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cold start problem

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Old Jan 21, 2012 | 09:23 AM
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cold start problem

I have a 2004 550 that is having trouble starting when between 20-35 degrees. I have a block heater and it works. I am not sure if there is a fuse under the dash to check. I did not see one for "glow plugs". I pulled the connector off one glow plug on the passenger side and checked for power with my test light and found no power on any of the 4 terminals (on that one connector) within 30 seconds of having the key on. Should I check the rest of the connectors or start testing at the control module?
Should all 4 terminals on each connector have power?
Thanks
 
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Old Jan 21, 2012 | 04:51 PM
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Scan it for codes

If you really do have a GP problem it will turn On the CEL being that its emission system relaited and you will get a code/s for it

other than that check the FICM Voltage in the morning when you would have the cold start issues

try this
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...procedure.html
 
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Old Jan 21, 2012 | 06:04 PM
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I would lean more towards the FICM, if I were a betting man.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2012 | 06:30 PM
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These engines don't seem to have the glow plug controller problems of the older motors. If glow plugs are working the volt meter in the dash seems to show a lower voltage till they are turned off.

I miss the old days when you jammed a switch down with your thumb till the indicator on the dash glowed red.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 04:04 PM
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Thanks for the tips guys! I guess my truck is a bit newer, its the 7 screw unit. If I tested the correct screw, one in fourth row, farthest to the left or closest to the drivers side, it shows only 11.5 ish volts KOEO. I was expecting it to be much higher. When I had someone cyle the key it did not change much. It was a bit warmer today so she wanted to start, but before it did she went down to around 10.5 volts. What would not be allowing the unit to get juice from both batteries? Seems like its only getting feed from one. Or is it just the FICM is just that bad?
 
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 04:08 PM
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The FICM needs at least 43-45 volts for the truck to start. If you only have 11.5 you have some problems for sure. Double check that test procedure first.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by dlibson
Double check that test procedure first.
I agree with this ^^^^^^^^^^^^



It sounds to me that your testing the wrong screw on the FICM

you have 4 pids the PCM watches for on the FICM

FICM MP=FICM MAIN POWER should be 48V
FICM VP= FICM VEHICLE POWER should be B+ Voltage
FICM LP= FICM Lodgic POWER should be B+ Voltage
FICM Sync= FICM syncs with CMP/CKP sensors and the PCM to know when to fire Each injector

But Im pretty shure you have the wrong screww your getting Vehicle power or Lodgic power you need to see MAIN Power

Are you using the link I posted in the last reply

1 more time how do you know the GPs are not working
 
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 08:25 PM
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Thanks for your patience. I think the GPs not working because the truck was really struggling to start when it started to get cold out. After we got down to below 20 degrees it would not start even when plugged in for a few hours. I never had a CEL. I did not recieve any codes when I checked either.
When I checked today I tested the screw closest to the driver side front fender, in the row that has 4 screws. For the heck of it I also tested the one on the opposite side of that row (your left, my left thought) and it read a 1. on the meter. So, I thought that was the wrong screw. I will try again in the morning. Thanks again...
 
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 08:28 PM
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Oh, Yes, I did use the proceedure that was in your last post to test the FICM.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 03:40 PM
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Ok, now that I feel like an idiot. Tested the correct screw and got 55 volts koeo. While cranking, it dropped down to 53 or so and then started (it warmed up to 40's here today).
So that means the FICM is good?
 
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 04:05 PM
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Here's a picture of what the 7 screw FICM pinouts are. If you're getting 55 volts then your FICM has been seriously altered by someone. Also remember that just because your voltage checks good doesn't mean that your FICM is good. It can have other issues in the RAM/ROM
 
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 06:33 AM
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Knowing who I bought the truck from, I doubt it was altered by anyone, unless it was a dealer. He did not know which end of the screwdriver to hold and brought it to the dealer for everything. It looks like it is original do to the date on the unit. If it was previously reflashed would that up the voltage to that 55 range?
 
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by TreesnFords
Knowing who I bought the truck from, I doubt it was altered by anyone, unless it was a dealer. He did not know which end of the screwdriver to hold and brought it to the dealer for everything. It looks like it is original do to the date on the unit. If it was previously reflashed would that up the voltage to that 55 range?
No, it would take internal electronic modifications to bring it up to that range. You might want to go through the FICM test/repair threads to find out how to disassemble and check it for burnt components. It's fairly easy.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 11:37 AM
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So you feel confident that the lack of voltage to the glow plug would be caused by the fautly FICM and not the GPCM or harness problem.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 01:43 PM
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Originally Posted by TreesnFords
So you feel confident that the lack of voltage to the glow plug would be caused by the fautly FICM and not the GPCM or harness problem.
FICM has no real connection to the GPCM as far as power goes. The glowplugs are nothing but single element heaters. Each has one wire coming from the GPCM and is grounded in the block. There's nothing to indicate a GPCM or glowplug problem. Even on an 03 you should get a CEL for a GP problem as it's considered an emissions thing.

I see no mention of code scanning the truck or maybe I missed it? Have you done so?
 
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