As our trucks get older there are more "help me" threads and fewer "check this out" threads...as is expected as our trucks age and many of us know them inside and out. Lord knows I've posted my share over the past few years regarding the former.

I started down my 7.3L path of wallet enlightenment over 10 years ago. Back then these trucks were much younger so there were a good number of threads about discovery and interesting tidbits that I've collected and promptly misplaced (or flat out forgotten). I have so many thread subscriptions, pictures, and write-ups that my head spins. It's to the point that it's almost not useful to have this much stuff saved...almost.

Doing some research for a friend, I came across some of those nuggets.

Since this group is more of a relaxed crowd (not like most other forums) and re-posting is not a cardinal sin, I thought I would start a place to put interesting things learned over the years that may be useful.

This is more for low/no-cost things that your truck does or can do with minimal effort/tools. I will use the fog lights with high beams mod as an example. This is the place to discuss cutting and splicing the wire in the back of the fuse box, not to buy a Brite Box for $125+. The idea is it should be simple and fairly inexpensive (if not free).

I also think it would be easier to share each idea as its own post. Not everyone will be interested in every item (assuming this isn’t an embarrassing one-man show I’ve started) so breaking them up individually will make them a self-contained topic so anyone now (or in the future) can read only what strikes them.

I have attached a PDF of the first round that I've posted (7 of them) for anyone that wants to collect the info. I have made some post edits so the PDF is not exactly as the thread is...but it’s close.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a mechanical professional nor do I hold any official recognized certifications for any of the information I share (although I have an extensive collection of “been there, done that” t-shirts). There are nuances between years for many things (E99, electrical (starting in ’02), PMRs, mechanical diode, etc.) so YMMV depending on the item. Do not assume that a write-up for an ’03 will work on your ’00 (e.g. digital odometer diagnostic center).

I will give credit where I can remember as none of the things I post here were my original idea(s). They were just interesting “truck nuggets” I’ve collected during my decade of 7.3L ownership.

Fog lights with high beams:

As I mentioned in the first post there are two ways to go about it. One is to shell out over 100 duckets and install the Brite Box. Another route is a simple wiring modification for those with a little time and basic electrical knowledge.

There are numerous posts but the best write-up I’ve come across is from SteveRacer:

S&S Diversified

I have provided the link as I respect that he does not want the page copied, only referenced.

Programming key fobs​​​​​​:

Back in the day these fobs were the industry standard and dealerships played it close to the vest on how to program these little buggers so they could charge us $50 for 3 minutes of labor. Luckily the procedure eventually leaked out and we got to save some moolah and time waiting in line at the Service Desk. Unfortunately, I don’t have anyone to credit as there are many posts for this and I made my own laminated version that I keep in my center console. Here it is:

Program Keyless Entry/Remote:

Notes:
- All locks must be up or down to start.
- You can only program up to 4 units max.
- If you do this procedure it resets the unit so you must program all the remotes every time you do this.

1. Insert your key in the ignition and turn from OFF to ON eight (8) times in rapid succession with the eighth turn ending in the ON position.

2. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that the programming mode has been entered.

3. Within 20 seconds, program a remote transmitter by pressing any button on the remote transmitter. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that the remote transmitter has been programmed. (If more than 20 seconds pass before pressing a remote transmitter button, the programming mode will exit and the procedure will have to be repeated)

4. Repeat step 3 to program additional remote transmitters. The doors will lock/unlock for each remote transmitter to confirm that it has been programmed.

5. When you have completed programming the remote transmitters, turn the ignition to OFF or wait 20 seconds. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that the programming has been completed.

SPECIAL NOTE: if you didn’t get a fob when you bought your truck you probably don’t have keyless entry if it’s an XL, you might have it if you have an XLT, and you probably have it if you have a Lariat (or above). Perform step 1. If step 2 happens then you have keyless entry. You can buy fobs for about $10 on Amazon, slap a 2032 battery in there, and program it.

Valet mode:

Insert your key in the ignition and turn from OFF to ON three (3) times in rapid succession (disables anti-theft). To enable anti-theft insert your key in the ignition and turn from OFF to ON three (3) times in rapid succession.

Key in ignition chime:

*This is a risky one if you only keep one key on you*

How many times have you opened the door and your key-in-the-ignition door chime reminder goes off? If it annoys you more than you thinking “thank goodness I almost forgot to take the key with me” then read on at your own risk.

This takes a few minutes to remove the lower steering column cover and remove one wire clip. It’s a great write-up and I do not remember who posted it:

Digital odometer diagnostics:

If you have a digital odometer it is also a diagnostics center. There is a bunch of stuff on it but most of what’s posted is for 6.0Ls. Here is a link to a video made by Trey Spooner (A/0x4) when he still had his 7.3L F-250 (he’s since moved on to the F-150 world):



It’s not 100% accurate for us but here’s a chart for the 6.0L diagnostics:

Seat belt chime (beltminder):

Tired of the seatbelt minder (chime) going off while you’re driving through the campground looking for your spot or trying to maneuver your trailer? You can disable this feature and the instructions, of all places, are in your owner’s manual!

BeltMinder activation and deactivation procedure

1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT START THE ENGINE)

2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1–2 minutes)

• Steps 3–5 must be completed within 60 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated.

3. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. This can be done before or during BeltMinder warning activation.

4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/ headlamps.

5. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled.
• After step 5 the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three seconds.

6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt.
• This will disable BeltMinder if it is currently enabled, or enable BeltMinder if it is currently disabled.

7. Confirmation of disabling BeltMinder is provided by the safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds.

8. Confirmation of enabling BeltMinder is provided by:
• The safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds.
• Followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off.
• Once again, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per second for three seconds.

9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete.

I’ve got it so it goes back to 2002 if not more.

I’ve deactivated/disabled most “nanny modes”. The only ones I still have is auto locks (I actually like that feature) and the door chime for headlights on with the engine off (and the door open). I can disable it (cut a wire behind the light switch) but I don’t have any need to have my headlights on, the engine off, and the door open all at the same time.

My dad’s 2001 has the belt reminder. His 2000 did not. In my early bird I am lucky to have seat belts

I tried, but I'm in jail too.

So if two other members could rep Brian, please.