Automatic Idle Control - Diesel Forum

SAVAGESAM · 09-20-2003, 05:58 PM

Why would I want this feature if I'm not an ambulance or tow truck driver? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

kude · 09-20-2003, 07:03 PM

From what I've read here, you might want this if your vehicle and you tend to idle longer than 15 minutes. Example: (1) waiting for wife/mother in parking lot while she is shopping, AC works better at higher RPM. (2) if using invertor for power tools (3) using PTO for powering generator or hydraulics (4) cold climates, (5) in general your truck idles for more than 15 minutes.

Smarter guys will comment.

Also, it is much cheaper to order it than adding it later.

huch1212 · 09-20-2003, 07:04 PM

Your diesel should not idle at normal idle speed for longer than around ten minutes tops. The AIC allows you to program it to automatically idle the engine up to around 1300/1400 RPM or higher which is a safe operating RPM for extended idling.

You can get the AIC very cheep when ordering your new truck (around $200) as compared to Fords high after market price. The cheapest aftermarket price is through a friend of SmokeyWrens (Gene Louder) and he wants $350 + S&H which is a very good aftermarket price. Order it and if you find you will not use it you can sell it for at least $100 over your cost on e-Bay of I'll give you $250 plus S&H for it. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

SAVAGESAM · 09-21-2003, 03:50 PM

Thanks guys, I can definately see a use for it. I have sat in a parking lot waiting for the family to come out. Again thanks for the info.

pdaug · 09-25-2003, 02:04 PM

What does the "FACTORY" AIC look like? Anyone have a photo? Also, I have not seen it as a option on the Ford Build you own truck page. They do have a option called a power take off provision. Is this the same thing? Thanks

kude · 09-25-2003, 04:36 PM

pdaug,

Goto the Ford Commercial Trucks site, the AIC is listed as an option there (you can do a build there, too). Maybe a search in the Members Photos section using AIC will turn up a picture for you.

The PTO (power take off) provision is similiar in use to what a tractor PTO is. In the case of the truck though, it is used to drive a hydraulic pump or an electrical generator below the cab and bed and not PTO powered farm equipment. The use of the AIC to control rpms might be required by the pumps or generators.

SmokeyWren · 09-25-2003, 04:39 PM

One place to see photos of the AIC is the ITP website. Click here, then on

products, then on

Ford Trucks, then on

94-03 7.3L PSD, then on

ITP AIC Relocation Brackets

[ QUOTE ]
Also, I have not seen it as a option on the Ford Build you own truck page.

[/ QUOTE ]

In the order guide, it's listed under "limited production options" or LPO. Which doesn't mean anything - anyone can order it.

Surf to http://www.sunrisefordfleet.com/download_center.htm and download a 2004 order guide for whichever pickup you're considering. It includes all the ifs, ands, and buts about options. After you know what's available with what, the Build-your-own site might mean more.

[ QUOTE ]
They do have a option called a power take off provision. Is this the same thing?

[/ QUOTE ]

No. The AIC is "auxiliary idle control" kit, and one of it's uses is to control the engine RPM while operating a power takeoff (PTO).

The PTO provision is standard on the manual tranny and optional on the automatic. It's basically a plate on the tranny that you can remove and have access to the internals of the tranny where you'd install an aftermarket PTO. Ford doesn't sell the PTO - just that hole in the side of the tranny. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]