My first thought.

 

here's two pages of trouble shooting... oil cap's wrong
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-no-start.html

 

I replaced the oil cap when I bought the truck and did my first oil change. I couldn't tell if it was the right one or not, so when I ordered my oil filter from dieselfiltersonline.com, I bought a cap too as cheap insurance. So I know it's the right one.


I have the Atlas 40 FICM from Ed.


No other engine behavior. Normally runs like a scalded dog, but purrs like a kitten.
I've had transmission temper tantrums since the get go. It's a behavior that is consistent, that I know how to avoid.


I run my truck on the SPORT MODE of the chip. There is one level higher, PERFORMANCE MODE, but I like the way it shifts better on the sport mode, and it's plenty for me usually.


All mods are in my sig.

But I might have an answer. While waiting for my son to come out of school today, I got a random chime. I look at my display and it says "Water in fuel".
So whether it's the actual reason or not, that also needs to be dealt with.
What is the best way?




.

 

Pretty straightforward, unscrew the plug in the HFCM (6mm Allen I think). Take some rags and a bucket or something under there with you. Don't wear a shirt you like, you'll likely have diesel in your armpit before you're done. It may leak a 1/2 quart or a couple gallons. Being an FX4, the front driveshaft is right there in the way. While the plug is out, shoot some carb cleaner in there through the plug hole to flush the housing out, you may be suprised at what comes out of there. A 6in piece of electrical heat shrink tubing on the carb cleaner straw will allow you to hold the can in a better spot to keep from getting carb cleaner in the armpit. (It doesn't smell as bad for as long as diesel but it does sting a little) There is a cool replacement plug from the later model trucks that has a brass knurled **** and when you unscrew it it stays in the hole to direct the stream down instead of all over. Well worth the $$. It's also a good time to change the fuel filters.

Anthony from SDS posted a video awhile back where he drains the HFCM and changes the filter and didn't spill a drop using a funnel he cut to fit perfectly in the space by the driveshaft. It can be done but it takes some finess, you need to do it the old fashioned way just once first though.

 

Great. I will look for that thread as well. Thank you.