2003 6.0L problems
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Some diagnostic tools will show the FICM stuff through the OBDII port but most won't. There is a thread in the tech folder to show how to test it with a DVOM. It's not a definitive test but will tell you if the power supply 1/2 of the FICM is good or bad. Make sure you test your batteries (separately) and charging system also. A healthy electrical system makes a lot of difference in FICM health and how your truck runs.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
my battery light came on the other day lol , I forgot about it until you said some thing. The light will come and go. I noticed the batteries look really good, but found a manuf. sticker of 11/09. No telling when they were installed though. The alternater looks somewhat new as well. I will go down to advance auto and test the batteries and alt. I was hoping to put it off until after I fixed everything else. I will post results
This truck is starting to look like a nightmare, but I still have the feeling it just needs some love. The problem is, love is not cheap
This truck is starting to look like a nightmare, but I still have the feeling it just needs some love. The problem is, love is not cheap
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Mountian, Utah
If your batterys and or alt is going bad. They are known to take out FICMS. The 6.0 is not really a nightmare, but it is a maintenance hog. If you neglect your maintenance your going to pay for it. Things like failing batterys and dodgy alterntors are included.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Mountian, Utah
Glow plugs differ in size for the years of the truck. I personally wouldn't buy glow plugs from anyone other then ford. Where you can tell them your vin and they can tell you which glow plugs fit.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
As Unreal04 says, glowplugs are very very length dependant. If you put the older/longer glowplugs in a motor that requires the short ones you're looking at catastrophic failure.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,922
Likes: 3,638
So far you are only talking about routine maintenance that should occur on any vehicle ....... with 338k miles on it.
oil changes
tranny changes
other fluid changes (brakes and power steering)
battery and alternator health
etc
oil changes
tranny changes
other fluid changes (brakes and power steering)
battery and alternator health
etc
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
As far as the glow plugs, I feel the same way about buying stuff from Ford.
The Ford dealership here has a terrible parts department, hes burnt me a few times on my cobra parts. They are about as useful as nipples on a man...
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30
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I have a friend from another forum that works in the Ford Parts dept of a Minn Ford. He can get parts at cost, so I sent him a list. FICM was on the list just in case
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Ed will repair AND upgrade your FICM for quite a bit less than you can get it from Ford. His customer service goes above and beyond. Period. There are numerous testaments to that fact here on the forum.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Chief, spend the money and buy an Edge Insight CTS. It will read everything you need to know about your truck other than EGTs and fuel pressure which you can add on later. It will tell you whether your FICM & battery voltage is good or not. It will be the best investment you buy for your truck.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Chief, spend the money and buy an Edge Insight CTS. It will read everything you need to know about your truck other than EGTs and fuel pressure which you can add on later. It will tell you whether your FICM & battery voltage is good or not. It will be the best investment you buy for your truck.
This is outstanding, thank you!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 377
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