High Idle Mod
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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High Idle Mod
Ok guys,, going way out on a limb. I read somewhere about this. but it seems to simple, even for me. Most of this is what i'm wondering.. so im sure I"m way wrong. The number 4 upfitter switch can/ should be used for this. Wire number 294 is a white wire with a light blue stripe. Number 322 is a light blue wire with a yellow stripe. Surely there is more to this then just finding these wires and hooking to ... to what??? (together).. thanks..
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,321
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From: Mattawa Washington.
Hook the wires to any switch, you will only have power when the truck is running so no battery drain.If you put it in gear the power is intterupted. Can't vouch for the correct wire colors. It is all in the tech folder.
I installed mine to a regular toggle switch since I don't have the upfitter switches. Yes very simple and only takes 30 minutes at the most.
I would check to make sure there isn't a power supply already to the upfitter switch, If there is and you are not going to use it for anything else disconnect the power suppy and hook up the high idle wires.Someone that uses them will chime in soon on their functions. You could do a search on the switches as there is lots of discussion on them.
I installed mine to a regular toggle switch since I don't have the upfitter switches. Yes very simple and only takes 30 minutes at the most.
I would check to make sure there isn't a power supply already to the upfitter switch, If there is and you are not going to use it for anything else disconnect the power suppy and hook up the high idle wires.Someone that uses them will chime in soon on their functions. You could do a search on the switches as there is lots of discussion on them.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 4
I see a lot of you guys have the "high idle" mod. Is this primarily for those who use their trucks in cold weather? I live Louisiana (mild winters, hot as hell summers) and use my truck as a daily driver. Would I see the benefits of this mod? Would it even be necessary. Just curious, thanks fellas.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 357
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From: Anchorage, Alaska
The high idle on any diesel keeps the engine running at normal operating temperature and keeps it burning the fuel in a more complete manner. Especially on engines where there are small parts (ie turbo vanes like on the 6.0), the soot buildup is much less inside of the exhaust due to the hotter exhaust produced at high idle. It keeps everything warm and working.
The switch is also used for things like a PTO (power take off) for applications that require some kind of auxiliary power. Usually the F-450 and 550 chassis have this already installed, but the ECM used for these trucks and the rest of the 6.0L's are the same in that respect.
Most people never run a PTO on a truck with a bed on it becasue there isn't much to use with it. If you were to install a hydraulic dump on your bed or a hydraulic toy-hauler lift (the kind that lifts from the ground to your bed rails), then you could use something like this. Some offroaders use a PTO powered winch as well.
The switch is also used for things like a PTO (power take off) for applications that require some kind of auxiliary power. Usually the F-450 and 550 chassis have this already installed, but the ECM used for these trucks and the rest of the 6.0L's are the same in that respect.
Most people never run a PTO on a truck with a bed on it becasue there isn't much to use with it. If you were to install a hydraulic dump on your bed or a hydraulic toy-hauler lift (the kind that lifts from the ground to your bed rails), then you could use something like this. Some offroaders use a PTO powered winch as well.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,616
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In Lousiana the summers are hot and the winters are mild......................Ofcourse you can use this mod.
From what I understand a 6.0 should not be idled for longer than 15min to prevent wet stacking (fuel in the oil from incomplete combustion). I use the high idle mod during the mild winters in CA to warm up my vehicle and during the trecherous summers to keep my family comfy in the cab. It is well worth the time to do it.
From what I understand a 6.0 should not be idled for longer than 15min to prevent wet stacking (fuel in the oil from incomplete combustion). I use the high idle mod during the mild winters in CA to warm up my vehicle and during the trecherous summers to keep my family comfy in the cab. It is well worth the time to do it.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 662
Likes: 1
From: KCMO
I used mine in the winter for various things...or when jump-starting another vehicle that had a troublesome battery.
Can be used to keep the truck cooler in the summer heat as well.
Can be used to keep the truck cooler in the summer heat as well.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
I use my high idle every time I change the fuel filters. Just to make sure that if any air has entered the lines I get it out before hitting the road. I've also used it when flushing my coolant system.
But I don't have much need for it normal day to day. Heck, it didn't cost anything.
But I don't have much need for it normal day to day. Heck, it didn't cost anything.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
From: FLORIDA
Also a high idle is great for warming you truck up.........you don't what to pull out in to traffic with a cold engine and have to get on the gas hard.Thats a good way to stretch your head bolts.I let mine run till it reaches 125-130 degs and the time i get to the highway it's almost to the right temp.just my 2cens