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.
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.
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:
Specifically, use an OBD-II code reader to check for these stored codes:
You may also find both stored OBD-II codes and experience these problems:
If these problems sound familiar and you've already ruled out other engine components, this module may be the source of your frustrations.
UpFix can repair the FICM on the following 2001-2005 GM Duramax diesel-powered trucks:
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!
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.