reflashing computer
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 545
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reflashing computer
I have a 99 f-250 v10 and sometimes when it shifts it has a slight ping. I have been told that it is the knock sensor and my computer had to be reflashed. How do I do this. I have taken it to 2 local FORD dealerships who say they cant look up the knock sensor information and cant "reflash" the computer. Please help.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 104
From: Southern KS
A slight ping is no big deal. Use higher octane and it will go away. I find it hard to believe you would have to reflash your computer unless there is a recall or TSB recommending to do it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 38
From 1999 to 2004 the OBD II program within the Power Control Module (PCM) that controls the engine and auto trans has gone through several upgrades in software and firm ware. There are over 30 PCM codes and many can be reflashed to correct various problems. However many of the "codes" are not compatable with different combinations of eguipment or vehicle use.
As an example in 2001 Ford had a code for Sea Level and High Altitude, and a different code for most other states Sea Level. There was also a different "code" for auto trany vs. manual Trans. Sometimes to "correct" a customer complaint about "flutter" a Ford tech would reflash in a new code and the flutter would disapear or be at a different RPM.
Unfortunatly the owner also experianced very reduced HP and Torque from the new code.In the early years many of us on this site and the "diesel" site tried to compile a list of all the different codes and what characteristics of the trucks they were in. We wanted to make some sense of the difference codes. We never got a complete picture as Ford was changing the codes faster than we could keep up with the new truck owners loggin in for info.
Many of the "chip" companies required that you provide the factory "code" so they could custom program the chip to increase or decrease the ramp rates of the injectors and ignition.
Starting in 2005 Ford changed to a new inter communication method with the peripherials and the computer (PCM) called Controller Area Network (CAN)
Go to
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2005/whatsnew2005.pdf
to learn more about 2005
As an example in 2001 Ford had a code for Sea Level and High Altitude, and a different code for most other states Sea Level. There was also a different "code" for auto trany vs. manual Trans. Sometimes to "correct" a customer complaint about "flutter" a Ford tech would reflash in a new code and the flutter would disapear or be at a different RPM.
Unfortunatly the owner also experianced very reduced HP and Torque from the new code.In the early years many of us on this site and the "diesel" site tried to compile a list of all the different codes and what characteristics of the trucks they were in. We wanted to make some sense of the difference codes. We never got a complete picture as Ford was changing the codes faster than we could keep up with the new truck owners loggin in for info.
Many of the "chip" companies required that you provide the factory "code" so they could custom program the chip to increase or decrease the ramp rates of the injectors and ignition.
Starting in 2005 Ford changed to a new inter communication method with the peripherials and the computer (PCM) called Controller Area Network (CAN)
Go to
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2005/whatsnew2005.pdf
to learn more about 2005
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Hey epdp, Just thought I`d share this with ya , hope it helps.
I was having the same trouble you were with that tapin at the top
of each shift. It drove me crazy for months. Everyone who looked at it
had a different thought as to what it was . Lifters ,rattles, piston slap
nothing just drive it , you name it . Anyway I took it to a small town
shop afew miles from me , and he thought it sounded like rod bearing .
So we pulled one plug wire at a time and then put them back lookin for a change in the sound .And sure enough when we got to # 10 the noise
stoped .put the wire back on ,noise came back.So #10 was the trouble.
So we drop the pan an sure enough#10 bearing was shot.The crank looked great so I chose to sneak just #10 in and hope for the best, so far so good.
no more slapin its only been about 4 thousand miles so we`ll see what happens.
$485 and one day in the shop I thought it was worth a shot. still sounds great.
Anyway I hope this helps ya, good luck
I was having the same trouble you were with that tapin at the top
of each shift. It drove me crazy for months. Everyone who looked at it
had a different thought as to what it was . Lifters ,rattles, piston slap
nothing just drive it , you name it . Anyway I took it to a small town
shop afew miles from me , and he thought it sounded like rod bearing .
So we pulled one plug wire at a time and then put them back lookin for a change in the sound .And sure enough when we got to # 10 the noise
stoped .put the wire back on ,noise came back.So #10 was the trouble.
So we drop the pan an sure enough#10 bearing was shot.The crank looked great so I chose to sneak just #10 in and hope for the best, so far so good.
no more slapin its only been about 4 thousand miles so we`ll see what happens.
$485 and one day in the shop I thought it was worth a shot. still sounds great.
Anyway I hope this helps ya, good luck
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