OK guy's... here is my .02 cents worth and actual observations.

I hate it when people post with incomplete background info... so here is my 100% pure beef "updated flash post".

BACKGROUND:
* 2003 Excursion Ltd. 4X4
* 6.0L PSD Motor - build date March 1, 2003
* Current mileage is 35,800 miles
* Oil changed on regular basis
* Had complete 30,000 mile service done at 25,000 miles
* Transmission was "flushed" and not drain and fill (important)
* Have had all old flashes (October and December 2003)
* Run Powerservice in grey bottle and just switched to white for winter
* Winter blended fuel is now being pumped and has cut down mileage
* Outside temps in KC are between 45F - 60F

Had new flash installed yesterday (11/17/04). Dealer machine read my PCM and noted that new update was available (dealer was surprised to learn this since no info has been given out as to why and when). Make sure your dealer uses the "automated update system where they plug in... versus the system where they wait for a CD rom to be mailed (by then to late).

My 2003 motor and truck (build date of 3/1/03) took the new PCM (power control module) and a new TCM (tansmission control module) updates with no problems (my old flash was the 12/03 update fopr the 2003 motor). The dealer no longer puts on new stickers, since many trucks had 5 - 7 stickers on them and since checking them is so easy, why bother on these trucks.

What I percieve as the differences or improvements with this new flash... and I have only driven about 50 - 70 miles so far... are...

1) Same start time )slow at first as it was learning the new flash and drivability).

2) NO smoke on hard exceleration or reduced smoking.

3) Quicker throttle response on take-off.

4) Slightly quicker turbo spool up (hard to tell really), but may be less lag?

5) Over-head mileage meter no adjusts itself quicker and Ford may have reduced the miles that it "averages by" since it does flucuate up and down as I get into it with the pedal... seems more accurate and adjusts to my driving habits?

6) Mileage in town (overhead meter only) says I am getting +1 mile/gallon better mileage (I have driven kind of hard) - to reteach the computer my driving habits.

7) Have to be careful on mileage since temps have dropped and winter-blended fuel is now being sold (reduces mileage as we all know).

8) Engine noise (not sure, maybe louder, but it is colder outside)?

9) Highway mileage (reset meter) now shows "cruising mileage" as 18mpg - 19mpg (was 18 at best previously and closer to 17).

10) Tow/Haul mode was reduced to a less aggressive downshift from what little I have tried it. It does not downshift to second and first gear as quickly and harshly (unless it is still learning the new flash)? Since I do not tow that often or that much, I am not as concerned if this is the case.

CONCLUSION:
All in all... this flash is a keeper and helps with mileage and performance which I wanted from the start (and that the October 2003 flash took away). No idea if it works for the 2004's, but it does work on the 2003's (as mine is a March 1, 2003 build motor).

Good luck guys...

Jeff
(Beachbumcook)

 

I will agree with every thing Jeff said above. I now have 203 miles on the new flash and my milage has increased from 16.7 MPG to 18.3 With that said I am driving conservativly right now. I have a 100 mile round trip commute to work and I'm trying to save fuel where possible

The flashes that were installed are PCM - 3U7A-FTD/VXAM7NC2 & FICM - K2Z2-17
Overall this one is a Keeper I think it has me back to the original minus the PI

Bob

 

BTW I also had the trans flused not just the fluid changed. Although that did not include changing the external filter. It will go back in for that as soon as the dealer recieves it. I have ~32000 miles on an 04 with an 03 motor.

 

Had to pass a slow moving car yesterday, foot to the floor and WOW! I love this new flash! so much for my MPG calc. I can do without the performance enhancers now

2004 XLT Crew LB
june03 build

 

I have an 04, purchased in June, I believe has 4/04 build date (not positive) and have had no real issues with engine. Had it back once for seat belt in rear seat. My question...What is the date that the lastest flash was released? Everybody talks re: latest flash, but I dont know if this is what I have of its a new one.

 

No one knows for sure what the new flash fixes or adds, but it does work on my March 2003 motor and I would assume that NO... you do not have the latest flash (if it indeed works on the '04's).

Complain that you are experiencing hesitation on take-off, turbo lag and harsh shifting in tow/haul. Go ahead and say that you read on the internet that a new flash exists and that the runor or word is that it fixes these issues. All they have to do is hook up the machine (hand-held even - size of very large lap-top) and it will tell them is a new flash exists for your model year truck. Juist make sure they have linked with the Ford system ona daily basis in order to have ALL the latest updates available.

I had to wait 3 days while my service department moved into a new area and their machine had not been linked for 3 days prior. I waited for them, to move and re-link to ensure the most recent flash software.

Good luck,

jeff

 

If your dealer doesn't have the filter or can't get one from another in-town dealer.... what ki9nd of dealer you going to. The external tranny filter looks like a roll of toilet paper and has been available since the 6.0L motor and Tourque Shift transmission came out.... back in the fall of 2002!!!

Surely, they keep more than 1 in-stock??

Yes, I would get it changed right away and hopefully they don't charge you the labor to do it since it should be included in the cost of the tranny service.

Good luck,

Jeff

 

There is no charge for it. I originally took it in for the new flash and a minor oil leak, and decided to let them do the 30,000 mile TRANS service, I did all the rest myself. The service writer said it would be 129.00. This ended up being about 25.00 for labor. To me it was worth the cost. In the end we negotiated the final price from 170 to 145.00. The service writer did not realize the torque shift was more expensive. Then we got into what was done. They used "MOC" products to service/flush the trans. This provides a gaurantee against wear, blah blah blah... But it didn't do what the manual required, replace the external filter and fluid. So we got into a discussion about transmissions being covered under warranty without recommended service being done and I had it in the paperwork I wanted a 30,000 miles service done so they agreed to replace the filter at no charge when it came in. The dealership is very knowledgable and accomodating on a whole. I just believe that they were uninformed.

 

Yes, uninformed dealers (at least with the 6.0L motor) is the norm rather than the exception. The internet and this site has made us the "informed ones" and we are educating the dealer on our own nickle!!!

Why Ford would launch such a new truck with such new and radical technology and not inform or train their mechanics is the biggest mystery since "did Clinton have sex with Monica or not"?

Good luck,

Jeff

 

I even got the new sticker with mine

 

Me too, Hopefully my collection won't grow any bigger. Unless of course they decide to turn PI back on.

 

Don't be holding your brath while waiting!

 

IMO PI is gone for ever in the 6.0 as we know the engine today.....may come back on a different type engine, but it is gone on the 6.0.

 

I don't really care about PI. I didn't buy the truck because it was quiet. It was the POWER. (evil laugh goes here).

 

*evil laugh * he he he ... I love the sound of a diesel rattling away ... over-powering drive up fast food windows .... finally , the workers hear the same that I always here from them