2006 F250 6.0 FICM Voltage Low?

[belbers1]

Hey guys,
For some reason I occasionally get a Check Engine light on. I have an Edge programmer with attitude and when I use the "check DTC's" option, it says FICM voltage low. I just had the FICM replaced a few months ago and can't figure out why it would be saying that. I bought the truck two years ago and have had that code pop up occasionally ever since I bought it. Could it be the chip causing the false code? Or should I be worried that my truck is destroying the FICM? Thanks a bunch

Cheers

Brandon

[dannyboy950]

If your bat voltage drops below 10v input to ficm the transformers can not step up to the proper output voltage and you will get a code for low voltage or performance.

[belbers1]

Hmmm. I will have to check that when I get home in two weeks. When I was home last, the voltage was good if I remember correctly.

[dannyboy950]

The transformers are just graduated windings, you input 1v you get out 4v.
However much voltage is input it is increased 4 times. 12v in gets you 48v out.

[belbers1]

Yeah, I figured. I meant can low battery voltage harm the FICM? I don't think the batteries are low

[dannyboy950]

Low voltage is the biggest ficm killer bar none.

[belbers1]

Would you recommend replacing both batteries as a preventative measure then? I would rather not be spending $800 every couple months

[dannyboy950]

At the least get them individually tested, preferably at a starter/alt rebuild place they have better equipment and are more knoweldgable than the people at parts houses.

[belbers1]

Alright. Thanks for all the help. Any idea how long I can go before it kills it? I'm not going to drive it anymore until I get the batteries but I wonder how much damage is already done

[dannyboy950]

That is hard to say with you haveing just replaced it it will probably take a while to cause internal harm to the boards but there really is no way I know of to tell for shure.