Auxiliary Idle Control
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Victoria, TX
Auxiliary Idle Control
Hello all.
I work from home and look after my 3 daughters (ages 5 and under). Hence, I do a lot of errands around our little town. Before I began participating and reading threads in FTE, I used to let my truck idle for a few minutes at a time. Now I turn it off unless I know I'll be on my way again in under 2 minutes.
I know this has been discussed before but I wanted to visit the subject again and ask what brand is recommended. Does FMC have any issues with installing one? Will they install and calibrate them?
Thanks for your help?
John
I work from home and look after my 3 daughters (ages 5 and under). Hence, I do a lot of errands around our little town. Before I began participating and reading threads in FTE, I used to let my truck idle for a few minutes at a time. Now I turn it off unless I know I'll be on my way again in under 2 minutes.
I know this has been discussed before but I wanted to visit the subject again and ask what brand is recommended. Does FMC have any issues with installing one? Will they install and calibrate them?
Thanks for your help?
John
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Earth
Get Ford's OEM Kit
Ford offers an idle kit for the trucks with 6.0L PSD (at least for 2004 models). It is an add on that needs mounting when the truck arrives, so I sure you can order it now and add onto your existing vehicle. Here is what is written in the sales brochure from Ford:
"Full Function Auxiliary Idle Control Kit (LPO)
Includes: APC module functions include battery charge protection, high idle control and LCD RPM/voltage readout. Kit includes auxiliary idle control module, mounting bracket/hardware, wiring harness and instruction booklet. NOTE: Stationary use only. Kit is shipped as loose item. "
Ford charges $210 (msrp) when ordered with the truck. Since it is a dealer add on, it maybe the same price over the counter.
"Full Function Auxiliary Idle Control Kit (LPO)
Includes: APC module functions include battery charge protection, high idle control and LCD RPM/voltage readout. Kit includes auxiliary idle control module, mounting bracket/hardware, wiring harness and instruction booklet. NOTE: Stationary use only. Kit is shipped as loose item. "
Ford charges $210 (msrp) when ordered with the truck. Since it is a dealer add on, it maybe the same price over the counter.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Re: Get Ford's OEM Kit
[i]
Ford charges $210 (msrp) when ordered with the truck. Since it is a dealer add on, it maybe the same price over the counter. [/B]
Ford charges $210 (msrp) when ordered with the truck. Since it is a dealer add on, it maybe the same price over the counter. [/B]
There inlies the problem. Cheap when you order, costly afterwards. Not sure of the exact number but I think the kit is over $600.00 if you order from the dealer. Ridiculous if you ask me but they aren't in the business to lose money.
However, because the demand is increasing a little some people order them and then sell them after their truck arrives. Usually you can get them for $300-350 from an individual. Check the for sale section at ford-trucks.com under electrical items.
Good Luck
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Joined: Sep 2003
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I was thinking about this very thing today.
When is an AIC necessary? Let's say that I'm hauling a load (8000lbs) for 3-4 hours and pull into a service station for a 10min break. Is idling the truck for 10min going to cause a problem? What rpm should it be set at to prevent scrubbing the oil off the cylinder walls? 1000rpm?
Thanks,
When is an AIC necessary? Let's say that I'm hauling a load (8000lbs) for 3-4 hours and pull into a service station for a 10min break. Is idling the truck for 10min going to cause a problem? What rpm should it be set at to prevent scrubbing the oil off the cylinder walls? 1000rpm?
Thanks,
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Victoria, TX
First of all, thanks for all the replies.
I am not too sure as to when to use it. I think the AIC can be programmed to kick-in after a set number of minutes of inactivity to increase the idle. As for the rpms, I read in another post that 1000-1200 rpms would be sufficient. I stopped by the post office the other day and a dodge had one going just as soon as the driver got out of the truck. Sounded like it was going at leat 1200 rpms.
I sometimes make frequent stops and would rather not keep shutting down the engine but instead have it idle. But after reading that prolonged idling, whatever that may be, can decrease the life the engine, I am looking to have an AIC installed.
I am not too sure as to when to use it. I think the AIC can be programmed to kick-in after a set number of minutes of inactivity to increase the idle. As for the rpms, I read in another post that 1000-1200 rpms would be sufficient. I stopped by the post office the other day and a dodge had one going just as soon as the driver got out of the truck. Sounded like it was going at leat 1200 rpms.
I sometimes make frequent stops and would rather not keep shutting down the engine but instead have it idle. But after reading that prolonged idling, whatever that may be, can decrease the life the engine, I am looking to have an AIC installed.
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well I have a very interesting delimma then. its 25 degrees outside or colder 2 minutes of idle time cannot be enough time to warm it up...what then? roll cold? the only thing warm after 2 min is that stupid tranny idiot gauge thats too close to the exhuast..or something its the most amazing thing to watch the tranny heat up quicker than the engine while it sits still...lol
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Joe Kucinski
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From: Merced, Ca.
Get the ford AIC
Then order the aic relocation (no drilling) bracket from Dennis. I use it everyday, because I drive too short a distance to work to get it to warm up. I start up, idle for 1 min. then drive nice and easy (2000 or less r.pm.) to the 7-11 (1 mile) then let her high idle while I get my joe.
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From: Victoria, TX
Originally posted by dana_wildcat
well I have a very interesting delimma then. its 25 degrees outside or colder 2 minutes of idle time cannot be enough time to warm it up...what then? roll cold? the only thing warm after 2 min is that stupid tranny idiot gauge thats too close to the exhuast..or something its the most amazing thing to watch the tranny heat up quicker than the engine while it sits still...lol
well I have a very interesting delimma then. its 25 degrees outside or colder 2 minutes of idle time cannot be enough time to warm it up...what then? roll cold? the only thing warm after 2 min is that stupid tranny idiot gauge thats too close to the exhuast..or something its the most amazing thing to watch the tranny heat up quicker than the engine while it sits still...lol
John
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yeah mine does that, i think its after 2 minutes it takes off, I noticed the other day I let it idle for about 4 minutes or so got in drove about 3 miles stopped at a c-store ran in with the wife in the truck when i came out it had jumped back up to 1k idle guess it wasnt warm enough yet. so is this ok then? as long as the truck increases its own idle to leave it running to warm up?
Thread Starter
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From: Victoria, TX
Originally posted by dana_wildcat
yeah mine does that, i think its after 2 minutes it takes off, I noticed the other day I let it idle for about 4 minutes or so got in drove about 3 miles stopped at a c-store ran in with the wife in the truck when i came out it had jumped back up to 1k idle guess it wasnt warm enough yet. so is this ok then? as long as the truck increases its own idle to leave it running to warm up?
yeah mine does that, i think its after 2 minutes it takes off, I noticed the other day I let it idle for about 4 minutes or so got in drove about 3 miles stopped at a c-store ran in with the wife in the truck when i came out it had jumped back up to 1k idle guess it wasnt warm enough yet. so is this ok then? as long as the truck increases its own idle to leave it running to warm up?
John
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Chesapeake, VA
Originally Posted by donjuanmiguel
If its that cold outside, the engine should automatically idle, after a couple of seconds, at around 1000rpms. That should be sufficient to not have to worry about damage. This morning it was 33 and I noticed the engine idling at 1000 rpms. Once I stepped on one of the peddles, it dropped down to 600rpms. I'm not sure, but I dont think it idles that high again after warming up. I'll have to check later today to see if, when sitting at idle for a couple of minutes, it revs up to 1000 rpms again.
John
John
Won't plugging in the block heater help w/that???
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Morris, CT
Hey, I got an AIC when I ordered my truck. I asked the dealer to install it but could have easily done it myself. The wiring harness plugs in under the dash and the mounting bracket fits to existing screws in the bag holder/ashtray and you drill one more underneath. Mine has no digital readout 'cuz it's a stick (w/tach). Yes the truck does kick the rpm's up to 1000 or so after 2 min of running when its cold, but the AIC is preset to 1300 for "charge protect". You can change it if you want. The unit automatically comes on when you start the truck, so you have to turn it off if you don't want it. Mine needs to be in N w/park brake on. A/T's probably just in P. The "RPM control" button can also be set to a different rpm. As far as why, mine is gonna be for a big power inverter (with my dual alternators) to power my camper. Hope this helps.
Sorry about being so long winded, my first post!
Sorry about being so long winded, my first post!
