03- 6.0 Cold Start Please Help !!!! - Diesel Forum

LocoMike · 10-20-2009, 07:59 PM

Hello all. I have studied these forums and used the info for some time now. You members are 'impressive'. I am in desperate need of help.

My 2003 6.0 with 120K miles just underwent a First Coast EGR delete manifold and a CCV reroute to the rear. I also changed all oil and fuelx2 filters. It ran great. I then installed an EDGE Attitude Platinum (mostly for monitoring purposes) and in hopes of fuel mileage increase. It ran for 2 weeks and about 1200 miles "perfect". Then one morning I went out to start and it bucked, jerked, puked and stumbled until my oil temp reached 120. Then runs great.

I changed the alternator and discovered I had one bad battery. I replaced both batteries with 850 CCA new ones.

I purchased an AutoEnginuity scan program and verified the following:
13.5 volts from system battery/alternator
48 Volts from FICM
600 to 1100 Oil Rail Pressure
Injector Buzz Test = Pass
Installed Fuel pressure gauge and am getting 50 psi.

The truck is throwing no codes. Cam and Crank are in synch but cam always reads 'zero'

I assumed the EDGE system wiped out the spool/oil warm-up program from Ford for my injectors. I set the EDGE back to 'stock' cycled the key several times, let it run and then removed the entire EDGE system. I still had same symptoms. Puke, Gag, No Power until oil temp reached 120.

I just took it to Ford and had them reflash the FICM, PCM and TCM with the latest updates. They called and said 'no luck, still same symptoms. They want another $ 150 to diagnose it.

Soooo..... Does anybody have any ideas ??????? This is my work ride and it's getting cold on the Harley

Sic4fitty · 10-20-2009, 08:28 PM

Had the same symptons minus the tuner. Had the reflash done still the same ended up being the FICM need replaced. My tech told me to get new batteries because I had one bad and he told me that was probably why my FICM went out. Check your altenators also, one could be on its way out the door and that too will cause the FICM to fail.

LocoMike · 10-20-2009, 08:36 PM

Thanks for the thoughts but.......

1 new alternator
2 new batteries
FICM volts = 48
FICM logic circuit = 13.5

The 48 Volts stays steady from start to drive. (Using autoEngenuity Program)

I have done every test on the FICM that I know. Have any other test suggestions ????

legends13 · 12-02-2009, 09:41 AM

hey Loco, did you ever figure this out? My FICM is showing 48V also, and it is running like crap when cold/barely starts. Every thing I read points to FICM, but the voltage is what throws me...

I would be interested to see what fixed your truck.

LocoMike · 12-03-2009, 10:25 AM

48 Volts is "OK". Are you reading the voltage at idle or UNDER LOAD ? My voltage did not drop until WOT when the need to fire the injectors (the load) was at its greatest. It was then dropping to the low 45's.

F250Ghost · 12-03-2009, 01:28 PM

Just tore into my motor for another issue (see other thread) and from what I've learned is that 48 is good for the FICM and you're good until it drops below 42. I see you had Ford reflash everything...did that include the head induction "cold start" flash? Had my cold start flash a few years ago and it worked. But also keep in mind, that it could be an injector letting go. When I had a bad one, it did what your's is doing, bucked and everything until the truck got warm. Just something to think about...

4ceFed · 12-03-2009, 07:23 PM

Where are you located, sounds like injector stiction when cold? I've heard there are flushes and additives for the injectors that clean them up.........

MelloMike · 12-03-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ceFed

Where are you located, sounds like injector stiction when cold? I've heard there are flushes and additives for the injectors that clean them up.........

I agree. Sounds like your truck is a perfect candidate for Hot Shot's Secret oil additive.

legends13 · 12-04-2009, 11:59 AM

Well, Took it to the dealer for diagnostic. It is the FICM. Looks like I will be replacing that soon....

LocoMike · 12-05-2009, 09:15 AM

There is a 'self repair' for you FICM that some are finding sucessful. It's worth a shot and I can post a link to the site for simple soldering instructions.

If not:

FICM dealer sell price $ 650
FICM dealer core charge $100 (fefundable)
FICM dealer Flash $ 128

and that's if you do it yourself, which would mean doing it in the dealer parking lot (which is doable). Understand that the 'NEW' which is actually a rebuilt provided by Ford comes without programming (is empty) and must be flashed while installed in your truck before the truck will run.

LocoMike · 12-05-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocoMike

There is a 'self repair' for you FICM that some are finding sucessful. It's worth a shot and I can post a link to the site for simple soldering instructions.

If not:

FICM dealer sell price $ 650
FICM dealer core charge $100
FICM dealer Flash $ 128

and that's if you do it yourself, which would mean doing it in the delaer parking lot (which is doable). Understand that the 'NEW' which is actually a rebuilt provided by Ford comes without programming (is empty) and must be flashed while installed in your truck before the truck will run.

I HOPE everyone understands what FORD has done to us. Although FORD has paid millions in warrenty for the 6.0's the dealers (NOT THE DEALER TECHNICIANS !!!!) are making millions on this isue.

When Ford changed the program 'Re-Flash' for the cold start stiction issue it put a duty on the FICM that 'in my opinion' it was not designed for. This extra duty is what spawned the rash of FICM failures.

Ironically, WHO BENEFITS ????????............... The FORD dealers !!!!

It's NOT the FORD TECH's fault. They are just fixing what FORD initiated and they get paid the same $$$ per hour. Basically just wanted everyone to know "Don't blame the technician" !!!!

legends13 · 12-07-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocoMike

There is a 'self repair' for you FICM that some are finding sucessful. It's worth a shot and I can post a link to the site for simple soldering instructions.

If not:

FICM dealer sell price $ 650
FICM dealer core charge $100 (fefundable)
FICM dealer Flash $ 128

and that's if you do it yourself, which would mean doing it in the dealer parking lot (which is doable). Understand that the 'NEW' which is actually a rebuilt provided by Ford comes without programming (is empty) and must be flashed while installed in your truck before the truck will run.

Yes, I understand all of this. I have already done the solder trick, and it didn't help. As I said, I am getting 48v, but there is someting else going on with the ficm. Likely a component failure, nit just a solder joint.

I have a contact at a dealership, that is getting me a decent price on a FICM, and I am sending it to Power Hungry Performance to have it flashed, instad of the Ford Flash. Supposed to be about an extra 20hp, and about 10-15% better MPG. I will find out soon for sure...

Thanks for the help!

ravensfoot · 01-28-2010, 12:59 AM

My truck is hard to start when cold (hasn't always been this way) It wouldn't start at all when not plugged in. Only cranked over. I Have 2 new batteries and a new starter. Alternator was replaced last year. I let it warm up for about 5 min but it still is gut-less for the first 15 min of driving. Shifting seems a bit longer than normal with lack of power until completely warmed up.

Could it be my Glow Plug Controller?

qreynolds · 01-29-2010, 03:51 PM

Mine did the same thing as yours, had the FICM replaced and and four injectors also.

ravensfoot · 01-30-2010, 10:01 AM

Well, after my truck wouldn't start I towed it to the diesel mechanic.
He put it on the scope and it was showing all 8 injectors werent getting enough voltage.

I had tried the fix posted on this forum about reflowing the solder. Prior to doing the solder, all the connections looked good but I went ahead and did it anyway. Connected the truck back up and it still had issues when it was cold. A couple of days later, I had it in the shop for an oil change and the mechanic there couldn't get it started.

Well, you guessed it. $1000 later for the FICM. She now runs fantastic. Kinda sucks though having to spend that kind of money on a vehicle with only 160,000km on it.

Mechanic said that the FICM has to send out 48 volts to the injectors, if it doesn't have the power due to weak batteries, it is very hard on the FICM. Well a couple of months back I was having issues with weak batteries, to the point when on a very cold morning camping she wouldn't start. I think that is when my troubles started.Now I have 2 fresh batteries. I also ended up having to replace the starter, bought the one reccommended here (DB Starter) I just love it.