Start the engine and wiggle the wires to the IDM while paying particular attention to engine speed. They are prone to failure due to their location. Should any driveability issues arise, access the IDM and check both the harness and the connector. The IDM is located under the fenderwell on the passenger side of the truck. Both the PCM and the FICM are intrinsically linked through the use of a “CAN.” When replacing either of the units it is necessary to flash them unless purchased from a location claiming to have already done so. The PCM is the primary controller in the decision making as to the timing and length of injector pulse, while the FICM is in control of the injector drivers. Under this system each injector is operated with the use of an open and a closed driver solenoid.

The 6.0 Power stroke system is somewhat different in that it uses a PCM and a FICM (fuel injection control module) both of which are flash programmed. Essentially the computer supplies the ground that operates the injectors which has a constant supply of voltage with the key on. A grounding circuit does this for each injector within the computer. The PCM, through various sensors detecting engine speed and load, controls the on and off time of the injectors. In a failure of the IDM the engine will not start at all.Īt this voltage the reaction time is significantly multiplied. If the voltage drops through resistance in the harness or connector the vehicle will run, but poorly with a severe lack of power. Engine mods are available to further increase this voltage increasing the power and torque by 20 percent or better. The high voltage allows for much faster and accurate opening of the injector. The standard 12 volts would be insufficient in opening the pintle in the injector under these pressures, so the IDM increases the voltage to 115 volts. The primary function of the IDM is to boost the DC (direct current) signal sufficiently to operate the fuel injector under such loads. The 7.3 Power Stroke uses a PCM (powertrain control module) in conjunction with the IDM ( injector driver module) to operate the engine.

The 7.3 is a direct-injection fuel injection where the fuel is injected directly into the extreme pressures of the cylinder, thus the reason for the high fuel pressure to overcome these pressures. This engine relies on extremely high oil pressure to build fuel pressure within the fuel injector. The collaborative efforts of Caterpillar and International introduced electronic fuel injection to the 7.3 Power Stroke.

Injector driver module 7.3 powerstroke