2003 6.0 PSD - New PCM Flash - Banks 6-Gun Inoperable

Cecil_Stringer · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 08:53 AM

I just got my truck back from the dealer about an hour ago where it was serviced and I have not had time to tinker with it yet.

I am hoping I can gain some insight from you before I start turning wrenches so-to-speak.

Scenario:
ICP Failure, EGR Failure, Battery Failure (both) and subsequent re-flash of PCM.
The Banks 6-Gun was disconnected prior to the service, then reconnected afterwards.
Now, with the Banks 6-Gun connected it is having issues shifting (automatic) and goes into "Safe-mode" (don't ask me, got that term from the mechanic).

Apparently, with the Banks 6-Gun connected after the re-flashing of the PCM it would NOT go past 65MPH, was shifting erratically, slipping into neutral from 4th and was flashing the "Over Drive" signal on the dash.

Is there something I need to do to get the Banks kit back on-line and operational other than just plugging it in.

It has been in the truck for about 18 months without a hiccup.

I have left it on setting #6, as it is right now.

For now, the Banks kit is disconnected and the truck is running fine (just weak relative to when it has the Banks kit operational).

Thanks guys, I always appreciate your help.

Cecil

FYI - After having the additional power from Banks no longer available..... ole girls seems like a "pig"

gtdan01 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 12:50 PM

Have you checked if there are any updated firmares you can download onto the banks? Maybe it doesn't work with your new computer code.

Power Smoker · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 05:11 PM

the torqshift transmission has built in adaptive learning. It learned the stock power level shifting so to make it work right you need to disconnect the batteries for a full 15 minutes, preferrably with the light switch on to reset the trans. learn mode. then reconnect the batteries and it should shift fine. this is a very common problem.

Cecil_Stringer · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Power Smoker

the torqshift transmission has built in adaptive learning. It learned the stock power level shifting so to make it work right you need to disconnect the batteries for a full 15 minutes, preferrably with the light switch on to reset the trans. learn mode. then reconnect the batteries and it should shift fine. this is a very common problem.

Thanks!

What do you mean by:
"preferrably with the light switch on to reset the trans. learn mode."

Momorris · #5 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 10:50 PM

Turn your lights on and then disconnect the batteries, this will drain all the power in the electrical system.

Good advice Power Smoker. Rep points given.

Cecil, let us know if this worked for you.

Cecil_Stringer · #6 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 04:13 PM

Thanks guys!!!

I spoke with a tech from Banks.
He said it sounded like a bad connection and that there was NOT a "update" that they provide.

He told me to validate a particular connection that sends a signal to the torque converter (Ford - brown w/ orange strip connects to a Banks - solid grey wire).

He said then disconnect the batteries, turn on the lights to drain any remaining charge, let it sit for 15 minutes or so (sound familiar ;-) ). Then reconnect the Banks kit, then the batteries. He said turn the key on but not to start the truck and check for a fault signal on the Banks device (Green is good..... Red & Green equals fault).

Gonna try this tomorrow..... hope it works.

Also read on another board that FORD was flashing the PCMs with a strategy that disallows the programmer signals. Thus making it so it will NOT work with a programmer. Something about the warranty on the 6.0 PSDs was generating too many claims.

If this is the case (the FORD flash scenario), can I revert back to a previous flash?

My warranty is up next month and I would prefer to have the additional HP & torque. :-)

Thanks again.

Kepler4 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 04:22 PM

The "Ford anti-tuner flash" sounds like an urban legend to me.

Probably the same folks who thought the Blair Witch Project was real.

Don't let 'em get to you!

Take a gander through the 6.0 Tech sticky thread at the top of this forum and you'll find all kinds of tips and tricks. Lots of info from guys still here and guys from days gone by... like this: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/41...mer-users.html

Cecil_Stringer · #8 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 12:00 PM

After re-connecting the Banks kit, validating the connections and following the directions of the Banks tech, it did exactly what the Ford tech described.

It was shifting erratically and neutral dropping, falling on it's nose and just basically having a ton of tranny related issues.

I called Banks back, they reminded me of the "Learn Mode" that takes place.
I re-did that and loddie-dah!
All systems are a go!

I was able to drive it 50 miles one morning (from the house, to my kids school, ten to work) and averaged 18.1 MPG!

And for a truck with 37" tires and 4.88 gears, that's pretty darn good.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.

For now, we are back in business. :-)

Sarge261 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 07:18 PM

Ciecel,

What level do you run your Banks on. I have never seen 18 MPG with my truck and I have 285's on mine?

Sarge

Cecil_Stringer · #10 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge261

Ciecel,

What level do you run your Banks on. I have never seen 18 MPG with my truck and I have 285's on mine?

Sarge

I leave it on level 6.

To get the 18mpg, I was driving very conservative.
It has normalized to between 15.5 and 16mpg after a few hundred miles.

tex25025 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cecil_Stringer

I leave it on level 6.

To get the 18mpg, I was driving very conservative.
It has normalized to between 15.5 and 16mpg after a few hundred miles.

Is that hand calculated or computer calculated? Tuners are notorious for fooling the system even if your driving habits matched what they computer "thinks" they are.

Cecil_Stringer · #12 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tex25025

Is that hand calculated or computer calculated? Tuners are notorious for fooling the system even if your driving habits matched what they computer "thinks" they are.

That is solely off the on-board display.
If nothing else, it is a good relative comparison.

From 12mpg, up to 18mpg, averaging around 16mpg.

tex25025 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cecil_Stringer

That is solely off the on-board display.
If nothing else, it is a good relative comparison.

From 12mpg, up to 18mpg, averaging around 16mpg.

Actually it's not. I'm getting 13.8 mpg consistantly(hand calculated) and yet my computer is telling me that I should be getting 19.3 and it used to tell me I was getting 14.6. I wouldn't trust the on-board computer at all, particularly after having put a tuner to it.

Cecil_Stringer · #14 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tex25025

Actually it's not. I'm getting 13.8 mpg consistantly(hand calculated) and yet my computer is telling me that I should be getting 19.3 and it used to tell me I was getting 14.6. I wouldn't trust the on-board computer at all, particularly after having put a tuner to it.

How are you "hand calculating" MPG?

King of the Road 04 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cecil_Stringer

How are you "hand calculating" MPG?

Total miles divided by total refill gallons. Best if the tank was filled to the brim before, and then done again to get as close as possible to an accurate measurement. But, nevertheless, this method is still a lot more accurate than the lie-o-meter.