More 2007 starting problems (FICM?)

[jet6122]

I need more help! I had my 2007 6.0 checked out several times for a slow start (about 3-5 seconds after the truck sits over night). Prior post for 2007 long start after engine cools. I brought it to the dealer on Wednesday and had the batteries and alternator checked. They were good (batteries less than a year old). They agreed the truck was starting a bit slow and did the computer reflash (heat strategy to warm the injectors faster). I drove the truck home, then to my camp and back home the next day. I noticed the glow plugs sounded strange after the reflash. After that, the truck stayed in my driveway until tonight. When I tried to start it, the engine turned over slow like the batteries were dead, then went the loud clicking noise along with everything electrical surging on and off even after I turned the key off. Well the batteries are now showing 9.8 volts each and a no start! I went to jump it off. The truck lit up like it was going to work, but when I turned the key I lost power again and got the same problems as above. Should I go ahead and drop the $240.00 on new batteries on Sunday, or does anyone think this may be related to the reflash? Like a fried FICM. I am not familiar with these trucks! Thanks.

[bismic]

The batteries are probably bad now - how did the dealership check them? Did they load test them? Check your ground wires - you need to look all of them over real carefully for corrosion or loose connections. Look over the wire from the alternator to the battery also.

I personally do not think the flash could have caused any of it.

[jet6122]

I tightened both Neg. terminals when it first happened. No luck. I will have to look everything over real good today and check the Alt. cable when I get home from work today in the daylight. Thanks for info!

[bismic]

You can try charging the batteries up w/ a charger (not by driving) and then load test each one separately to see if they are still good. However, as you seem to know, the FICM does not like power problems - so if you are unsure on the batteries I would just replace them.

Also, if one battery is bad, change them both.

You also may have a short somewhere that is draining the batteries. You can pull one terminal and insert an amp meter between the wire and battery to see if there is an electrical draw w/ the key off (make sure all doors are shut and pull the light bulb under the hood).

[jet6122]

Okay, I will try that as well. I prob won't get batteries till tommorrow any how, so I will have time to fool with it today. But I surely want to make sure they are not the problem before I get a tow to the dealer. The batteries could be older, I'm only going off what the seller told me a few months ago. Do the Interstate batteries usually come stock on a new truck? Or another brand?

[bismic]

Stock batteries are Motorcraft. I think the stock batteries are not quite the quality of the Motorcraft BXT 65 850 CCA replacement batteries. I have had good luck w/ these Motorcraft replacement batteries.

[jet6122]

Thanks for the info, I'll let you know what I come up with.

[jet6122]

I got new motorcraft batteries (btx 65 850's) and a ford remand alternator to the tune of $854.00. The truck is starting much better, but I checked it this evening with my multi meter and the truck is only showing 13.8 volts. Shouldn't it show 14.5 when the engine is running.

[bismic]

Here are my voltages:

Voltage After Resting Overnight......... 12.3 vdc
Voltage During GP Warm-up............... 11.7 vdc
Lowest Voltage during Start-up.......... 11.7 to 11.8 vdc
Voltage after Start-up (before alt)...... 11.9 vdc
Voltage after Altenator kick-in at idle.. 13.3 vdc
Voltage at 1500rpm.......................... 13.5 - 13.8 vdc
Voltage after 30 minutes of driving...... 13.6 vdc

[jet6122]

That appears to be in line with my readings. Thanks for your help.