Is it a major repair???

[tarheel87]

Hi guys! My 1995 F-350 7.3 started running rough last night on the way home. It has no power but still starts as if it is only on 3 cylinders. My question is this...Is there a possible control module (IDM ?) or a mechanical problem. The air filter and fuel are good. Is there something I can replace to rule out a problem like an IDM.

ANY THOUGHTS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BEFORE I HAVE TO GO TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP!

Thank you for your advice.

[lakeydj]

Hey there tarheel, the first thing I would check is your fuel pressure, if your fuel filter,air filter and engine oil are good. There is a schrader valve on the side of your fuel pressure regulator which is right by the fuel filter housing. You can get a fuel pressure kit at about any parts store. It should have a 0-160 guage and some adapters, tell them what your truck is and they should be able to hook ya up. Check the pressure at high rpm and no load......it should be between 30-70psi. Check on both front and rear tanks. Hope this is some help. Let me know what ya find and hopefully we can figure it out...... without taking it to a shop....... (after thought) when you go to the parts store have them check and see if there is any codes present......usually they will do this for free......autozone does i think. That will give you some more insite. If it has some codes and they can't tell you what they are let me know and i will look them up.

Later, Derek

[tarheel87]

Derek,

I have not tried your test yet (Monday morning). I will let you know as soon as I have a chance. Thanks so much for your reply.

Sincerely,

Eric

[tarheel87]

They called me today to tell me I have a bad IDM cost $850 parts! I found a used one and bought it for $250. Here is my question: Is it a plug and play part? Meaning it will fix the problem once I plug the replacement IDM in or does the PCM maybe have to be "flashed" as they say from the service dept.

My first guess is I can just drop it in from talking to the seller of the IDM who has done the same thing.

Any advice will help!

Sincerely,

Eric

[Fis Teck]

Did the Idm fix your problem?

[tarheel87]

The service manager said the new IDM had to be "flashed" to be compatible with the power control module...TOTAL BS. I went to the dealer paid my $88 diagnosis charge, went out two my truck, and in 5 min. I was driving home with my new box installed. Apparently this is a very common thing with Power Strokes and they are making a killing at the dealership at $850 per part. YOU CAN PICK THEM UP ON EBAY AS LITTLE AS $150.

Good luck!

[turbotime]

I paid that kind of money to have a computer diagnostic done once. But then I found out that with the SuperChips tuner it does that for you as well as upping your performance. Three trips to the dealership and you paid for a tuner. Just a thought, I am happy with mine and never have to pay that kind of money to the dealership for something so little again!