2004 6.0 Just had a diagnostic done, said had bad ficm and needs replaced.
Approx $1,200 for replacing.

1) Is this easily replaced by a novice or leave to mechanic?
2) How much can I get an ficm for usually?
3) Low battery voltage can make ficm go bad?
4) If batteries are bad will it hurt new ficm?

I havent checked battery voltages yet, I assume the diagnostic would have told me we had low voltages?

Thanks

 

About $325 or so from ficmrepair gets you a rock solid FICM with a great warranty.

Fairly easy to replace, the tricky part is snapping in the 3 connectors.

Josh

 

FICM is the aluminum box on the back of the driver side valve cover. The four bolts that hold it on are easy but there are three electrical connectors on the back side that are a bit of a pain to get unlatch and re latched (and are easy to break).

There a several options for repair.
Commonly the internal parts have gotten hot enough to melt the solder on the circuit board. Sometimes it can be repaired at no cost-if you know how to solder, or low cost-if you take it someone like a TV repair place. Instructions are in the Tech folder on where to look.

Your local parts store may sell a replacement circuit board ready to drop in (there are two inside the box, one for "logic and one for "power" - the power board is commonly the problem. The plus with that is the price, about $100 if I remember right. The minus is they are poor quality and don't last long.

The dealership would love to sell you a new one but as you found, it's about $850 with labor and another $150 to program it.

Many people here at FTE have gotten their FICM repaired through Ed at Ficmrepair.com. Several levels of repair and upgrades are available. Check his website and get the number and give him a call. You won't be disappointed with the work (or price). I think it the best bet unless you're good with a soldering iron but be aware, if you burn up the board trying to fix it yourself it may cost more to repair.

Yup, low voltage in the vehicles electrical system will burn the FICM. It does it's best to output 48volts no matter what the input voltage is. The harder it works the hotter it gets until a component fails or the solder melts. Definitely get any charging system or battery issues squared away before fixing FICM.

 

Thanks for the info. Soldering irons and me dont get along, even if I did buy a new one I wouldnt be able to program it, and wire connections in the rear could give me troubles. I guess this is best left to my mechanic to do.
I just dont have the time to work on or fix other problems that could be created.
Thanks again for the advice.

 

I'd still call Ed, very helpful and informative on the phone and still the best bet for quality/price in my opinion. He would be happy to deal with your mechanic, and if you need the truck quick there is a swap program to get a repaired FICM shipped to you quickly.
(And no, I don't work for Ed, I just know there are many of us who have used his services and it's always nice to recommend someone who you know does a good job )

 

Might want to check the forum 6.0 map and look for a fellow member near you. It's a sickness and we all want to help.

Josh

 

I'm on the phone app. It does not show location. Where are you located?

Sent from my leash using IB AutoGroup

 

Where in central MS are you?