I have been asking some fellow 6.0 owner's about the loss of power and fuel economy after dealerships reflash their computers. What I have found to be common is the loss of power from original program and the lowering of fuel economy. This has not improved over time. I am beginning to get concerned that this is fords way of adding reliabilty and longevity to their motors. What I mean is the adverstise this truck with X amount of HP and Y amount of torque. Then after a period of time these trucks either need some type of repair or service and the dealerships then they reflash the ecm's. Has anyone had their truck put on a dyno before and after the reflash has been done? The reflash is not only limited to the 03 04 but the 05 and 06 as well. One would think the 05 and 06 would of already been reprogrammed prior to sell. This is beginning to smell of a class action suit against manufacturer. Any thoughts or insights?

05 F-350 6.0 CC LB four oil leaks one no start multiple ck engine lights 17,450 miles to date

 

Would have it not been better to dyno some trucks and get data to support your allegations before making what appers to be unfounded allegations. I have had two trucks reflashed and not lost any HP that I can notice.

RoyC

 

I'd have to see objective evidence on this one. Sometimes we convince ourselves of things that aren't quite true.

 

Just make sure this doesn't head into lawsuit territory...

Discussion like that is forbidden on FTE for legal reasons.

Personally however, the mileage and power you have etc. has nothing no correlation with the problems experienced with the 6.0l.

 

Got a letter from Ford on my 2005 F550 6.0 that my ECM might need reprograming (#05B35) because possible prior programing might adversely affect the performance and reliability of the engine. Any additional detail available from experts here???

The letter is vague... anyone here know what changes to the programing will do and why it might be needed. The note states that after the update vehicles operated in cold weather may experiance a small (how much...a number or percent would be helpful) reduction in acceleration during the first few minutes (1 minute or 100 minutes?) of cold operation.

Took delivery in August of 2005 after a drop ship for a P/U bed install at Centurion in White Pidgon, MI...Truck has about 8,000 miles on it now.

Any link at Ford available that provides more WHY than given in the vague letter that does not inspire a lot of confidance by owner?

 

I had the reflash done on my '05 and did not notice any loss of power or mileage to date. It does idle better and the exhaust smell is less noticeable at idle too. Cold weather performance is a little reduced until engine is fully warmed (it seems to bog slightly when really cold, but nothing terrible). Otherwise, runs about the same.

 

I agree with the first guy, I bet that ford has done this, I mean think about it .. there motors are blowing head gaskets right and left,
how would you fix it if you were them, 1) recall all the motors ? I think not
2) a lot cheaper to reprogram with a little less boost/fuel.
big companys do things like this all the time if it is going to cost them money, or save money
I would like to know if you reflash... is it on the ram part of them computer. you would think that the first program is in bedded in the computer, so maybe by doing a long batt disconnect, it might rest set to the original program ????
anyone know how to go back to the original program/ can it be done.

 

My 08/05 build Excursion with the 08/05 build Huntsville 6.0L (04 carry over) shows 325hp, 560 ft/lbs torque on the cert. sticker. This vehicle also had the LATEST flash from the factory, verified by a dealer visit after receiving the 05E16 recall notice from Ford.

Some difference in the latest flash may include cold engine protection of some sort, as the vague description of what to expect with it lists slight power decrease for the first few minutes of cold engine operation. I do not believe this flash de-rates the 6.0L. If anyone can provide OBJECTIVE evidence that this is so, besides "it feels like" or "I think" or any other subjective thoughts feel free to post your case.

 

I do think so...,but don't get me wrong.

as I don't like the fact(or maybe not fact) if ford is doing this to save money. BUT when my warranty runs out. I would rather have a slightly weaker motor, and have it last a long time than to have a strong one that only last alittle while , then have it up to me to fix it or spend the money to get it fixed !
if they need to drop a few HP to make it last then so be it. I have mixed feelings about it

 

All my evidence is circumstancial at this point. It comes from a number of sources. Some being current techs working for ford and past tech's that have moved on. It also comes from non dealership diesel mechanics. Independent tranmission shops who build hi performance tranny's for race and HD applications. As well as long term psd owner's who tow on a regular basis and have done so for many years. It does not matter what you think of ford or any other manufacturer, the bottom line is this engine design has had way more than it's normal share of problems. All you have to do is look at any dealership either ford or dodge or gm. Tell them you are looking to buy one of their trucks and you would like to look at there repair facility. Ask questions about the trucks they are working on. I have done this and I tried to compare the same size dealerships so not to get an un equal comparison. The ford dealerships had by far the most repairs (not maintainence) of any of the three. Ford also had the most newer trucks being repaired than any other make! Newer being trucks withing three years of model year. This has just been my on study, not completely scientific but it does bring up some serious questions. I am not trying to flame this manufacturer but when I started having all the problems that I have had I knew I had to do my own research. For all of the 6.0 psd owner's who have had no problems I am happy for you. But there is no denying that there are alot of us with multiple problems.

 

Well, I know the factory boost guage might not be the most accurate of all guages in the world but here is what I found. The max boost I ever saw BEFORE the 05B35 flash was about 29. Well, I just took my truck out on a flat deserted stretch of country road and opened her up, a couple times. I NEVER saw the boost go above about 24. That is just me though. It felt as thought it was detuned after the flash (didn't feel as quick) and according to the above, I guess it was. I've never had any programmer or aftermarket performance product on my truck ever.

 

ok, 5 lbs of boost gone.. I am guessing around 50hp gone.
just a guess
well this might make ford some money...being that I am afraid to take my truck in for warranty work, I don't want them to take HP from me.

 

Apparently I'm the only one who noticed this, or at least I haven't heard from anyone else. I only have 2200 miles on my truck, about 1800 when the recall was done. It is disappointing to say the least, but I guess as long as the truck runs good and reliable, it will be worth it?? A dyno before/after would really be interesting!

 

like i sayed , if it makes it last, but thats gota hurt.

i have a edge evolution that has a boost gauge on it. and i am taking truck to dealer monday, so i will be checking the boost on the way in and out, also i will tell them not to flash truck , unless they tell me why and what it is for, and i give the go ahead first

 

PLEASE Post your results of your boost of before and after (if you get it flashed), I'm very curious if other trucks will be like mine and if it is indeed ford detuning these trucks.