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I was curious what my strategy was for my early build '06 (born on date of May 18 2005) as it has never been reflashed.
Was surprised to see a zero in the strategy.
" VXCF0XX "
I'm wondering if I should have it reflashed?
Then wondering what happens to my existing SCT tune files?
Would I need to buy new files because of a new flash update?
If you do take it be done. FIRST return back to stock. Or you'll be sorry.
You will have to get the tunes rewritten. On having to pay for that is would depend on
who and what there policies are on flash updates to the base strategy. But the flash files
that you have now won't most likely work with the newer update.
Check with who you got the tunes from and see what they say.
On the 05, try the Atlas 40 with the SRL tune from Gearhead. As I mentioned before, VXBC9NH plays well with the Atlas 40 ask Magnolia Tom. We found this to be true on his wife's 04 Excursion. If for some reason, it doesn't get better VXBC6 is your friend. Ask Misky6.0
Gearhead, innovative, and PHP can write you back to VXAM7N2. That was the original 2003 strategy that yielded the best power and fuel economy for the 2003 MY. The best thing about this strategy is that it uses the EBPS. The later strategies are inferred.
Ok, so I emailed gearhead about backdating to vxam7n2 and Larz states I just need to order online and add a note I want to use the older strategy. Now, doesn't that just adjust the gearhead tune to work with that strategy? How do I upload the older strategy? Thanks.
Ok, so I emailed gearhead about backdating to vxam7n2 and Larz states I just need to order online and add a note I want to use the older strategy. Now, doesn't that just adjust the gearhead tune to work with that strategy? How do I upload the older strategy? Thanks.
You would just use your SCT to load the tune like you normally would. It basically downloads the stock tune, erases the PCM, then uploads VXAM7N2 as if it were the original strategy on the PCM. The only difference is that you can go back to your old strategy.
For example the last strategy Ford put on my PCM was VXDB1MZ. It's a less than desirable strategy, so I opted for the previous revision of VXDB1M3. When I load SRL+ and tell my SCT to tell me what the strategy is, I get VXDB1M3 instead of VXDB1MZ.
I think that makes since. So, I will only get the backdated strategy if I use that custom tune? So, if I can't return it to stock I won't have the older version? I think I'm figuring it out now. I always have to know how and why things work instead of just telling them what I want and hope they do it. Thanks.
I think that makes since. So, I will only get the backdated strategy if I use that custom tune? So, if I can't return it to stock I won't have the older version? I think I'm figuring it out now. I always have to know how and why things work instead of just telling them what I want and hope they do it. Thanks.
Correct, you would only have VXAM7N2 if you're running either SRL or 8K tow. If you want to run VXAM7N2 without an SCT, you can send your PCM off to PHP and they can bench flash it and overwrite the latest strategy with VXAM7N2.
great information, my 07 I feel should be getting better mileage and performance than what it does. now to locate a sct tuner to find out what I am running. I do see this sct tuner on Amazon for just over $300 right now is this the type I would want?
SCT 7015 X4 Power Flash Programmer
I will say that when I put Atlas 40 FICM tunes on my truck that made the biggest difference in mileage. I would consider combining SCT tunes and the Atlas 40 for optimal mileage.
great information, my 07 I feel should be getting better mileage and performance than what it does. now to locate a sct tuner to find out what I am running. I do see this sct tuner on Amazon for just over $300 right now is this the type I would want?
SCT 7015 X4 Power Flash Programmer
Yes, the SCT X4 can also be used as gauges to keep an eye on things. The X3 does the same, but the X4 is better setup to do that.
Originally Posted by Kdawg89
I will say that when I put Atlas 40 FICM tunes on my truck that made the biggest difference in mileage. I would consider combining SCT tunes and the Atlas 40 for optimal mileage.
That's what I and several others have done with great results. You really can't lose with the Atlas 40 unless your foot is always in it. Matt's tunes plays very well with the Atlas 40.
When you do tune your truck, make sure and do it while the truck is hot. The truck learns much faster and better when you do.
Hi all.
New to me 06 f350, starting to work on it, sticker on the radiator support says...
reprogram PCW(M)-TCM-FICM
607A-12A650-FFC
10-2008 - is this the strategy? make sense to anyone?
I ordered a new FICM from FICM repair w an atlas 40, due to low and wandering readings, mostly 40-45, sometimes 47 but wanders around into lo 30s.
Should I have a shop read it, to know for sure, then reflash to one of the strategies discussed or the latest Ford one. Then install the new FICU?
looking for good power (mileage mostly)
Thanks, Ray
This looks to be more like a part number and a date.
reprogram PCW(M)-TCM-FICM
607A-12A650-FFC
10-2008
The best way to know what you have hiding in there is to have it scanned
and then save the number that you get. When I say scanned I mean with a tool
that can tell you what strategy is loaded. Any of the programmer scan pull that
info up for you. Also the high end scan tools can like a Snap-On or a Ford IDS.
I am beting that the AE can also do that. But things like the SGII can't
Hi all.
New to me 06 f350, starting to work on it, sticker on the radiator support says...
reprogram PCW(M)-TCM-FICM
607A-12A650-FFC
10-2008 - is this the strategy? make sense to anyone?
I ordered a new FICM from FICM repair w an atlas 40, due to low and wandering readings, mostly 40-45, sometimes 47 but wanders around into lo 30s.
Should I have a shop read it, to know for sure, then reflash to one of the strategies discussed or the latest Ford one. Then install the new FICU?
looking for good power (mileage mostly)
Thanks, Ray
Judging from the date I see on the sticker, it probably has VXCF9 on it.
Thanks guys I appreciate it. Trying to research and get all the info I can to figure out the order in which to do some of the stuff I want to do, with out duplicating labor costs, time etc. and figure out what I can do myself.
you can go to Autozone or the like and they'll walk out to your truck with you with a OBDII scanner providing you with not only your stategy but any codes you may or may not have.
Until my truck gets studded, I'm only interested in fuel economy. I've got an Edge Evolution and running their level 1 tune which only adjusts shift points for better mileage, and I've noticed 1-1.5 mpg gains, but I'm still around 12.5 city and 14.5 with mostly highway.
My truck's an early 03 and the pcm strategy is VXAP1N6.HEX. Based on the info presented here it looks as if I have to either buy an SCT X4 or send my pcm in to get reflashed if I want to revert to VXAM7N2. Is that correct? And if I do revert back to VXAM7N2, am I going to net any additional gains if I also upgrade to the Atlas 40?
One last thing: Why did Ford overwrite VXAM7N2 if it was so good? Did they blame it for all the head gasket failures? Tired of having to clean EBP tubes every 10k miles?
