I see Ford auxiliary idle control modules pretty cheap on eBay. I have a 2003 SD 7.3. Can I use a Ford auxiliary idle control from any 7.3 PSD or does it have the be specific to my year?

 

Mine came out of a 1998 E Series ambulance and I have used it in my '03 but I also used it in my last Super Duty which was an '01. Make sure to get the wire harness for under the dash. I think the harness may be universal for all 7.3 PSD. Hope this helps.

 

There are at least a couple of different versions of Ford's APCM for the 7.3L.

The earlier version is likely similar to what the poster above obtained from the E-Series Van, which was identical to the F-Series issue for 1999 & 2000.
The later version shipped with 2002 and 2003 F-Series models.

The earlier version is slightly larger and thicker than the newer version that replaced it.

The earlier version also has an easily removable lid, whereas the later version does not.

The later version has an extra PTO Control button that the earlier version does not have, which is the easiest way to distinguish the two.

I own both versions, and use the earlier version. The harness is not the same, because the later version includes extra circuits for the button that the earlier version does not have. However, the connector that carries the idle control circuits is the same on both harnesses at vehicle side. The extra wires are blunt cut for the installer to create the connection with the PTO equipment. The box side of the harness I believe has a different connector between versions, so it may be important to make sure that the APCM box you get comes with a harness. Both harnesses may be compatible with all 99-03 trucks, but may not be cross compatible with all APCMs. I hope that makes sense?

The first pic is the earlier version, shown painted in two tone Medium and Medium Dark Parchment (originally black... Ford did not offer color keyed APCMs):



acIMG 0458 Version 1 of Ford's APCM for the 7.3L.


The later version is shown new in the box below. Distinguishing characteristics include the extra button and the smaller radius corners of the box itself;



acIMG 0499 Version 2 of Ford's APCM for the 7.3L

 

I believe that is the most important thing. I have seen another version that has only 3 or 4 buttons and has no screen. I think I read on here somewhere this is the first version.

 

I've seen that limited button version also, usually on airport mini busses that were based on the E-Series cutaway chassis with the 7.3L powerstroke. Most of those older airporter vehicles are all long ago retired from service now, so I forgot about them... but yes, there was a third, limited function APCM that looked rather sparse in the button department compared to the two pictured above. Same size box though.

 

I KNOW this thread is over 4 years old but I just bought one exactly like this one that was sold to be NOS (New, never used) - it HAS the smaller 4 wire plug on it (Bill at Power Stroke Help showed in a video where IT plugs in) but MINE also has 6 other wires and evedentally someone cut off the larger plug. Would anyone know where THESE wires go? (Bill made NO mention of a second plug)??

Also, It looks like I have a couple of different mounting brackets with mine, I'm assuming that there is one for F-series and one for E-series applications......Would anyone know where the "factory" location is that it should be mounted in the '99 F-series....??

Thanks!!

 

My truck has the connector for the round plug under the dash. Remove fuse panel cover and there it is running along the lower metal cross peice. Wouldn’t mind one of these myself.
not sure where the actual control box itself is supposed to be mounted.

 

The factory location where the unit should be mounted in the F-Series is shown in the first photo of the post you quoted.

Some blunt cut wires, not terminated with any plug or connector, are shown in the second photo you quoted.

The more advanced APCMs were capable of not only controlling the engine by changing elevated idle speeds, they were also capable of controlling whatever aftermarket PTO power unit was attached to the transmission. Since Ford has no control over the electrical wire harness connector interface specifications of aftermarket PTO providers, Ford does not attach harness connectors to the wire leads designated for aftermarket unit control. Hence, no connector was "cut off", as no connector was ever installed on the circuits that Ford shipped blunt cut.

Read the manual.

If a manual didn't come in you New Old Stock box, then download the manual online.

 

I've got a 2002 E-450 7.3 ex-ambulance now modified service truck/toy hauler/camper hauler. I load my jeep on top of the utility bed put the dirt bikes beside the jeep on each side and hook the camper to the rear. Me and my boys use it as our adventure truck... I've installed a 10,000 watt inverter that runs everything in the camper including the AC 🥰. But the issue that I'm having is the idle isn't high enough to maintain the battery charge. The truck originally had one of the battery charge idle controllers but unfortunately someone removed it prior to be buying the truck. The wireing harness was left behind, and my discovering what it was for is what has lead me to you. I would be forever grateful if by any chance you still had one of these modules laying around and would part with it... No looking for a hand out, I'm willing to pay for it, it would be nice to hit a button and not have to wedge a broom handle between the front seat and the gas pedal to keep the AC going in the camper.

Thanks in advance,
David Thomas