September 29 Flash
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Update - seems like Ford may have got it right with this one (at least I'll say that for now). No more rough idle during any starts, no more smoke and fuel mpg has gone up. Pre flash I was 15-16 mpg highway driving. Filled up right after flash yesterday. Filled up again this morning and calculated 18.1mpg Stupid computer guage still says 13.1mpg It takes it forever to catch up after towing a trailer for an extended trip, and by the time it does, I'm towing the trailer again.
I too noticed that the engine now shoots up to 800-900 rpm right at startup and immediately drops down to 650-700 rpm. Since my brother in law has the same truck but with a June 03 engine date, I always compare my experiences to his (he's had no problems). He confirmed that his starts and has always started with the high rpms and then immediately drops down since he got it off the lot. Couldn't be happier with this trcuk now. Can't even quantify how much better I like it than my previous F250 with V10.
I too noticed that the engine now shoots up to 800-900 rpm right at startup and immediately drops down to 650-700 rpm. Since my brother in law has the same truck but with a June 03 engine date, I always compare my experiences to his (he's had no problems). He confirmed that his starts and has always started with the high rpms and then immediately drops down since he got it off the lot. Couldn't be happier with this trcuk now. Can't even quantify how much better I like it than my previous F250 with V10.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
grinderman...
while we ALL can verify the overhead mpg calc is horrible in function and I can safely say it's the FIRST vehicle I've had it in that was so far off ! (I've had 5 cars with mpg computers...
it is still something to show you trends...
It sounds like you don't reset it each fillup?
I'm not sure how fiord does it's calcs...
(and I'm even MORE sure they don't know how to do it correctly !)
but all my previous and the other current vehicle will not change that much if I don't reset it each tank...
In a baseball analogy -
if you've gone to bat 3 times and had one hit...
you're batting .333,
if you go to bat one more time and get a hit...
you're now at .500 !!!
So that one hit makes a big change in your average....
BUT if you've gone to bat 300 times and had one hit...
(you're pitiful and will probably NEVER get another at bat!)
but for the sake of this arguement...
that one hit will only change your batting a small amount...
from .003 batting average way up to .066 !!!!
So, by not resetting the computer the average is for MANY more miles than with the current settings and won't show an instantaneous mpg...
while we ALL can verify the overhead mpg calc is horrible in function and I can safely say it's the FIRST vehicle I've had it in that was so far off ! (I've had 5 cars with mpg computers...
it is still something to show you trends...
It sounds like you don't reset it each fillup?
I'm not sure how fiord does it's calcs...
(and I'm even MORE sure they don't know how to do it correctly !)
but all my previous and the other current vehicle will not change that much if I don't reset it each tank...
In a baseball analogy -
if you've gone to bat 3 times and had one hit...
you're batting .333,
if you go to bat one more time and get a hit...
you're now at .500 !!!
So that one hit makes a big change in your average....
BUT if you've gone to bat 300 times and had one hit...
(you're pitiful and will probably NEVER get another at bat!)
but for the sake of this arguement...
that one hit will only change your batting a small amount...
from .003 batting average way up to .066 !!!!
So, by not resetting the computer the average is for MANY more miles than with the current settings and won't show an instantaneous mpg...
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Stockbridge
Originally posted by jdadamsjr
grinderman...
while we ALL can verify the overhead mpg calc is horrible in function and I can safely say it's the FIRST vehicle I've had it in that was so far off ! (I've had 5 cars with mpg computers...
it is still something to show you trends...
It sounds like you don't reset it each fillup?
I'm not sure how fiord does it's calcs...
(and I'm even MORE sure they don't know how to do it correctly !)
but all my previous and the other current vehicle will not change that much if I don't reset it each tank...
In a baseball analogy -
if you've gone to bat 3 times and had one hit...
you're batting .333,
if you go to bat one more time and get a hit...
you're now at .500 !!!
So that one hit makes a big change in your average....
BUT if you've gone to bat 300 times and had one hit...
(you're pitiful and will probably NEVER get another at bat!)
but for the sake of this arguement...
that one hit will only change your batting a small amount...
from .003 batting average way up to .066 !!!!
So, by not resetting the computer the average is for MANY more miles than with the current settings and won't show an instantaneous mpg...
grinderman...
while we ALL can verify the overhead mpg calc is horrible in function and I can safely say it's the FIRST vehicle I've had it in that was so far off ! (I've had 5 cars with mpg computers...
it is still something to show you trends...
It sounds like you don't reset it each fillup?
I'm not sure how fiord does it's calcs...
(and I'm even MORE sure they don't know how to do it correctly !)
but all my previous and the other current vehicle will not change that much if I don't reset it each tank...
In a baseball analogy -
if you've gone to bat 3 times and had one hit...
you're batting .333,
if you go to bat one more time and get a hit...
you're now at .500 !!!
So that one hit makes a big change in your average....
BUT if you've gone to bat 300 times and had one hit...
(you're pitiful and will probably NEVER get another at bat!)
but for the sake of this arguement...
that one hit will only change your batting a small amount...
from .003 batting average way up to .066 !!!!
So, by not resetting the computer the average is for MANY more miles than with the current settings and won't show an instantaneous mpg...
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I know it does a running average - something like 500 miles. I guess 13.1 would be about right for how this truck was running before the last update considering the past 4 weekends I've towed a trailer round trip 150 miles with regular highway/city driving during the week. Was getting 15-16 mpg w/o trailer and around 10-11 with trailer. Hopefully, that will improve since I seem to be getting better mpg after the last reflash. Time will tell. Like I said, even the old numbers had me thrilled since my prior V10 only got 10-11 highway/city and around 7-8 with trailer.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Hi Guys,
Just got flashed!!.......ok my truck just got flashed this morning.
Reprogrammed PCM, FICM, ICM, OTC and wheel axle ratio, reflashed pcm and roadtested.
All I can say is WAAAAHOOOOO!!!
Truck idles and runs smoother, more pickup at lower rpm's, shifts down quicker when throttle is applied and turbo kicks in sooner. I'll say that if your truck isn't running smooth, this flash is for you. At least now I don't feel like I made a $42k mistake. It runs that much better!!
Cheers,
Bryce
PS
I'll update after I drive it a few more times.
Just got flashed!!.......ok my truck just got flashed this morning.
Reprogrammed PCM, FICM, ICM, OTC and wheel axle ratio, reflashed pcm and roadtested.
All I can say is WAAAAHOOOOO!!!
Truck idles and runs smoother, more pickup at lower rpm's, shifts down quicker when throttle is applied and turbo kicks in sooner. I'll say that if your truck isn't running smooth, this flash is for you. At least now I don't feel like I made a $42k mistake. It runs that much better!!
Cheers,
Bryce
PS
I'll update after I drive it a few more times.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
I asked my dealer about the flash today and he said they had not recieved any new updates yet, he had asked Ford about it and it was not due out for a few weeks. When I told him that people were reporting they had just recieved it he says that it is only a updated version of what was already out there and it was in limited areas, so I guess I will have to wait till it is out in my area.
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Texas
That sounds like BS to me. All the dealership mechancis due is download the program via satelitte from Ford to there computer systems (WAS), then they download it to your truck. Unless there technically challenged, I can't believe they can't get access to the Oct. 6th program.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Flash Info
I was told there would be a 5 DB increase in the cab noise with the new flash (9/29 release). I have asked Ford to buy back the truck but they want to do the flash first. I have white smoke, dead pedal, it slams into gear when changing gear from reverse to Drive, rough idle at start, hot and cold. I have had 2 flashes since purchase, am getting 15 MPG and have 16,000 miles on the truck. Purchased it in Colorado and am now living in Arkansas... There was a time I would have been proud to be a FORD NUT... But now I am slipping!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
I just got back from my dealer and they said they have never heard of any way to reprogram my truck, and the parts guy kept on trying to tell me that I wanted a chip. GRRR.
Is it possible that this can only be done at certain dealerships or am I getting the screw from the dealer I bought the truck from. I got the part number from the post above I'll go back and see what they say. I sure hope that part number is acurate.
I'm in Northern Arizona has any body around here had this done? Which dealer did you use?
I have noticed some rough starts living at about 7000 as people in Colorado have noticed.
Is it possible that this can only be done at certain dealerships or am I getting the screw from the dealer I bought the truck from. I got the part number from the post above I'll go back and see what they say. I sure hope that part number is acurate.
I'm in Northern Arizona has any body around here had this done? Which dealer did you use?
I have noticed some rough starts living at about 7000 as people in Colorado have noticed.
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I would say your parts guy is a idiot and should be back in the washbay. Mine has been reflashed numerous times this summer trying to correct the problems listed below:
Rough/Rolling Idle When the Engine is Warm
Rough/Rolling Idle And White Smoke After Hot Restart
Lacks Power After Initial Start-Up
Cold Idle Kicker Performance At Warm Ambient Temps
I was just reflashed yesterday and drove it this morning. They got it right this time. Haven't pulled yet but the low end power is back and puts a smile on my face.
Rough/Rolling Idle When the Engine is Warm
Rough/Rolling Idle And White Smoke After Hot Restart
Lacks Power After Initial Start-Up
Cold Idle Kicker Performance At Warm Ambient Temps
I was just reflashed yesterday and drove it this morning. They got it right this time. Haven't pulled yet but the low end power is back and puts a smile on my face.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Ok, went back with the part number above: "Flash part # is 3U7Z-12A650"
And the Service guy had no clue what to do with it. Went to the parts guy and he said its missing three letters at the end of the number. I'm still clueless at what to do? What if I want this update but the dealer has no clue what to do. Can this be done through aftermarket 4x4 or auto shops or do I have to find a Ford dealer that will work for me.
From what I'm being told from my Ford dealer is that it is impossible to reporgram the computer(s).
Is it possible that the part number for the flash has a format as such, where the XXX is a three leter code?
3U7Z-12A650-XXX
??????
(
And the Service guy had no clue what to do with it. Went to the parts guy and he said its missing three letters at the end of the number. I'm still clueless at what to do? What if I want this update but the dealer has no clue what to do. Can this be done through aftermarket 4x4 or auto shops or do I have to find a Ford dealer that will work for me.
From what I'm being told from my Ford dealer is that it is impossible to reporgram the computer(s).
Is it possible that the part number for the flash has a format as such, where the XXX is a three leter code?
3U7Z-12A650-XXX
??????
(
