For a guy who has little to no interest in tuning my truck would it be worth it to get the updated flash from ford? From the oasis report i got before I bought the truck it had a flash back in 06' i believe very little warranty work done. My truck does not do the turbo vane sweep as some of the trucks do. are there more benefits or disadvantages to getting the flash?

 

Here is some info I received from amdriven2LIV about the update that includes the vane sweep related to my multiple turbo replacement on my 05 f250. Hope this helps:

The vane sweep was introduced in a TSB a few years back. This same TSB included the turbo over boost code P0234.

Turbocharger vane sweep strategy - Performs a sweep of the turbocharger vanes and unison ring during stationary idle conditions. Vane sweep can occur once per hour to help reduce turbocharger sticking.

Here is the TSB:

FORD: 2003-2005 Excursion
2003-2007 F-Super Duty
2004-2010 E-Series


This article supersedes TSB 9-7-11 to update the model years covered and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) calibration level.

ISSUE:
Some 2003-2007 F-Super Duty vehicles, 2003-2005 Excursions and 2004-2010 E-Series vehicles, equipped with a 6.0L diesel engine may exhibit hard start, no start, white smoke, lack of power, running rough condition after cold engine start up, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0404, P0470, P0611, P1260 and/or P1378 issues. Refer to the Calibration Content for information detailing specific vehicle content by vehicle application and model year that is being addressed by this calibration update.

This article includes previously released calibration content that improves injector performance in cold engine operation and additional diagnostic capabilities and product protection strategy enhancements. These enhancements provide additional diagnostic capabilities, adds additional new DTCs and engine protection strategies. Refer to the Calibration Content for additional details. See the appropriate Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostic (PC/ED) manual for technical descriptions and diagnostic routines associated with new DTCs.

ACTION:
Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) using IDS release 63.13 and higher or 64.01 and higher. The transmission control module (TCM) and fuel injector control module (FICM) , will automatically update if they are not at the latest calibration level. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2009.11 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at Buy Motorcraft Parts Online | Official Motorcraft Auto Parts Site | FordParts.com.

CALIBRATION CONTENT

Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration following Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 418-01.

The PCM and FICM calibration update contains improvement actions to address the following symptoms:

2005 F-Super Duty 6.0L:

False DTC P0470 - Exhaust pressure sensor A circuit fault due to a freezing condition.
False DTC P0404 - Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) performance due to a stuck turbocharger condition.
Cooling loss protection - Revised engine protection strategy when an engine over-temperature condition is present. Vehicles updated with this service calibration will display higher temperature gauge readings when high engine oil temperature (EOT) conditions or high engine coolant temperature (ECT) are encountered and may disable EGR operation to prevent possible EGR cooler damage.
Oil cooler efficiency monitor - DTC P012F stored and wrench warning lamp illuminated when the oil coolers efficiency drops below a specified threshold for a given speed and vehicle load condition.
Turbocharger vane sweep strategy - Performs a sweep of the turbocharger vanes and unison ring during stationary idle conditions. Vane sweep can occur once per hour to help reduce turbocharger sticking.
FICM low voltage detection monitor - DTC P0560 stored and wrench warning lamp illuminated when PCM vehicle power (VPWR) parameter identifier (PIDS) is below 10.25V for 60 seconds or below 9V for 4 seconds.
Turbocharger over boost detection - DTC P0234 stored and wrench warning lamp illuminated when a turbocharger over boost condition occurs.

 

I've read your thread which is what got me thinking about it. How many of you have got the flash and is it better than the earlier versions.

 

How do you go about getting the truck flashed? Do you just make a service appointment and tell them you want the latest flash? I fear the service writer will have no idea what I am talking about. How long does it take. Is there a flat fee or do they charge hourly at the dealers?

 

If you want worse performance and fuel mileage then by all means update the flash. Otherwise buy a sct tuner and have a tune written for the way you use the truck. If you are happy with the truck now leave it be.

 

Macrosil, that was my plan csll or stop by and ask about getting the latest updates for the trucks computer.

 

How does the updated flash cause bad performance and mileage?

 

No idea, but the complaints about performance and mpg loss years ago all happened after trucks went back to the dealer and were flashed to the latest strategy, hence the reason PHP offered rollbacks. Now with an SCT and a good tuner you can accomplish the same.

 

The best mileage I can get with my F350 dually (4.10:1) is about 16 on the highway. I don't know how new the "flash" is but I know the PO probably had all the dealer "stuff" done when he had it.

My plan is to go with an SCT (EGR shutoff) "tune" that does NOT increase HP much since it's NOT studded.

Thanks for that info!

 

I never had any problem with the newest flash on my 05, mileage or performance wise. It did however have some benefits.