'03 has no power until warmed up

[rlu_tech]

When I start driving my truck cold in the morning, it has no power and the transmission runs out the gears for a long time before it will shift. After a few miles and the truck has gotten a little warmer, it drives normal. It has been in the 60's in the mornings here. I recently blocked the EGR cooler, replaced oil cooler, cleaned turbo vanes, replaced fuel filters (Motorcraft), did oil change and used Rotella 5W-40 synthetic with a motorcraft filter. Any ideas why my truck is so sluggish in the morning?

[jesilvas]

Maybe need to check batteries, alternator, and FICM?

[william_ace]

Try doing the "Blue Spring Update". I just did everything you mentioned plus the blue spring and updated turbo oil feed line. Much better starts, and it warms up quicker. I believe this larger spring ups the fuel pressure which in turn makes it run better.

[SpeedyDBall]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Maybe need to check batteries, alternator, and FICM?

X2 I would almost guarantee this is where your problem lies. mine would barely start on 60 degree mornings and my FICM was bad. Check all your voltages. If you have any questions call Ed at FICMrepair.com, he will get you lined out on FICM problems.

[WarChild]

Get a monitoring solution immediately or you might face some serious shop bills soon.

[george g]

I just had mine do the same thing,turned out to be the ficm.

[rlu_tech]

Thanks for the info! I will begin some checking. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the FICMs on these trucks can be repaired i believe?

[rlu_tech]

Fuel filters corrected my problem.

[PGreenSVT]

Originally Posted by SpeedyDBall

X2 I would almost guarantee this is where your problem lies. mine would barely start on 60 degree mornings and my FICM was bad. Check all your voltages. If you have any questions call Ed at FICMrepair.com, he will get you lined out on FICM problems.

Originally Posted by rlu_tech

Thanks for the info! I will begin some checking. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the FICMs on these trucks can be repaired i believe?

See post above.

[OCVeloMan]

Let's not forget the obvious answer here, these trucks are detuned until they reach 120* F Coolant temp. Mine is a dog until it warms up. Once it hits around 140* the motor and trans work like a symphony!