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IDLE UP

MERCHANT AUTOMOTIVE’S HIGH IDLE KIT ON A LB7 DURAMAX

If you have ever wanted the option to raise the idle of your 2001-2004 LB7 Duramax truck without trying to balance a brick on the throttle, the team at Merchant Automotive in Zeeland, Michigan, has the perfect solution to satisfy your high-rpm idle desires. The MA LB7 High Idle Kit allows the user to easily set the engine idle to approximately 1,200 or 1,800 rpm through the cruise control switch. (Note that the truck must be equipped with the factory cruise control option for the High Idle Kit to function.) It’s easy to operate and easy to install as well as inexpensive, coming in at just under $20.

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The Merchant Automotive LB7 High Idle Kit includes a pre-terminated wire along with wire sheath and a grommet for protection, and a simple 3M Scotchlock wiretap connector to make the installation easy.

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Sam Derks starts the installation by removing the ECM access cover and removing the connector closest to the power steering pump with a 7mm socket and ratchet. To make it easier to get to the ECM and its harness you can remove the TCM from the fan shroud.
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He then uses a pick tool to release the plastic cover from the back side of the harness.
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Derks inserts the new wire and connector into the ECM connector at terminal #71, pushing it through a hole he punched through earlier with a pick tool, and making sure the connector clicks into position with the plastic retainer.

Bene ts from an elevated engine idle speed include decreased warm-up time in cold weather, increased charging system output (great for jumpstarting another vehicle), and it is less harmful to the engine if the truck must idle for extended periods of time. With the Merchant kit installed on your LB7 Duramax the “Set” and “Resume” cruise control buttons on the turn signal stalk are used to activate the high idle modes; hitting “Set” provides a 1,200rpm, idle and “Resume” gives the truck a 1,800rpm idle. Pressing the button again will return the truck to a normal idle, while switching between the buttons will toggle between the high idle modes.

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Derks then reassembles the plastic retainers on both sides of the ECM connector and reinstalls the connector into the ECM, making sure that the orange gasket in the connector is properly positioned to prevent any moisture from entering the ECM.
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Next, the fender brace needs to be removed to provide better access to the firewall in order to drill a hole to pass the wire through to the interior of the cab.

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Derks carefully drills the hole in the firewall, installs the supplied grommet, and routes the wire into the cab, securing it along the way with the provided zip ties.

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To activate high-idle mode, press the “Set” button on the cruise control for 1,200 rpm, or press the “Resume” button to raise idle to 1,800 rpm. Pressing either button again will return to normal idle or change between 1,200 and 1,800 rpm idle. Stepping on the brake pedal or putting the truck in gear will also cancel the high idle mode.
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Once Derks puts the fender brace and ECM cover back on the engine bay looks completely stock, but the high idle functionality is available on command.

The kit is simple and comes with the single terminated wire to add into the ECU harness as well as a protective sheath for the wire, 3M Scotchlock wiretap,  rewall grommet and zip ties. Installing the Merchant LB7 High Idle Kit requires basic hand tools and can be done in your garage or driveway for most DIYers without much dificulty in less than an hour. Follow along over the next few pages to see how Sam Derks performed the install on a Duramax truck in the Merchant Automotive shop. Be sure to practice safe shop techniques when routing the wire and make sure to avoid heat sources and moving parts. If the installation is beyond your capabilities, or you just don’t have the time, we’re sure your local performance diesel specialist will be glad to handle the installation for you. DW

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