I'm confused by this. I'm a Network administrator, and apply software patches to operating systems and software applications almost on a daily basis. I get lists of fixes for things. I generally don't install a particular patch if my situation isn't experiencing a fault, but I do look for specific patches for faults that affect my situation.

Ford has to know what a particular flash is intended to fix! I would think these are released in service bullitins. We should be able to get that info from a dealer service department.

Anyone out there have a good source for this?

 

I am likewise, a system administrator, yes there is a list of what each flash is supposed to 'fix'. But, unlike release notes, it doesn't list everything nor does it list what features are removed, like PI. It would be like Cisco downloading a firmware update and only telling you it will fix what you reported as a problem.

Try here for flash info:

http://www.flatratetech.com/6literpo...l_updates.html

There is almost no information out on the latest flash. Even the techs don't seem to be able to get the info from Ford on the latest.

 

SBV45 is correct. I was in the service bay when the tech loaded the flash from ford into the WDS and then insatalled it in my truck. At that point I asked him what all it did. He did not know, so he went to Fords site and tried to download the list of improvements. What he got was a list that was 1 year old and had not been updated.

As for the other guy in Cali, I recommend the new flash as it feels like the power definetely increased, especially down low when cold. The truck could not get out of its own way in the morning before the flash.

The Cali flash ends in -FUE vice FTE for the federal trucks.

By the way, the tech at Mossy Ford in San Diego has been Diesel certified since ford was using the 6.9 litre. Seems really on top of it and is willing to discuss what he is doing to your truck at length. Great experience.

Dave

 

"so he went to Fords site and tried to download the list of improvements. What he got was a list that was 1 year old and had not been updated."
is why there is confusion about whether or not there is a new flash available. Clearly there is a new flash and it looks like a good one. Goes to show you what we can do by sharing info.

Come on, Ford, you did good with it. Tell us about it.

 

04 CC 6.0 4X4 SWB Lariat
Geeez...I wish I could determine the build date of my motor. I have checked everywhere under the hood and I have found a bunch of stickers but none that indicate the motor build date.
I am also dieing to know what new flashes are available for my rig although the dealer says there are none.
Anyone have any insight about how to get the build date and new flashes available from the VIN or other alternative source?

 

Drivers side vavle cover, just stand on your head to see it though. If your standing at the front of the truck your gonna miss it, best seen by looking through the brake booster.

 

Mine also was on the drivers side...
opened the hood... bent down and looked thru the triangle formed by the hood and hood support strut and moved around a bit and found it...

4" by 5" or so white sticker (some are yellow) with a bar code and the 03 April 03 date on it...

 

I have to figure there's a flash since 'RC8 12/12/03'. Thankfully there's nothing that stands out for me to schedule an appointment with Ford Service. So many things associated with the automatic transmission. Only one improvement for manual transmissions. I do have a bit of cold idle creep to just make the turbo spin a bit, but as soon as I touch the throttle or clutch pedal, it drops. I can live with that. To the best of my knowledge, my system has not been reflashed since build. I'll have to look at the build date later this morning, (after the rain subsides). I don't really have any problems with the run condition of the 6.0. Except that I'm getting used to driving a manual transmission turbo diesel. If I don't have my throttle foot and clutch foot on the same page, if I shift right at 2100rpm, then I can get a bit of over spin. (normally I shift at ~1600) I think it's more me, but there is a point that if I'm not into the throttle, and am only applying 1/3 or so, that it'll do this. Right there it wants to breath. Just past the torque peak, but where it wants to start buildiing some hp.

Since I am noticing some break in characteristics, I don't want to reflash just yet. I am noticing power changes and some slight improvement in fuel economy. (You can tell the difference with a standard transmission) With only 4000 miles on it, it's averaging 16mpg. I'll wait at least 5000 miles before I get nit picky on how it runs.

Since this thread may be the wrong place, can I get someone to give me a good expanation of PI in a PM. What is it? Is it only a characteristic to Ford 6.0? Why did they get rid of it? Thanx,

 

The higher RPM at cold idle is normal and drops (as you stated) when you touch the brake or gas. This helps n quicker warm up and less romping.

Good luck,

 

Yes, there is a newer flash since the RC8 in Dec 03. I find it well worth the effort. If you are happy with the way your truck runs, don't fix it.

PI is "pilot injection" which is an idle fuel strategy that starts the ignition with a small squirt and followed by another injection with enough fuel to maintain rpm depending on barometric pressure, temperature, mass air, etc. No it is not unique to the 6.0.

 

I just looked and apparently my build date for the truck and motor are 12/02. They reflashed it once to fix the idle romp a week after I bought it, (about a year ago). The romp is gone as well as some power (still seems powerful but not like the test drive) .The question is, obviously I have the first version of the 6.0, am I screwed? Is this motor that bad that there is all this concern over build dates and changes tween 03 and 04. Geeze my 02 must be really mucked up. What do you think?

 

If you have an 03 built before May of 03(engine) you might have the older injectors.

To identify the injectors you would have to pull one from the engine:
3C3Z-9E527-AA
3C3Z-9E527-ABRM
AFTER APRIL-17-2003......3C3Z-9E527-AE....(new style)

The injectors suffered a side-load of the pin causing raw fuel to flood or enter the engine crankcase or hydro-lock the engine. Keep an eye on your oil level and if you find a miss from an injector, have the dealer check your truck.

No your not screwed, just drive it, many have not suffered any problems. Just keep an eye on your oil level.

 

Thanks Max, I'll watch that oil. I have 31000 miles on it and have just changed my fuel filter for the first time. Definately needed it. I really have no time to drop my truck off for the day at the local dealership so I have actually not had one service done on my truck cept oil changes and the one fuel filter. Am I overlooking something else (like the very messy fuel filter change) that I should have done already?

 

You have two fuel filters one on the engine and one on the lower frame rail, drivers side. If you have the torq-shift I would be having the dealer flush and change the tranny. While it is at the dealer they may have an up-dated flash for your truck.

 

I just looked for the build date sticker and think I found it. The number says 200404. These are the only set of #s that make any sort of sense on the driver side valve cover (white sticker).