P0264 Fuel Injector Error Code: New FICM or just Injector Flush?

[drodio]

Hi everyone, this is one of my first posts here; just bought a 2003 F250 (pics at Facebook). Thx for all the expertise on the forum.

I'm getting a check engine light, and hooked up an OBD which reads: "P0264 Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low". Here's a picture of the error code: DROdio - Screen Shot 2012-07-11 at 12.43.09 PM.png

The engine is running fine; totally smooth, although my city MPGs are around 11-12; not yet sure if that's "low" or normal (big tires). The check engine light goes off every once in a while, but it's on most of the time. Truck starts OK although sometimes I have to crank it longer than others (never longer than ~ 1.5 sec).

So I'm trying to figure out what all the steps are to troubleshoot from easiest/cheapest to most expensive. So far I've come up with this list -- does anyone have any advice/re-ordering suggestions?

1) As per OBDII Code P0264 - Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low | Engine-Codes.com , it could be "Clogged or partially clogged fuel injector can cause this code. Start by performing an injector flush before replacing the injector." Can anyone point me to how to do an injector flush?

2) Test the voltage output on the FICM as per this video:

Ford 6.0 FICM Testing & Removal Instructional Video - YouTube

Ford 6.0 FICM Testing & Removal Instructional Video - YouTube

3) Replace injector #2 only

4) Replace the FICM (not sure if this should be #3 instead of #4?)

Anything I'm missing?

Thanks again,

DROdio
Daniel R. Odio

[drodio]

Here's what Circuit Board Medics said when I asked them about this:

"I would check the continuity of the wiring harness for that injector back to the FICM first by checking ohms with a multimeter. After that, it boils down to checking the injector itself and the FICM. The FICM will be cheaper to test. I look forward to serving you."

[97OBS]

You mentioned easiest/cheapest so Hot Shot's Secret is worth using, especially since you just purchased the truck & don't know previous maintenance habits. I've also heard great things about http://ficmrepair.com/. Seem very knowledgeable and eager to answer techical questions...

[drodio]

I bought Hot Shot's Secret (both oil and diesel) and tried it, but no benefit yet (still seeing the check engine light). I'll test the FICM next. Stay tuned...

[Deer Creek]

Hot Shot secret does take up to 1500 miles to fully clean your injectors. I run it and was told by Lubrication Specialties Inc. that I should do a few long trips 200-300 miles to get everything good and hot and flowing. After I did that I started noticing the difference.

My 04 was doing the same thing. Turned out it was the FICM. Problem was mine tested good but only the volts were good, the board was shot. Check your connectors on the back of the FICM, then if thats not it test it.

[chadjetlag]

I had a very bad experience with circuit board medics, I was out the original rebuild money they wanted another 150 to repair their rebuild then it was my fault for not sending it back to them a third time for repair. still did not have a working ficm. I had to get one through ficm repair.com.(they know how customer service works) Circuit board medics refused to refund any money without the ficm I had to turn in for a core, (I had also sent them a core i had laying around) so 1100 dollars and a month later I had a functioning ficm. Do your research carefully before choosing a ficm rebuild company.

[drodio]

I've had HotShot in for about 1k miles so far; I'm still getting an intermittent check engine light and specifically cod P0264 keeps popping up.

My mechanic thinks it's the FICM. So I sent it in to Ed at FICMrepair.com today. We'll see how things go -- he has a lot of very positive reviews from others. I paid the extra $$$ for a 2 year warranty and "bulletproofing" of the unit, as I plan to be traveling internationally.

[chadjetlag]

Ed at ficm repair is great. You wont regret doing business with him.