Having a prob w/ my 05. I pretty much have to keep it plugged in at temps 45 deg. or lower. If not I have to try and start it 15-20 times before it runs. It will fire off and then die after about 20 times it will finally have enough ass to run at a idle. After its starts and driving down the road it acts as if its running outta fuel. 1500 rpms then dies to a idle then back to 1500 and in the stall a big black puff of smoke. "Sometimes" after fully operating temp it will clear itself and run like a scoulded dog other times I can just tell its missing. I have boost, Ive check glow plug relay, replaced fuel filters and no check engine light. I have also unplugged the egr valve and does same thing. Any ideas greatly appreciated. Leaving to go out of town this weekend. Dont wanna have to resort to a rental. thanks
running out of fuel?
- Thread starter lomac9
- Start date
DaveBen
SDD Senior Member
Regular oil can give you fits during starts, but not as much as you are having. My second choice would be the FICM (Fuel Injector Control Module). This is a programmed driver of the injectors that can give you fits when cold. What you need it to scan your truck to see what codes are present. This is a must for these new computer controlled engines. You can take it in to a mechanic to be scanned or to Ford (more $$) OR you can get a scanner and scan it your self. I have an AutoEnginuity scanner that runs on a Windows laptop computer. There are stand alone scanners that will work also, but be careful to make sure you use one that can read Ford CAN Code Communications. This is the upcoming codes communications for the newer OBD II scanners. Good luck and I hope you can find a quick fix.
Dave
Dave
sbiggi
SDD Junior Member
You can check the output voltage of the FICM....
Jacked from another forum
How to check your FICM for proper voltage output.
(Perform this check when the engine is completely cold.)
1. Remove the two bolts that hold the coolant reservoir to the cowl and push the reservoir out of the way forward and to your right. You do not need to disconnect any of the hoses.
2. On top of the FICM is a small cover held on by two #20 Torx screws; remove these two screws and pry the cover off.
3. On 2003 and early 2004 trucks, you will see 7 screw heads under the cover. On 2004 and later trucks you will see 4 screws.
PROCEDURE for 4 SCREW FICM
4a. Take a multi-meter set on DC volts and connect the ground lead to battery negative, and with the key ON measure the voltage at the screw on your right—closest to the driver’s side fender. Do not let the probe short against the case! The voltage should be right at 48 volts. Anything between 47 and 49 is good.
5a. Have an assistant cycle the key and measure the voltage during the initial key-on buzz test. Voltage should not drop below 46 volts.
6a. Next measure the voltage while cranking the engine. If voltage stays at or above 45-46 volts, the FICM is fine. Abnormally low battery voltage can give a false low FICM voltage reading, so make sure your batteries are good.
The procedure is the same for FICM’s with 7 screws, except that you will be checking voltage at a different screw, as shown in this picture.
PROCEDURE for 7 SCREW FICM
4b. Repeat step 4 above (multi meter step) but put the positive lead on the left-most screw in the row of 4 screws.
Do not let the probe short against the case!
5b. Same as 5a above
6b. Same as 6a above
If the voltage is above 46 volts in all the tests, your FICM is in excellent condition.
If it is between 36 and 45 volts its OK, but not great. If it is between 25 and 35 volts, you have serious FICM problems.
Jacked from another forum
How to check your FICM for proper voltage output.
(Perform this check when the engine is completely cold.)
1. Remove the two bolts that hold the coolant reservoir to the cowl and push the reservoir out of the way forward and to your right. You do not need to disconnect any of the hoses.
2. On top of the FICM is a small cover held on by two #20 Torx screws; remove these two screws and pry the cover off.
3. On 2003 and early 2004 trucks, you will see 7 screw heads under the cover. On 2004 and later trucks you will see 4 screws.
PROCEDURE for 4 SCREW FICM
4a. Take a multi-meter set on DC volts and connect the ground lead to battery negative, and with the key ON measure the voltage at the screw on your right—closest to the driver’s side fender. Do not let the probe short against the case! The voltage should be right at 48 volts. Anything between 47 and 49 is good.
5a. Have an assistant cycle the key and measure the voltage during the initial key-on buzz test. Voltage should not drop below 46 volts.
6a. Next measure the voltage while cranking the engine. If voltage stays at or above 45-46 volts, the FICM is fine. Abnormally low battery voltage can give a false low FICM voltage reading, so make sure your batteries are good.
The procedure is the same for FICM’s with 7 screws, except that you will be checking voltage at a different screw, as shown in this picture.
PROCEDURE for 7 SCREW FICM
4b. Repeat step 4 above (multi meter step) but put the positive lead on the left-most screw in the row of 4 screws.
Do not let the probe short against the case!
5b. Same as 5a above
6b. Same as 6a above
If the voltage is above 46 volts in all the tests, your FICM is in excellent condition.
If it is between 36 and 45 volts its OK, but not great. If it is between 25 and 35 volts, you have serious FICM problems.
DaveBen
SDD Senior Member
Get it scanned and if the computer says you have a fault with a FICM code, it is bad. I had one go out a year ago and it left codes.
Dave
Dave
RoyBoy
Diesel Dork
Check the voltage as stated above. It's a good place to start. Mine was bad and threw no codes, voltage dropped below 40 on cold start.
2 Stroker
Full Access Member
Ok got it tested and no codes. The guy told me it sounded like fuel was puddling out of 1 or maybe two injectors. Burnt the tank down to about 10 gallons of fuel. Put in a can of Sea Foam and Diesel injector clener. Let it idle for about 3 hours and shut it down. Woke up the next morning w/o it being plugged in and it fired right off. Its running as good as when I bought it. Never truely believed in all the hype about that stuff but its changed my mind. Appreciate all the input. Just GLAD to have it back to normal.
