FICM?

[DonS]

2005 Excursion, 6.0.

Hard cold starts - have to plug it in if below 40 F in the garage.

When not at "full" operating temperature, it bucks/sputters under any acceleration, with black smoke. Once it's good and warmed up, it seems fine.

Ambient temps in the 30s and 40s.

Throwing code P0611.

FICM voltage tests, AFTER it has been nicely warmed up (10 miles at 60MPH):
* KOEO: 48V
* Initial key-on "buzz": 30V
* Cranking: 46V
* Idling: 48V

Is my FICM dead? Would the low ambient temps cause the "bucking" and smoke, before the engine has reached normal operating temp? (I thought I'd read somewhere that there was an extra current demand on the FICM when intake air temps were below some threshold.)

[dannyboy950]

Well it may not be dead but it is sick, it needs attention.

[Korx]

Definitely needs repair, sooner rather than later or you risk damaging your injectors. You should never see under 45v. Ed @ FICMrepair.com or try it yourself. Might as well check your batteries while you're at it, bad batteries are known to lead to a FICM failure.

[DonS]

Thanks for the replies. Replacement FICM in the works.

Batteries are brand new. Replaced after several cold starts (below 0 F) killed them. Block heater cord added, too. Plugging it in overnight when the garage will get below 40 seems to help - a little. Guessing that this helps engine come up to temp a little faster.

[DonS]

Originally Posted by Korx

You should never see under 45v.[emphasis added]

I presume that includes the initial KOEO time the glow plugs are on?

(Tried it again after my initial post - 23V during key turn-on "buzz". Not driving it until FICM is replaced.)

[ZMANN]

it's going no doubt

Ed will get u set up