The last test I did on my 06' FICM(yesterday am) when the truck was cold,,tested 20.5 volts, then 42, then 48 all within about 5 seconds after the KOEO,,,I found a FICM at a Auto Recycler,,,$300 ,,,If I switch the FICM's will the second one need to be Programmed if it came off another truck?

Thinking if I can buy one used that works,,,then I can check mine out,,,look into soldering it,,,,or Just send it out to be repaired,,,having a spare FICM may be a good Idea !

 

I think they are either good or no good, just my.02

 

The recycled FICM shouldn't need reprogrammed for your truck to run.

 

A new FICM from Ford requires programming for the truck to run. A used one out of a running truck will have software in it already. No telling which version tho.

 

A ficm is pretty much plug and play, BUT.......you need to get everything programmed to the same level for the best performance (FICM/PCM/TCM)

 

Thanks for the info Guys,,,I did purchase the used FICM,,$319 total,,,they said it was out of an 05' truck with 50k on it, ran and tested good,,,and would replace it if my truck does'nt run with this one,,hopefully this AM I will do the change over and see what happens with the codes and how the truck acts !

 

Did you find a good used one to try?

 

If you use a FICM from another truck it will work but you will get a "software incompatibility code" (p0305??) but you will not get a CEL. You can buy just the power supply side or half shell of the FICM from the dealer, the list price is about $500, and you do not have to program it. I think this is the best way to go.

 

Ok all,,,Installed the used FICM out of the 05' 6.0 this am,,the truck Ran Great, today,,seemed to start easier this am with it,,was in the 50's,,,towed my 16' Pace Enclosed trailer,,,to work,, and drove around 40 some miles, No Codes or Check Engine light yet !

Only difference I notice now is when I shut the truck down,,,the Injectors continue to cycle for 20-30 seconds,,, where as my original FICM did not due this !!

It is 48 degrees outside now,,,see how it starts/runs in the am,,,but so far so good!

This is the first time in 63 k miles that I have ever had to do anything other then General maintenance to this truck,,I dont feel that is too bad a run on a 6.0,,,with all negatives you here about!!,,,,Now as far as ease of getting to the FICM,,,,weeeeeell,,,lol glad my son is taller and able to get in there better straddling a 4' step ladder, laying on top of the engine,,,Mark

 

Glad to hear it Mark, I hope it works out for ya

 

You got a FICM with the "buzz flash" that's IH based. Not a bad flash, IMHO, but you might want to spend the money to get it updated.

 

So why did they have this "Buzz Flash" on the FICM ??

Would the latest flash for the 6.0 be something I should look into ?,, and if so, could someone explain the advantage to this Newest flash ?

Thank you guys for your help with the FICM !!

 

The buzz flash was an international idea to help prevent injector stiction. They may even still use it, IDK. It was pre-inductive heat strategy days. Then can some very aggressive inductive heat strategies from Ford that destroyed FICM's and now the inductive heat strategies are much less aggressive to lengthen FICM life. The new FICM programming is much better but the PCM programming is pretty much crap, except for the new engine monitoring parameters that Ford added. Depending on your current PCM strategy, you might be better off sending the FICM to PHP to have it reflashed rather than having Ford do it.

 

The truck starts good Now,,and a Big difference on cold take off,,,this am it was 35 degrees out,,,truck lit right off,,smooth running,,sounded great, prob 5 mins later down the road we went,,,shifted quick, and Normal !

Thinking back now,,,even last winter the truck was not right,,,But I just plugged it in when going down into the 30's or lower,,and it was OK,,,But if I had to leave soon after,,,it was slow on take off,,,shifting late,,,slight skip once in a while,,,so I am thinking the original FICM was slowly having more and more issues until it finaly set off codes.

The truck runs good now,,,,so if the "Buzz Flash" wont hurt anything, I may just leave it alone,,,,If it Ain't Broke,,,,,Dont fix it !!

 

I do not know the history of my truck, having bought it with 59k on it 4 months ago. The oasis shows it did have FICM repaired/replaced at the dealer. Mine has the buzz tune and aside from raising eyebrows among mechanically inclined friends, it runs and drives and starts fine. I haven't had it enough to make any representations about the longevity of the tune. I am glad to know I'm not the only one who was confused as to why his truck was buzzing for 30 seconds after key off.