Latest Flash 2003 ??
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 109
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From: Alabama
The -FTE is the last three letters of the code number for the latest flash program for the 03 6.0L. According to my Tech the flash addressed some problems with cold idle and surging, reduced turbo lag, and appears to help fuel mileage among other things. I haven't seen any official release from Ford as to the purpose of the flash, however it made a tremendous difference in my truck which formerly had the December 03 flash. The performance of my truck after the flash is very similar to what it was with the original program installed in the truck from the factory prior to the mandatory recall flash due to non compliance with emissions standards. Truck now idles quieter due to EGR opening at idle, has better throttle response, and increased fuel mileage. Highway mileage at 70 mph is now 19.5 - 20.7 as calculated on a recent 1200 mile trip with 4 adults and luggage. I also averaged just under 17mpg on a 550 mile trip towing a flatbed with a small car on it. I couldn't be more pleased with it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,461
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From: Saskatoon, SK
The latest number is 3U7A 12A650 FTE. I had an original unflashed '03 before having this done because of terrible romping issues. The truck runs just like before w/o the romping and start-up run quality issues. Mileage didn't change much from original but its hard to say because of the lighter winter fuel we have been running but I know for sure it isn't better than the original mpg!! The pilot injection is gone just like in the other flashes and this doesn't bother me at all, but the loss of the tow-haul performance does. Compared to the original program, the glow plugs don't stay on as long on a warm start if at all and the overhead fuel mileage display now reacts quicker --> more like an instantaneous mpg but not quite (kinda half way between average and instantaneous).
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
It depends what flash that 2003 is on. Some flashes fixed things and broke something else. The Oct 03 flash broke performance, fuel economy. The latest flash 3U7A-12A650-FTE (for 03 truck with auto trans non-California) fixes some idle issues, delay, performance and some shift issues in tow/haul mode. It is a pretty good tune.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 60
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From: Coldwater Mi.
SBV45 , I had the latest flash 3U7A-12A650-FTE installed the end of Feb. and traveled 2500 mi. pulling 3000 lb. (min. load other than running into pretty good head wind to and from, ave. 15.2 mpg. I can live with that but one question? why would it take the down shift out of 1 st. and 2 nd. and also hesitate after shifting from park to drive . Talked to different ones and altogether different stories, reading some of your posts I take it your pretty knowlegable about this new flash , thanks - just wondering.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 25
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From: CT
Will this flash help with with a 2003 6.0 stick? The truck has no power when in first or creeper gear when cold. I mean NO power! Its hard to get it going on a grade with moderate weight without stalling. The Ford mechanics want to pull the tranny appart because they are not sure what is causing the problem. They are getting any info from the computor that helps with the diagnosis. The truck has never had a flash or any problems. It has 18,000 on it. It may be my own fault because I asked that the truck not be flashed unless it had to be.
Thanks,
Dave
Thanks,
Dave
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 231
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From: Second star to the right!
I had the last flash done on my '03. It runs great. Slightly better fuel economy. The only thing I am unhappy with is the way the tow/hual works now. It works, but feels week (downshifting). Sometimes it does not seem like it hits all of the gears when downshifting. Pre flash, you KNEW when it downshifted. Now you really need to pay attention. It is not nearly as easy to stop a 12K trailer now.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
Digger52, I haven't done too much towing so I don't know about the downshift issue. I will check it out. As far as the hesitation from Park to Drive, I have not experienced that problem. Here is a service bulletin on that:
Ford has stopped putting out the information on flashes that they used to put out. The dealers service can't even get the info on what a flash fixes.
Harsh or Delayed Forward or Reverse Engagement:
This could be caused by a sticking line pressure control (PC-A) solenoid. Typically the line pressure will be fluctuatiing wildly (up to 500 PSI!). To service, first remove and insdpect the external cooler line filter. If it contains fine gray metalic debris. If metal is found, the source is most likely a defective revese planetary pinion shaft that is coming out of the carrier and contacting the case or adjacent components. The transmission will need to be disassembled and repaired as needed or replaced. Broadcast Message 3250
If little or no debris is found replace the line pressure control solenoid with P/N 4C3Z-7G383-AA. Broadcast Message 1586/SSM 17874/18051
This repair will require removing the solenoid harness, so a new harness sealing o-ring (P/N 3C3Z-7Z276-AA) will need to be installed. In some cases the solenoid body will need to be removed from the trans to remove the harness and solenoid. In this case the solenoid body gasket (basic P/N 7C155, trans tag number needed) will be needed as well. Note: Do not loosen the 10mm head bolts on the solenoid body. Only loosen the 8mm head bolts.
If the solenoid has been replaced and the condition it still pressent, suspect a contamination issue of the solenoid or a sticking pressure relief valve.
This could be caused by a sticking line pressure control (PC-A) solenoid. Typically the line pressure will be fluctuatiing wildly (up to 500 PSI!). To service, first remove and insdpect the external cooler line filter. If it contains fine gray metalic debris. If metal is found, the source is most likely a defective revese planetary pinion shaft that is coming out of the carrier and contacting the case or adjacent components. The transmission will need to be disassembled and repaired as needed or replaced. Broadcast Message 3250
If little or no debris is found replace the line pressure control solenoid with P/N 4C3Z-7G383-AA. Broadcast Message 1586/SSM 17874/18051
This repair will require removing the solenoid harness, so a new harness sealing o-ring (P/N 3C3Z-7Z276-AA) will need to be installed. In some cases the solenoid body will need to be removed from the trans to remove the harness and solenoid. In this case the solenoid body gasket (basic P/N 7C155, trans tag number needed) will be needed as well. Note: Do not loosen the 10mm head bolts on the solenoid body. Only loosen the 8mm head bolts.
If the solenoid has been replaced and the condition it still pressent, suspect a contamination issue of the solenoid or a sticking pressure relief valve.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 232
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From: Cross Plains, TN
Originally Posted by tristankc
It works, but feels week (downshifting). Sometimes it does not seem like it hits all of the gears when downshifting. Pre flash, you KNEW when it downshifted. Now you really need to pay attention. It is not nearly as easy to stop a 12K trailer now.
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