Re-programing PCM...
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Re-programing PCM...
I called my local dealer today and I asked them how much it was to reflash my pcm they told me $130 is this a fair price or what. The reason im doing this is because I have a bad pinging that I cant seem to get rid of. Already got new plugs, replaced fuel filter, MAF sensor, put in a bottle of fuel cleaner, switched to 89 octane and the pinging still there. I was reading on some old posts and they said re-programing the pcm would be the cure for this anybody knows. By the way its a 99 EB 5.4 2WD with 123k thanks in advance.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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I would think that a re-program would simply flash the same program into your PCM that you've already got.
Have you checked your PCV and EGR systems?
Does 91 octane get rid of the problem?
You may also have some carbon deposits in your cylinders. A shock treatment of an industrial-strength product (Fuel Power 60, Sea Foam, etc...) may also be beneficial.
Plugged cats may also cause a ping, but this is not common on these trucks. But if all else fails, a backpressure test is cheap (many shops will do it for free) and only takes a few minutes.
My guess: EGR related.
I had an EGR valve and a DPFE sensor (basically the EGR controller) go bad, and I got a ping. They were both barely within spec, so the individual components didn't trigger a code. But the combination of the two caused a ping for me.
Have you checked your PCV and EGR systems?
Does 91 octane get rid of the problem?
You may also have some carbon deposits in your cylinders. A shock treatment of an industrial-strength product (Fuel Power 60, Sea Foam, etc...) may also be beneficial.
Plugged cats may also cause a ping, but this is not common on these trucks. But if all else fails, a backpressure test is cheap (many shops will do it for free) and only takes a few minutes.
My guess: EGR related.
I had an EGR valve and a DPFE sensor (basically the EGR controller) go bad, and I got a ping. They were both barely within spec, so the individual components didn't trigger a code. But the combination of the two caused a ping for me.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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No I havent checked the EGR system maybe thats something I have to look into before going nuts and spending $$ at the dealer. I did the seafoam thing through the booster but the pinging still there. The only thing have yet to look at is EGR, DPFE, and 02 sensors.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Originally Posted by 99RedExpy
Any idea on what can cause a big drop in MPG like 5 miles in the past 3 months??
Your original post didn't mention these 02 sensors...if they are original, then replace them. At your mileage, you might actually be due for your third set, I replace them at 40K - 60K miles on my vehicles as routine maintenance.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 228
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From: Twin Cities MN
The ECM program was updated in 2000, so a flash on your '99 would update the code. I have a '98 and a flash took care of my pinging problem completely. My dealer charged me $40, some have been charged $80, I think for $130 you better bring your own jar of Vaseline with.
