Just dropped my 04 f250 6.0L off for 45,000 service. They called and said the fuel/water seperator plug was stripped (common) but they couldn't get it out and would have to replace the assy for $250 parts and labor. I asked for price of parts so I could DIY and was told I couldn't do it because either the FICM or PCM would have to be flashed after they changed it. Any idea if this is true or are they trying to take me to the cleaners.

 

A filter (effectively) is plugged and they need to flash your PCM???? Are they throwing in some free headlight fluid or muffler bearings? I'm not bagging you, but that's some BS right there I'd say.

 

He is saying that the drain plug is stripped and won't screw back in. He didn't mention the filter being plugged.

To answer the question...I don't know if the PCM has to be done.

 

Oh...hold on. They can't get the drain plug OUT? That is crap. There have been numerous people on here that have gotten out a stripped plug if it's only the allen wrench hole that is stripped. Search around and I am also sure someone will be by to point you in the right direction.

 

No matter if the PCM HAD to be flashed (which it wouldn't), you could STILL DIY! Call back to the PARTS dept and ask for the price. Better yet, get the vehicle back and order it from one of our providers!

 

yeah they're replacing the module that mounts on the side of the conditioner that the fuel runs through before going through the filter/pump. I know it has the water sensor in it and maybe the fuel heater but don't know if any of that would require a reflash.

 

sounds like a line to me. try another dealer or do it yourself

 

appreciate the feed back. I'll let ya'll know what the final outcome of this is.

 

You should not have to replace the HFCM. Go down to the 6.0L forum and look for threads about the stripped HFCM plug. There are a few different ways to get it out. I personally would recommend using JB weld or something similar to attach the allen head wrench to the plug to get it out.

 

When I end up with a stripped out allen headed anything I'll take a torx bit that's a little bit larger than the allen "slot" and pound that sucker in there with a hammer untill it bottoms out. The torx basically has little teeth that will bite in and allow you to remove the fastener. This works about 90% of the time for me.

 

Hey jwoo1800, what dealership did you go to ?

 

Freedom Ford on Military Hwy. They ended up destroying the plug trying to get it out. It looked like they took an easy out to it. The brass didn't stand a chance. Anyway went ahead and had them change the module on the side of the HFCM. It's the little piece the fuel lines go in and out of and not the whole conditioner unit. Still not sure why but they also flashed the PCM, FICM, and TCM. Not that that's a huge problem but can't think of a single reason changing that piece would require it. Probably the last time I'll be visiting them. Bad thing is I just bought the Truck and bought an aftermarket warranty with it and they denied coverage because it wasn't a "mechanical" failure. Even though it was that way from the dealership. Suck pill...

 

have you tried kimnach ford .i used to go to beach ford haven't been there in 4yrs ,then started going back to kimnach,i deal with them before anyone else. they do all warranty work on our fleet trucks, all diesels. kevin is the man to deal with over there.

 

appreciate the advice. I'm definately in the market for another dealer. I hit up freedom 'cause they are just up the road from the house but the pain isn't worth the convienence.

 

yea they take good care of me on my truck wheel bearings all new seals in front axle,ball joints even though i have a lift on my truck and wide tires!