2001-2005 Duramax FICM Repair

This 2005 Silverado HD looks plenty sharp. In total, there are still around 1 million GMT-800 trucks still in service.

Introduced in 2001 on GM HD trucks, a Duramax FICM easily functioned for 10-15 years without fail. Now twenty-plus years old, it's common for the FICM in 2001-2005 Duramax-powered GM trucks to retire unexpectedly. Obviously, you bought an HD Silverado, Sierra, or Kodiak/Topkick because you have work to do. But when work calls and you are met with silence instead of that soothing diesel clacking, you're greeted with a truck-shaped paperweight. If you have one of these older trucks, you probably are happy to turn a wrench and save a buck. Fortunately, the repair for these ticking time bombs is easy and cost-effective.

What Goes Wrong

Normally, the Duramax LB7 (base) and LL7 (diesel) engines are solid performers with plenty of power. FICM failure isn't the engine's fault. The FICM sits out in the open beside the alternator on the passenger side of the engine. While GM went to great lengths to make the FICM durable, its Achilles Heel is a small gap on the back of the top cover that is susceptible to contamination. The flow of hot air exiting the radiator wreaks havoc inside the FICM where capacitors commonly fail. More often than not, the circuit board -- including one of the microprocessors--gets torched in this area.  Contrary to internet folklore, the fix typically involves more than just swapping out some capacitors.

Failing Duramax FICM Signs

Check out this list of symptoms and OBD-II codes to see if your troubles could be caused by a FICM in need of repair:

• Truck won't start
• Truck runs, but rough
• Engine cylinder misfire issues

Specifically, use an OBD-II code reader to check for these stored codes:

• DTC P0201 - Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0202 - Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0203 - Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0204 - Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0205 - Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0206 - Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0207 - Cylinder 7 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0208 - Cylinder 8 Injector Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P2146 - Fuel Injector Group A Open Circuit
• DTC P2149 - Fuel Injector Group B Open Circuit

You may also find both stored OBD-II codes and experience these problems:

• DTC codes and issues related to the injectors
• DTC codes and issues related to IAC (Idle Air Control)
• No communication with FICM

If these problems sound familiar and you've already ruled out other engine components, this module may be the source of your frustrations.

Burn damage is evident near the lower center of the unit just above the three capacitors. Contrary to popular opinion, the repair almost always involves more than just changing the capacitors.

UpFix can repair the FICM on the following 2001-2005 GM Duramax diesel-powered trucks:

• Chevrolet Silverado
• GMC Sierra
• Chevrolet 2500
• GMC 2500
• Chevrolet 3500
• GMC 3500
• Chevrolet Kodiak
• GMC Topkick
• Chevrolet C4500
• GMC C4500
• Chevrolet C5500
• GMC C5500

Big dogs like this 2004 Kodiak share the same FICM with their smaller HD siblings. The repair job is the same.

Get Ahead of The Problem

Don't wait until you are stuck on the side of the road or on a job site, play it safe by sending your FICM to UpFix for repair now! Being proactive means you can schedule when your truck will be down for repairs rather than risking a nasty surprise at the worst possible time. Even worse, if your FICM fails at the wrong time like pulling a heavy load, severe engine damage may result. Just remove your existing FICM, place your order, and follow the shipping directions found HERE. There's no core deposit required, and you'll have your FICM back in just a few days and ready to go. This is a quick plug-and-play repair because it is still your original FICM, only better!

Here's a repaired unit with bead-blasted case. Once you get your unit back from UpFix, the installation is plug N play. No VIN encoding is required.

Why Choose UpFix?

If you've priced a new FICM (or can find a new one) you know this is not a cheap part. Many think they can get a used one, but it will eventually fail like the current module. Even if you consider yourself handy, fixing a FICM takes experience and a high degree of capability that is beyond the scope of even the most advanced DIYer or fleet repair shop. Why risk further damaging an already expensive module when UpFix can service the FICM and have the repaired module back in your hands and ready to install in just days?

UpFix technicians are highly trained, having earned certifications for IPC, J-STD, and General PCB troubleshooting. We have high-tech Ball Grid Array (BGA) rework stations that can handle even the most sophisticated repairs. Precision soldering for long-lasting connections means choosing quality equipment, which is why we use state-of-the-art Weller soldering irons. UpFix uses higher-grade capacitors like those from Nichicon or Panasonic (with twice the rated lifespan of the OE units) when rebuilding our FICM units. Each FICM unit is thoroughly cleaned, tested, and reinforced with Printed Circuit Board (PCB) glue for extra protection. A special high-temperature gasket then seals the unit, preventing the previously mentioned Achilles Heel from interfering again.