Last week I was pulling an empty gooseneck trailer with my '05 F350 Powerstroke (82,000 miles) and noticed it was bogging down some coming up a hill. When I reached the next stop sign, the engine started shaking heavily. As I tried to accelerate, I had just enough power to get the truck moving. Shortly after, it died and could not be restarted. I had the following trouble codes:

P0263
P0278
U0306

Towed it to the dealer. After a week, they had it "fixed". I was told they had to rework the computer and replace a baffle in the EGR. I drove it to my farm (about 10 miles), and shortly after left for home. The same problem occured again (same day I picked it up), but without a trailer this time and I couldn't even make it as far. I also noticed a humming noise, similar to the fuel pump pressurizing, but a lower tone seeming to come from behind the steering column as soon as I turned on the key that lasted for about 2 minutes after starting. This hum occured prior to both breakdowns. Also, I had been running a Hypertech programmer for 25,000 miles or so.

It has been towed to the dealer again (which I am no longer very confident in). If any has had this happen, or may have some info on this problem, please let me know so I will be better prepared to deal with them Monday morning.
Thanks,

 

Sounds like you have either a restricted fuel pump or a bad high pressure oil pump... If the HPOP went bad, it would feel just like you were running out of fuel.

 

From the service manual:

P0263 - #1 cylinder contribution/balance
P0278 - #6 cylinder contribution/balance
U0306 - software incompatible with with fuel injector control module

The troubleshooting chart lists injector or valve train problems for P0263 and P0278 and a possible communication error for U0306.

A restricted fuel filter or failing fuel pump could easily cause the first two codes and might account for the noise that you are hearing. The last code might be associated with the tuner.

Changing out the primary fuel filter is a good starting point.

Lou Braun

 

Also sounds like a possible FICM failure.

 

As above, I would look at the FICM compatibility code. Remove your programmer and have them blank path reprogram the PCM,FICM, & TCM. Then reck misfires as normal, relative compression check, injector buzz check, and if still a problem with those cylinders then replace injectors. Then just drive it and see if the problem persists, if network code U0306 returns then I would replace the FICM

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I can't see how it could be the filter as they fixed it for about 10 miles. I'll feel pretty ignorant if that is indeed the problem though. With regards to the humming noise, it started out with a low hum, then seemed to speed up to a higher pitched noise before it stopped (about the same time it started to loose power, but regained power before stalling out about a mile later).
I did remove the programmer prior to the original towing to dealer and they did something with the computer (not sure what). I'll let you know what they figure it out.
Thanks,

 

Hi,

If the injectors are suspected or diagnosed to be the root cause of this problem, we recommend trying Hot Shot's Secret before part replacement.

If they are not functioning properly they will get noisy so this may be what you are hearing.

Stiction is the most common cause of injector failure in the 6.0. Hot Shot's Secret was designed for International to correct this issue. It was tested and proven to be safe and effective and carries a money back guarantee..so there is no risk to run a treatment through your truck to see if these symptoms clear up.

You can find more info about our product at
www.lubricationspecialties.com

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions.

I hope you get this problem straightened out easily and without more expense.

Best Regards,
Dan

 

05's are notorious for the snap-to-connect fitting in the HPO system leaking/failing causing a loss of power and a hot hard or no start condition. This could also throw contribution balance codes, although I'd think it would throw 8 instead of just 2. I've had the U0306 from bad or corrupted programming when there was nothing wrong with the FICM, but that's a strong possibility too, although it usually throws a boat load of codes when it goes bad.

 

I would start by changing the fuel filters. just to be sure you didn't have some bad /dirty fuel. Be sure to use a filter which has RACOR stamped on it. IH# 1843059C91 or Ford FD-4604 There have been reports posted here of "Will Fit" filters giving problems.