The other day I put the stock program back in the truck. Predator seemed a little funny cause it took awhile before it was in sync with the truck. Anyways, I went to put the 65hp mode back in and it now tells me that the tune in the truck doesn't match that last tune written. Any ideas what went wrong?....or better yet how to fix it? I emailed Diablo and am waiting to hear. Anyone know how long they take to respond? And do they call or email. Does anyone have a direct number for them? Oh ya, and should I be conerned that maybe the stock program is completey in the computer (although I havn't seen any issues with the way the truck runs.....expect that it is slow now).

Any help would be great. Thanks!!!

 

sound slike u had a partial load or something....
be SURE all extraneous power is off...
don't change the power load while loading...
and call 1-800-531-5484

 

Thanks for the number. I did actually get an email from Predator today. I will be calling them later today or tomorrow.

As far as power flucuations go, I did have everything off that could be off......even my cell phone. The tuner did say that the the program loaded. Will see what Predator says.

 

hey pickup man. had a similar problem..has your truck been to the dealer recently?. mine was in for some missing brackets on the frame for the rear helper spring. when i got it back i couldnt load the perf tune. said same thing yours did. found out that everytime the factory tune is updated, the ford dealer will update your truck no matter what its in the shop for. call diablo at 800-531-5484 opt. #2 and they can unlock your programmer to accept the new factory tune

 

I contacted Diablo and the got it working again. They forced the original in the tuner back into the truck. I am still not sure why I had the issue I did. If I had the original back into the truck prior to going to the dealer, then the tuner should have been reset to use on any 2004 truck. So even if the dealer flashed the truck (which I thought I had the latest flash......the June or July flash of 04) shouldn't the tuner have simply recorded the new stock program and then loaded the 65hp program. One thing that I did run accross was the new predator update. Although I have only had my tuner for a few months apparently I need it updated. I am on version 34f and they are up to 34h now.

Looks like I blew more coolant today. I believe the hose they replaced is ok and that it came back out the overflow cap. I did notice that when I got it back from the dealer that is was filled to the max line. Now it is below min where everyone says it should be.

 

hey pickup man they came out with a new flash for the non cali trucks around november december time frame and you prob got that now.. did ya notice abit more heater and louder idle?

 

This is a pretty well known problem with the Predator, has been reported on here quite a few times. Some guys have written the Diablo number 1-800 number right on the predator so they always have it handy. It has happened to me twice, last time I was sitting in the Ford dealer lot getting ready to leave my truck for service! Had to cancel my appointment and run, couldn't let them touch it with the 65 hp program still stuck in the computer!

There are some people on here saying it isn't a Predator problem but the facts say otherwise. Here's why:

1. Both Predator technicians I've talked to say they are working on a revision that will correct the problem. I suppose they could be just be BSing me.

2. There's nothing in the owners manual about putting a charger on before restoring, but some guys say that's the "correct" way to do it. I'm sure it works fine, but I don't carry a battery charger in my truck.

3. The problem never occurs when installing a tune, only when restoring. I think it's because of their "security" system, the one that won't let you use the Predator on more than one truck at a time. I have no problem with that, I bought one for myself and I'm not trying to rip them off, I just want the thing to work when I want it to.

4. The original tune can ALWAYS be restored, without a battery charger, once the technicians give you the password.

My $0.02

 

1. I have never had to talk to a Predator technician. Software programmers are always trying to make their systems fool proof. But then there is always a better fool coming along.

2. Let me print page vi. of the Predator Manual:

• Apply parking brake to deactivate daytime running lights.
• Always have all the doors closed while installing the DiabloSport Performance Tune, and keep them closed until the process is complete.
• Do not activate any electrical accessories while installing the DiabloSport Performance Tune. Ensure that there are no electronic add on parts* wired or plugged into the vehicle that can cause a substantial voltage drop when activated during installation of the DiabloSport Performance Tune. Please contact DiabloSport if you are uncertain about devices that are on your vehicle.
• Certain cellular phones or radio equipment might also cause interference. Please remove or turn such devices off.
• Do not try to install any tune on a vehicle with a low battery voltage - charge your battery if necessary.
• Unless instructed, never turn the ignition key OFF while the Predator is plugged in diagnostic port.
• Do not unplug the Predator while it is installing the DiabloSport Performance Tune or the Original Backup.Preparing
*Important Note:All electronic aftermarket add-on parts,
• tach
• electrical fans
• shift light
• audio/video equip.
• gauges
• trailer/ tow accy.Can create a potential power draw. Any change in voltage during Flash programming procedures WILL interrupt the writing process. Please disconnect or disable any such add on part.In the event of such an occurrence, unplug the tool, it will recognize that a interrupted writing error has occurred and will automatically install the original back up. The vehicle is now in its original state.Please attempt to locate the voltage draw before Predator is used again.

Now it doesn't say, "Use a battery charger." but I don't know a better way to avoid voltage fluctuations. I also usually do program changes at home and not in the driveway of the dealer.

Now, a lot of us have Predators and have had no problems. So I can't lay it all on Diablo.

 

SBV45, will all due respect you seem to keep saying that because you personally haven't experienced this problem, the problem does not exist.

Please don't get me wrong, the Predator is a good product and it works well. I recommend that people buy one, because the performance improvement is awsome.

Having said that, I'm using exactly it like the manufacturers instructions say, and it's failures have been an inconveniece to me. I am not saying your method doesn't work, I'm sure it does and I know I'm going to use it myself in the future if Diablo doesn't come up with a fix. But, in my opinion, there's a HUGE difference between saying to turn off all of your accesories and saying you need to hook up a battery charger to do it. That means you can't tow an empty trailer to the gravel pit on 65 hp and change to the tow mode once it's loaded with 5 tons of gravel. Maybe that's not important to some people, but it is to me. If you have to use a battery charger to change tunes, you can't change to the 100 hp tune at work so you can dust off your co-workers Camaro on the way home. That's not important to me, but maybe it is to someone else. If Diablo revises their owners manual and say to hook up a battery charger every time you change the tune, that's fine too, at least you know then that is the manufacturers recommended procedure and you can plan accordingly.

I can see no benefit whatsoever from pretending a problem doesn't exist. On the other hand, there is a clear benefit from discussing it in an open and respectful way because that discussion will hopefully help uncover the root cause and it can be corrected. I fully expect Diablo to fix this eventually because in my experience they are a very responsive and customer oriented company.

I'm sorry if my comments cost someone a couple of sales, but I think choosing to ignore a well known and documented problem is silly. Fixing the problem will only reinforce my opinion of what a great product the Diablo makes and will probably result in even more sales of the Predator.

 

I don't think he DID say it doesn't exists...
IN his case it doesn't, nor in mine...

And he went on to try and help (just like I tried) by giving what HE does that may be the preventative that keeps him from having a problem...

I've never had to go to the lengths of attaching a battery charger, but knowing that there is a WINDOW of danger for ALL flash tuners
(just like with ANY replacement of software or firmware) ,
I take all the precautions I think are necessary to ensure that that window of danger is as limited as possible...

good luck

 

SBV45 was quoting the Predator manual. If you had read the instructions, you would realize that. He simply took it the obvious 1 step furthur and advised that you use a battery charger. Around here none of us get paid for helping people out with the information we have learned the hard way. I (and I suppose most others) could give a rip if someone wants to learn the lessons the hard way. Go ahead, be our guest!

I doubt very seriously that anyone will make their buying decisions based upon the fact that someone is having "operator error" problems. Most folks on this forum who are not frustrated can see where the problem is.
The problem only exists with a few people who really don't want to admit the problem is operator error. So they are doomed to repeat the mistakes over and over until they figure it out.(if they ever do)

Diablo can make this product a little more user friendly. Like most businesses, they continually upgrade the product. There have been several updates to mine since I bought it last January. Not being a computer genius like svb45, I have made my operator error mistakes, but every time I have, being able to reason, I have discovered my error and worked my way through the problems. There is no way I could blame this on Diablosport. It was MY problem that I easily corrected.

 

I went back and read what I posted. Punisher, I didn't write that there wasn't a problem. I just said I hadn't run up against it and offered a suggestion. Don't read anything that isn't there. Maybe you need to rethink your strategy on how you use the Predator. I bet it wasn't designed with the idea that you change programs frequently. Just an opinion.

 

Hey Punisher, look what I found in the SuperChips Micro Tuner 1704 manual:

So is that a SCMT programmer problem too? I doubt it.

 

A couple of you guys know a lot more about this stuff than I do, and I completely agree with you that hooking a battery charger up is a good way to avoid the problem, but for some reason you're still missing my point.

Bob: I'm aware those are the instructions. I have the manual. If follow the instructions EXACTLY, including having a fully charged battery and turning off all accessories, and still get a failure, by what distorted logic can you possibly call that an operator error?

SBV: You make an excellent point, it may not be designed for frequent changes. I know I'm sure being more careful about it now.

 

When troubleshooting any system it is logical that you correct the obvious things first. The most obvious thing you were doing was discounting the known voltage drop problem. That, would be considered operator error.
Nothing personal.