Predator 7.3, truck won't start, voltage low.

[The_Thief]

Predator #U7170
Revision #9r03 (If this is the number you mean.)
Vehicle is a 2001 Ford F250 7.3 Lariat Crew Cab Short Bed, with an aftermarket intake and muffler as mods, nothing else.

We purchased an unused, unopened DiabloSport Predator programmer from Ebay, from a trusted, authorized seller, and when it arrived today, I read and re-read the manual before going into the truck to get things going. First off I installed the Tow/Economy program, as this would be in-use the most. It backed up original programming, and installed the new one just fine, I followed instructions from both the manual, and the Predator itself.

Once installed, Predator unplugged and key cycled and all that, I attempted to start the vehicle, and it would turn over, but would not catch. My excitement turned to fear and worry.

I then went back to the original back-up program, and it started just fine. In hindsight, I should've left it at that, and come inside for help/suggestions. Did I? Nope...

Wondering if it was the program on it's own, or the programmer, I installed the Performance tune, to the same results. Again, I went back to original programming, but this time, it did the same thing. Wouldn't start, just turns over.

I looked into the trouble codes after that, and the one that stuck out was "Voltage Low", but the gauge said otherwise. I then did the OBDII test from the Predator, and oh dear. Lights flickered on the dash, lots of clicking noises, and with each tick the lights would come on fully, then a few seconds later, dim. It did this until I turned it all off and left it at that, fearful of doing anything else.

Right now, if I can get to a point where I can start the truck again, I'll be happy...

[sohfast94]

No problem... Is the theft light flashing when you try to start it?

[The_Thief]

No, and last time I checked the codes it wasn't throwing up the one about Vehicle Theft. The lights that show up (That normally don't) are the battery and service engine light, but the service one showed up when I was trying to change programs yesterday. The battery one is what gets me, because the gauge shows it as low, as in nearly dead, but we tested the batteries themselves and they are still at about 12.17 volts.

So the power is there, the truck just doesn't see it. I tried starting it again today, and it'll turn over, but at a much slower rate, and the dash lights dim and flicker.

Should I check the codes again?

[bigtuna]

I then did the OBDII test from the Predator, and oh dear. Lights flickered on the dash, lots of clicking noises, and with each tick the lights would come on fully, then a few seconds later, dim. It did this until I turned it all off and left it at that, fearful of doing anything else.

Did you turn it off while things were still clicking, or did you let it finish the diagnostics? Wondering if it's possible that a relay (the clicking noises) got stuck on somewhere if you cut it short and drained the battery. Check the voltage at the terminals while you're cranking the engine- might be worth putting it on a trickle charging in the meantime.

[The_Thief]

Yeah I let it finish the diagnostics, and it said test completed after a good long time, because every few seconds, when the lights would dim the Predator would dim as well. But I waited until I could get back to the main menu before doing anything else.

We'll try checking the voltage again.

Meantime, I took the time to write down some things the Predator shows.

Trouble Codes:
P0562 - System Voltage Low
P1690 - Normal for Tuned Vehicle (But last tune was Original Backup, and Predator knows that.)
P1000 - OBD Systems Readiness Test Not Complete
P0231 - Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
P0640 - Intake Air Heater Control Circuit

Tool Info:
CAL-ID - VRAA7N7
Part - U7170 Ford_7_3 v.9r03
Hardware - UNIV_REV2
Bus - SCI CAN
Born - 08/19/2008 6584
Bus Test - Not Done.


Edit: On Monday I'll call support.

[The_Thief]

Or not, being a holiday, I'll try calling the support line tomorrow.

Seemingly nobody home today, as I tried calling and got some nice waiting music. XD


Edit: And seeing someone IS home (Thanks to another forum post.) I'll just try again in a little bit lol.

[mikel]

We are here, will be until 6:30 PM EST.

[The_Thief]

Okay, new information, and some good news heh.

Bigtuna had the right idea. We went out today and read the voltage of the batteries, around 11.8. Ignition turned on it dropped to 9 or so, and turning over it plummeted to 5.

While our trickle charger doesn't work, we hooked up our diesel mercedes via jumpers and let it run to boost the truck batteries a little, now up to about 13.6, and with original backup program, it starts, woohoo!

I just now tried the econ/tow tune, and tried to start. Turning over sounded fine, but it didn't catch. Checked the codes, found the theft one as the only one, cleared codes, tried again, no go, so back to original, and starts right up. So for the moment, it's staying that way lol.

When the theft code is there, does clearing it usually solve that iffy bit? Or is there something else you have to do?

Anyway, I'm feeling better since it runs. Thank you, Bigtuna.

And thank you DiabloSport, for while thus far I haven't had the pleasure of the 60+ hp and improved fuel economy, it has been an adventure!

[The_Thief]

Truck is back on econ/tow, didn't try starting it this time, I'll leave it for now.

Anyway, at mikel's behest I managed to get the theft code, which again is the only one there besides P1000 OBD Test something.

The particular theft code is "P1260 - Theft Detected, Vehicle Immobilized"

And my phone reception is bad because it's a cordless, we're in a gulch, and being outside puts me about thirty feet from the house heh.

Thanks mikel!


-Ian


Addendum: My father is immensely curious to know if us turning off the periodic seat-belt alarm could be a factor in any of this? The one involving the procedure of putting the seatbelt on and off three times, headlights three times, seatbelt again etc, as found in the 2001 F250 User Handbook.

[sohfast94]

No has nothing to do with that... I suggest before installing the tune go to modify options and then turn the theft system "on" then install.

[The_Thief]

Okay, put it back to original, let it run and drove it for a little bit, then came back and went into the Econ/Tow modify parameters, Anti-Theft set to "on", then installed the tune.

Haven't tried starting it yet, and checked the codes, P1000 and P1260 "Theft Detected"

Shall I try giving it a go?

[sohfast94]

Yup.

[The_Thief]

That's a negatory.

Tried to start her up, turned over nice and fast, but didn't catch in the 3-4 seconds I let it go. Cleared the codes so only the P1000 showed, no catch. Went back to original again, fired right up.

I am bewildered, because now I can't think of what it could be.