2002 F350 ZF6

I just bought this truck a few weeks ago with a CEL illuminated ( it was a great deal and I had to have a truck like yesterday) , no running issues. Had a Diesel shop scan codes and IDM is all that came up. I called Ford ( I have learned my lesson on parts house parts, especially electronic ones) it's unavailable but the guy tells me O'Riley got one almost next door.

So I put the new one in and CEL is still on. No change in performance....... for two days that is then it starts running like crap ( felt like running on one bank) tried a few things, then it dawned on me that it's the "new" part. Had not made it into town to return the core so I slap the original one back in and runs perfect again. Luckily O'Riley's refunded my money.

So what's my best bet on an IDM replacement? I do not want to repeat my mistake of fixing something that ain't totally broke with a bad part. I see a lot of people have used Swamp's 140v upgrade. I was all set to purchase one when I saw a whole lot of negative reviews for them ( the shop it's self not so much the IDM). Is this just disgruntled internet complainers?

Is the Sinister Diesel 140v IDM reputable? Also I am not necessarily married to a 140v upgrade but if I am already spending $400 I would go an extra $100 for betfor performance. Honestly reliability is my primary objective, this is a work truck not a toy. But if I can get to work faster and home faster then I have more time to work on my truck, I mean spend with my family!

Thanks in advance for your advice

 

I am not very experienced with the IDM but DTC is who everyone recommends for repair/replacement. I have heard he is best communicated with by email. He could also answer your questions on which path would be best to take (upgraded or normal). https://www.dieseltechchatt.com/

Swamps has a bad reputation anymore. I would steer clear.

The only thing I know about Sinister is that that sued people over them using the color blue claiming they “owned” blue… I’m not interested in giving them my money.

 

RacinJason is steering you right on the IDM. The only thing I would add is getting yourself hooked up w/ Forscan. That way you can do your own scanning plus monitor and record live PID data. Very affordable especially compared to AE and easy to use. Loads of info in the tech section to get you started and which OBD2 dongles work w/ our trucks.

 

Send both your IDM and your PCM to Jonathan at DTC for checkout. I think it's only $50 to have them both checked out and he does a THOROUGH job.

It's quite possible that the problem is with the connectors on the PCM. If needed, he can fully rebuild and resolder those connections. He did my PCM in 2018 because of an incessant MAP code, which turned out to be a bad/broken solder joint on the PCM.

 

Which exact code for the idm is it. If it is running fine, chances are that the idm is ok.

Perform an injector buzz test to pull specific idm codes

 

An "IDM code"?

What was the code?

If it was a P1316 (most likely), then just replacing the IDM will not likely fix your problem. P1316 is a PCM code that simply means that the IDM has a fault code IN IT.....NOT that the IDM is AT FAULT.

An injector electrical self test "buzz test" has to be done to get the codes out of the IDM if a P1316 is set and the diagnosis happens from there.

 

Gonna mooch in on this thread since it's fresh. I have codes p1272, 1273, and 1294. Just checked all of the wiring through the IDM plug. All check out at 3 ohms. Am I now at the point of saying I need an IDM, or is there still more I should check?

 

Likewise, a 1670 code often causes people to replace a perfectly good IDM, which is parts throwing based on the verbal description offered with the code (electronic feedback signal communication error with IDM) that has no bearing on the actual problem.

 

Thanks for the advice gentlemen, I will be contacting DTC

 

A short informative read https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diese...ct-obsessed-10

 

I'm surprised refurbishment guides haven't emerged yet on what board components to replace for those who are handy with a soldering iron.

 

Those who know use it to pay their bills I suppose

 

That is not surprising. That I mean is these engines have been around for several decades; I'm surprised that the process hasn't been documented by others with non-commercial motives over the years (in the fashion that so many other aspects have become publicly documented).

 

Personally, I want to keep those rebuilders in business. I certainly ain't gonna break out a soldering iron and start messing around with a PCB...IMO, that's a job for the skilled pros.

Jonathan will be getting more biz from me shortly. I'm glad he's there.

[Greg looks at this and goes, uuuhhh, wuuuuu?"]

 

I don't think the knowledge being publicly available would threaten their business because, as you say, there's an amount of skill and gumption required.