make a difference when it's 112 degrees out.

Drawbacks are the box is pretty large so it takes up space under your dash. The DIY system is nice because you can mount the controls where you like.

 

$15 bucks... nice!!!
There is a 3rd version as well, it doesn't have the LCD screen but you don't see them very often.
For anyone wanting a manual- https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...pcm_manual.pdf

 

Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself when the auction ended and I had the winning bid. I didn't really NEED the AIC but for $15 how could I NOT buy it?
Looks cool at night all lit up and everything...
BTW, do you know if there is a way to program the AIC so it shows system voltage when you aren't using the RPM control feature? Right now the one I have automatically powers up when I turn on the key and defaults to showing engine RPM which I really don't need. Voltage would be ideal for my purposes.

Is the 3rd version the same size or smaller?

 

If there's a way to make it display voltage all the time I'm not aware of it. I don't think it will though unfortunately.
The 3rd version is the same size I believe, just without the screen.