New guy -- mechanically-inclined wannabe

2003 7.3 Excursion; 213K

My truck has been running rough for the last couple of months. It has gotten worse where the truck will just stop when I am either at a stop or my engine is running at low idle.

I replaced the PCM yesterday and I think that has helped. However, I was just going to replace the air filter (and it did need it).

So I am looking at the Air Filter Restriction Gauge and I notice that it has a slot for a connector. HOWEVER, it is not connected to anything. I am looking around for the loose cable and I am not seeing it anywhere. Can someone point me to where I MIGHT find the thing OR give me some reassurance that the gauge does not hook up to anything.

Thanks in advance. The posters here seem to be really helpful!

 

Some vehicles have the feature that reads the filter minder, many don't. Ford didn't install different types of filter minders, so the feature is frequently unused.

 

What year truck? Mine a 99 and it doesn't have a plug on it. Someone mitt of up dated a damaged one that reads on a newer truck.

 

Welcome to FTE.

Like Chet said, could be a filter off a different year model. Gotta plug that hole with something.

Another idea for your main problem; how is the oil level and condition? If low on oil it will shut off.

Replacing the PCM is not cheap, hopefully we can help get you running right for beer prices not champagne prices. Pretty sure the correct PCM is in there? They have codes like PMT1 or QLJ2.

If you see a dash light like the one below when you first turn it over, the filter minder should have a connector. Dangling around the brake master cylinder or airbox somewhere. Unless it melted off on the exhaust manifold, it might reach that far, dunno. It's just an FYI gauge to prompt you to change the filter. It does not affect operation.

 

Ah... that was my screw-up. I forgot I started out with an AIS on my truck, so my reference is off a bit.

rogere - is your filter cartridge oval, tubular, or square?