Hey all, so my 7.3 has a problem where when I press on the “gas” pedal (I understand it’s diesel fuel not gas but not sure what to call the pedal) the service engine light comes on, been a problem for about a year now and we’re not sure what it is. I’ve put the boost fooled in that we thought it was. Problem is I don’t have the money to buy the AE code reader and really don’t want to go to the dealer to have it checked, I’ve checked regular OBDII readers and understand basic codes should show up even though Ford blocks the OBDII. Any thoughts on what this is? I’ve spent about a year fixing knicks and crannies trying to get it gone but can’t get it. I also have a weird whistle about 35mph and doesn’t go away unless I hit 70 or lower than 30…

 

You need to read the codes....
FORScan Lite on the phone and the recommended bluetooth reader from their site. It could cost you about $40.
As for the whistle you likely have a bad/ loose boot. To be sure you need to pressure test the system. Their are already write-ups on that topic so use the search.
Again read the codes. DO NOT THROW PARTS AT IT..........

 

Yep forscan is the best and most cost effective option for diagnostics and data monitoring. I have it and AE and have to say the forscan is simpler to use and way less glitchy. As for the whistle, I won't say it isn't a boost leak but I wouldn't expect a boost leak to go away at higher speeds or be speed specific. One thing that does come to mind if it's an automatic, torque converter lockup engauges around 35 mph and kicks out close to 30 mph. Might be unrelated, just came to mind while reading.

 

Hey Nolanaross, welcome to the FTE!

Great advice above provided by Jimmy!

Another FTE'r providing quality and tried and true advice!

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As for the whistle, it could be a lot of things. As simple as an accessory like a light, bumper or mirror causing a whistle at a certain speed due to the flow of air over/around it or it could be something mechanical related to the wheels, turbo, etc... We need more information and details in order to help diagnose the cause. Does it seem to stop whistling if there is a cross wind or you are making a turn on an interstate or off ramp? Any conditions where the whistle gets worse or less?

As for code reading options, you are in luck. Many FTE'rs have gone above and beyond in making your code reading ability as cheap and easy as possible.

Lets start here: FORScan and FSL Q&A by FTE'r BWST

Next stop is: 7.3L PSD Tech Folder

FORScan

• FORScan Instructions - PC
• FORScan Lite Instructions - Android
• FORScan Lite Instructions - iOS
• FORScan Data Log Conversion
• FORScan + FORScan Lite: Class Tutorial Q&A

Take your time, make a decision that is right for you and we will help you when you have acquired the DTC (engine code) and given us some more details. Without the DTC, we are literally shooting in the dark at hundreds of codes. You may have several "soft codes" which do not trigger the engine light to come on, but one that does. It could be an ICP (injector control pressure) issue, it could be an injector solenoid issue, it could be any number of things out of a couple of hundred DTC's that the 7.3L PCM is capable of producing.

As for the "gas" pedal, it is your vehicle and you can call it whatever you like. I refer to it as the throttle as that is a qualifier for any vehicle. We also say "stop for fuel" now instead of "stop for gas". Well, I guess we have been doing that ever since we bought our truck nearly a decade ago. It just makes it easier to remember which pump to pull up to. I have a commercial fuel card that makes it much, much easier to remember which pump to pull up to when in the truck too. No one is going to give you a hard time about your descriptive terms here, this is a helpful and generous community of 7.3L PSD enthusiasts.

Where in NV are you roughly located? Perhaps someone is close to you and may be able to offer you a hand with reading the codes. It has happened quite a few times where FTE'rs have traveled to help another FTE'r in need.

 

Hey, thank you guys for the help. I did get FORSCAN and the recommended reader. But by the time it came in I had done regular vacuum line fixes that were way overdue. Service engine light went away after that. However it does work and I appreciate it!

As for the whistle I got some help from a friend that owned a 7.3 as well. We’ve determined it’s somewhere around the radio. Doesn’t bother me now that I feel a lot better it’s not somewhere in the turbo or anything severe. Thanks again for the help!

 

Standard nomenclature is "Accelerator Pedal". Another vote here for FORScan and a good dongle, like the OBDLink MX+. Using standard nomenclature also makes it easier to find the right PIDs to monitor in FORScan.

 

Turning up the radio always does seem to make those weird noises go away. (most likely a grounding issue)

Glad you have a code reader, you may not use it often, but when you need it, it will quickly narrow down any problems.

Unplug your fuel bowl heater.

 

I sometimes refer to it as the fuel flow increased by mass quantity device. Sometimes the pocket hurt device.

Ok.... Had my fun for the day. Maybe.