New Flash Works!
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Bass Lake, CA
OK, TRUCK BACK. OCT FLASH DONE.
start, as has been said, very different noise, starts slower....no BRAAAAP.
dead pedal, they have never heard of it at LITHIA ford in fresno....??? anyhoo, "could not duplicate"
idle noise, up by at least 4-6 DB over pre-flash volume! much, much louder.
never had any smoke, still do not.
power, unsure. i have been driving a 03 caddy deville with a northstar for 200 miles, so truck feels a bit sluggish right now...
will report milage observations after this tank is used up (free tank o fuel!)
start, as has been said, very different noise, starts slower....no BRAAAAP.
dead pedal, they have never heard of it at LITHIA ford in fresno....??? anyhoo, "could not duplicate"
idle noise, up by at least 4-6 DB over pre-flash volume! much, much louder.
never had any smoke, still do not.
power, unsure. i have been driving a 03 caddy deville with a northstar for 200 miles, so truck feels a bit sluggish right now...
will report milage observations after this tank is used up (free tank o fuel!)
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I had the reflash done this week. The Service manager swore by it and told me he hasn't seen anyone come back to complain like before.
It definitely starts better. The blue smoke and rough idle at startup is gone. The power is back, but it does seem as though I have to push the pedal down more than before to get the same response.
My only complaint is that it IS noticeably louder at idle. I've gone through the same drive through several times since I've had the 6.0L and yesterday was the first time they told me to turn my truck off cuz they couldn't hear me. So it's not just me who noticed.
I guess I'll sacrifice some noise for a much better running truck though.
It definitely starts better. The blue smoke and rough idle at startup is gone. The power is back, but it does seem as though I have to push the pedal down more than before to get the same response.
My only complaint is that it IS noticeably louder at idle. I've gone through the same drive through several times since I've had the 6.0L and yesterday was the first time they told me to turn my truck off cuz they couldn't hear me. So it's not just me who noticed.
I guess I'll sacrifice some noise for a much better running truck though.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: SOUTHERN UTAH
What? a noisy diesel? I guess it's good to turn it off at some drive ups. You don't want a #$^*, when have ordered a cheeseburger. Some people are quite insensitive when they are next to a Diesel. I remember when the local Law was giving tickets to us "hotrodders" for noisy exhaust in High School days. Oh well, enjoy your ride and I hope you enjoy the truck.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Bass Lake, CA
I also noticed you need to give more throttle input to get moving now....i noticed no power change at all however, no more bottom end....only real diff is the idle is more regular, tho FAR louder, and the startup is slower....ohh, smells just like a 7.3 now, makes me wonder if they pulled the cat! only driven it 100 miles since my last paost...takin her in the snow this weekend, lets see how those 235's do in 3' of powder!
(j/k, takin the 78, my nittos have not arrived yet)
(j/k, takin the 78, my nittos have not arrived yet)
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Okay debug you busted me I just went and spent 40+K on a truck and had it reflashed to get into the dodge spy network. But truthfully the flash does work better than the july flash Ive been an auto mechanic for over twenty years and an airframe and powerplant mechanic working on helicopters for ninteen years so I speek with a little authority when I say the new flash works I however do not claim to know it all that is why I come here to ask questions from people that have simular problems and what they did to fix it. I will not work on a truck under warrantee especialy when I pay over 40 thousand dollars for it. Debug dont get upset just trying to have a little fun with you and let you know we're not all spyies like that guy that came in here running down ford and bought a dodge and problem solved he was just trying to cause problems.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont Texas
I'm not upset with anyone! I hope Ford has got a fix that will make everybody as happy as I am with my truck.
Last edited by Debug; Nov 6, 2003 at 09:06 PM.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: SOUTHERN UTAH
Hey, Debug, I'm looking into the Edge Juice chip . I think its 50 to 100 HP. but real pricey. My build date was 12/02 and no major probelems. Do you get any rear end shake with the extra HP? I've got the triple pod of gauges and I wouldn't be without them.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
Originally posted by JACKC
What? a noisy diesel?
What? a noisy diesel?
The latest flash didn't seem to make mine any louder, though. I already had the slower start and apparently louder motor so I gather my 5/27 build date motor had those updates already.
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Had mine flashed Wednesday with the following observations:
- louder engine noise (no worries), I like the sound
- smoother shifts
- slight improvement in low RPM power
- a lot less smoke on start up. Only have a little puff in the morning
- 115 miles on the new flash and milage seems to be the same--average 16.5 mpg with mix city and highway
- RPM at idle is steady
--------------------
2003 F-350 4x4 XLT, CC, LB, SRW, white sport package, 6.0 PSD, 5sp auto, 3.73 limited slip, advanced security group, ESOF, skid plates, camper package, TT mirrors, roof clereance lights, reverse aid sensor, Line X, Fumoto drain plug, and Truck Trunk
- louder engine noise (no worries), I like the sound
- smoother shifts
- slight improvement in low RPM power
- a lot less smoke on start up. Only have a little puff in the morning
- 115 miles on the new flash and milage seems to be the same--average 16.5 mpg with mix city and highway
- RPM at idle is steady
--------------------
2003 F-350 4x4 XLT, CC, LB, SRW, white sport package, 6.0 PSD, 5sp auto, 3.73 limited slip, advanced security group, ESOF, skid plates, camper package, TT mirrors, roof clereance lights, reverse aid sensor, Line X, Fumoto drain plug, and Truck Trunk
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: SOUTHERN UTAH
Hi Jeb. Hey the Ford doesn't have to compete with Chevy for anything, since there is no competition. These Duramax's around here can't even get out of their own way. I have two friends that own them and they have had as many, if not more issues with their trucks as we have. One had to put a 100 HP chip in it just to handle the big tires he put on it. I pull a 5000 lb boat to Mead and Powell and I am always passing those D's.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 3
Well I had my second oil change done yesterday morning. They asked me if I wanted the new flash update installed and I said go ahead. I was a little nervous at first but after driving it I'm glad I did. My truck ran great before but it runs even better now.I didn't have any issues but I really noticed it smoothed out the shift points unbelievably.And there is NO play in the pedal and no lag what so ever.My truck doesn't sound and louder if anything I think it's quieter. Just thought I let you guys know.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
Originally posted by JACKC
Hi Jeb. Hey the Ford doesn't have to compete with Chevy for anything, since there is no competition. These Duramax's around here can't even get out of their own way.
Hi Jeb. Hey the Ford doesn't have to compete with Chevy for anything, since there is no competition. These Duramax's around here can't even get out of their own way.
While I like the 6.0's ability to hold top gear in rolling hills better than the dmax when towing my trailer at interstate speeds, that is the ONLY place it's better so far IMO. The rolling hills didn't slow the dmax down, it just shifted down a gear a lot more often.
I still only have about 2300 miles on it so it has a lot of breaking in to do but it still doesn't feel as strong as my dmax was, is louder everywhere except for when it does shift down while towing on the interstate, has already had more issues than my dmax ever did, seems to be getting worse mileage than my dmax did at this stage and cranks longer to start. It still seems like a good motor that I think I'll end up being happy with but it's still got a ways to go in my book to fill the very reliable and refined dmax's shoes.
Last edited by jeb; Nov 9, 2003 at 05:56 AM.