Ford 6.0 FICM Reliability Mod for F series Trucks.

Problem: FICM failures are a routine problem with F series 6.0s.

FICM Failures are far less common in E Series, and in the latest models (2008-2010) 6.0, FICM failures are a non issue!

So what gives?

FICM on the E Van is located behind the Degas bottle on the body, with a much longer wiring harness.

On the F, it is mounted right on top of the engine, where it is exposed to heat, vibration, dirt, and grime from the engine.


Solution: FICM Relocation.

Start with a brand new FICM, E Series FICM harness, and move the FICM physically away from the engine.

Manufacture a custom bracket that bolts to the fender / body.

Install heat shields / introduce cooling air.

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How:

You can see how much length you have to play with moving the FICM around with existing cable.

Then go to the E van, and look at their FICM location (behind coolant bottle) and their cabling.

Then ask... if you bought E van cable, where can you put it?

How much cable slack can you do without building your own harnesses? (Which is both cost and risk.)

Then, ask yourself, where in the engine compartment can you go that will get,

a) a minimum of heat

b) no vibration from engine

c) no chance of stress on cables etc.

And custom mod a bracket to do that.

Note: E van is high up and far to left corner behind coolant bottle.... not a bad spot.. huh?

Equivalent in F would be somewhere around the fender.

Be sure you secure the cables so vibration, heat, etc do not damage them. Use a J loop so cables shed moisture droplets downwards and to the rear of the engine compartment.

Then add heat shields to protect from radiated heat (from engine).

Air --- I would introduce air from the front apart from the rad in an insulated large diameter hose.

Be sure you engineer the hose to trap moisture (water droplets) and dump it before it gets to FICM.


Undecided as to whether I go completely passive (ram air) or (push with a small 12V fan).

Would have to gather some data with temp probe mounted on FICM in new location to see what is warranted.