I have a 2001 F-350 DW 4x4 and have had problems with it starting for the last two years. The last two times I took it in they replaced the DIM (I think that’s the diesel injection module). Any ideas on how I can stop this from happening?

 

We need a little more help from you on the diagnosis. Like; what does it do when you try to start it? ie, just crank, or no cranking at all, etc. Has your glow plug circuit been tested? Does it start fine during hot weather or after the engine has warmed up. Does it smoke real bad when cold and if so what color. What is the engine oil level look like on the dipstick?

 

Thanks for the reply

It just cranks but will not turn over. All the filters are new, the fuel pump is working, I have had the lines checked. As a matter of fact, about an hour prior, my wife took it to the store, turned over just fine. At that time it did not smoke or idol rough. I did have the glow plug circuit tested, they showed no problem there. The only thing diffrent from when she went to the store to when she got back was the fact that it rained. The ambiant temperature was 60-64 degrees. The truck didn't go thourgh water or anything like that, just sat in the driveway. The last two times I took in to the dealer, they replaced the IDM and crank modual and each time it seemed to fix the problem for a time. This is the third time its been in for the same symptoms. Cranking but not turning over.
The truck runs great, until this problem occures. The first time it did it was at 68,000 miles the next time it was at 89,000 miles and this time its at 100,000.
Out of everyone I know that has the 7.3 diesels no one has had this happen to them. Not sure if I'm doing anything wrong in maintanance or what?
Thanks.

 

Does the wait to start light illuminate the times that it does not start? It's difficult to believe the Injector Driver Module (IDM) has failed twice. At any point over the three times it's been in service for this problem has the camshaft position sensor been changed? It should show up as a "CMP" an your invoice.

 

If replacing the IDM twice temperarily fixed the problem, I almost wonder if there is not a wiring problem, like maybe a pushed pin the plug, loose wire, or even a shorted wire. Once running, it does fine? won't just up and die? Could be something in the ICP circuit as well. If the computer doesn't see somewhere around 500 psi of HPO, it will not fire the injectors.

 

How old are the batteries? Before you spend the money on another new IDM, replace the batteries if they're more than a couple years old.