Dealer PCM Programing
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Senior User
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Dealer PCM Programing
Can a dealer reprogram a pcm to a newer model year program? Ex. Can they put a 08 program into an 05?
I drove a buddies 08 5.4 FX4 today and it makes my 05 5.4 FX4 feel like a dog and I have an edge evo?? Ive been told before that they have the same HP, but the newer trucks are programmed to feel snappier. I've driven other 04's and 05's and never noticed a diff compared to mine.
I want an 08! (or the power of an 08)!
Thanks
I drove a buddies 08 5.4 FX4 today and it makes my 05 5.4 FX4 feel like a dog and I have an edge evo?? Ive been told before that they have the same HP, but the newer trucks are programmed to feel snappier. I've driven other 04's and 05's and never noticed a diff compared to mine.
I want an 08! (or the power of an 08)!
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
The best they can do is put in the latest program version for your particluar PCM.
If you have and older version in your PCM, the latest one may make some difference, but I doubt it would make it feel like an '08.
If you have and older version in your PCM, the latest one may make some difference, but I doubt it would make it feel like an '08.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 145
From: SE Georgia
the 2004 and 2005 trucks have an extremely sensitive and restrive PCM fuel map.
in 2006 Ford went to a more adaptive and looser setup.
nothing mechanically changed...just the tuning inside the PCM. If a newer update is available for your truck, the Dealer can reflash your PCM to that newest PCM flash.
Then clear your PCM Keep-alive-memory by leaving the battery unplugged for >30 minutes.
Of course, the Dealer is likely to charge you $50-100 for the courtesy. But it may be worth it.
in 2006 Ford went to a more adaptive and looser setup.
nothing mechanically changed...just the tuning inside the PCM. If a newer update is available for your truck, the Dealer can reflash your PCM to that newest PCM flash.
Then clear your PCM Keep-alive-memory by leaving the battery unplugged for >30 minutes.
Of course, the Dealer is likely to charge you $50-100 for the courtesy. But it may be worth it.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 145
From: SE Georgia
try this first
clear your PCM Keep-alive-memory by leaving the battery unplugged for >30 minutes
the truck will be weird for about 1 week as it relearn all of the custom variables. it will revert to the basic programmed management values and then start to learn new inputs
maybe over the last 4 yrs it has gotten complacent.
I'd try the battery trick real quick. free, and won't harm the truck.
clear your PCM Keep-alive-memory by leaving the battery unplugged for >30 minutes
the truck will be weird for about 1 week as it relearn all of the custom variables. it will revert to the basic programmed management values and then start to learn new inputs
maybe over the last 4 yrs it has gotten complacent.
I'd try the battery trick real quick. free, and won't harm the truck.
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Senior User
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I use an edge evo, does it create a totaly new program or just modify the stock program? I'm assuming it just alters the stock program a little as they are for 04-08 and if my buddy's 08 got my program he would be very disapointed!
I will try clearing the keep alive memory, as I do normally drive like a wus. And if that doesn't work I will see about getting the latest file.
Maybe another dum question but can the pcm be changed out to the 06-08 as an upgrade?
I will try clearing the keep alive memory, as I do normally drive like a wus. And if that doesn't work I will see about getting the latest file.
Maybe another dum question but can the pcm be changed out to the 06-08 as an upgrade?
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 145
From: SE Georgia
yes and no on the PCM swap. They are VIN locked to a truck. So you'd need some fancy Ford Tech gadgetry to make it work
for the Edge. When you load it up, it copies your stock tune and stores it in the Edge. If you make an adjustment, the Edge replaces the stock tune with a modified tune.
for the Edge. When you load it up, it copies your stock tune and stores it in the Edge. If you make an adjustment, the Edge replaces the stock tune with a modified tune.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: CO
I'm not sure how it works exactly, but it seems like if you're using any level in the Evo other than stock, you may have the latest Ford tune with Edge's tweaks on top of it already.
There has to be a whole library of Ford tunes that apply to specific PCM codes, and there are (usually) multiple PCM codes for any given model year, so as long as the PCM retains its identity through the Ford program upgrades (which I'd guess it does), I would think Edge is using the latest Ford version as the starting point for any particular PCM code.
If that is the case, then using the latest Evo program would give you the latest Ford program with the Edge tweaks. But I could be all wet too.
If you drive like a grandpa most of the time, clearing the memory will probably make a difference as long as you don't drive like a grandpa again right away afterward. Drive it like you want it to run.
There has to be a whole library of Ford tunes that apply to specific PCM codes, and there are (usually) multiple PCM codes for any given model year, so as long as the PCM retains its identity through the Ford program upgrades (which I'd guess it does), I would think Edge is using the latest Ford version as the starting point for any particular PCM code.
If that is the case, then using the latest Evo program would give you the latest Ford program with the Edge tweaks. But I could be all wet too.
If you drive like a grandpa most of the time, clearing the memory will probably make a difference as long as you don't drive like a grandpa again right away afterward. Drive it like you want it to run.
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Joined: May 2009
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From: East Machias, Maine
Pcm
SO if I read all that properly, my Edge is boosting my truck but by driving for mileage of just staying away from tickets around town I am teaching the truck to be a dog even if I am tweaking it every tankful right now? I would have to unplug the battery every tankful for 30 min to get a consistent run?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,714
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From: Canton, IL
Wells thats one way to look at it. But here, think about this, as a way not to get tickets any way.....
Gun it from stop lights just a ways or to the next one if they are close. No law against acceleration, (unless you consistantly squeal the tires, no burnouts) That will put better values in the PCM and your truck will seem more peppy in about 4 days (granted you drive it for a ways for 4 days straight, work and back is a good distance probably). My 04 loves to be run hard, the harder I run it, the better it performs. If I do what your doing, and feather foot it, when I do need it to perform, its not there to give me 100%.... The PCM in our trucks learn how we drive. I wish there was a way for it not to.
Does an edge stop that behavior? anyone know?
Gun it from stop lights just a ways or to the next one if they are close. No law against acceleration, (unless you consistantly squeal the tires, no burnouts) That will put better values in the PCM and your truck will seem more peppy in about 4 days (granted you drive it for a ways for 4 days straight, work and back is a good distance probably). My 04 loves to be run hard, the harder I run it, the better it performs. If I do what your doing, and feather foot it, when I do need it to perform, its not there to give me 100%.... The PCM in our trucks learn how we drive. I wish there was a way for it not to.
Does an edge stop that behavior? anyone know?
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 82
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From: East Machias, Maine
PCM learning
I would love to be able to stomp it. But I would be emerging from a cloud of smoke all the time and I only have a 4.6. AND there are several ways for rinky dink town cops to harass you for 1: unsafe acceleration
2: driving to endanger 3: reckless driving. I think the vehicle gets better mileage when the power is available. It does not work as hard to get up to speed. You don't need to kick it in the *** to pass someone which winds the engine up more and drops an extra gear. Why have the computer ruin the performance you pay to get?
2: driving to endanger 3: reckless driving. I think the vehicle gets better mileage when the power is available. It does not work as hard to get up to speed. You don't need to kick it in the *** to pass someone which winds the engine up more and drops an extra gear. Why have the computer ruin the performance you pay to get?
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I'm going to to try the relearn thing this week, and I will report back if it makes a diff.
I drove a buddies 04 super cab with higher gearing than mine yesterday, and it even makes mine feel like a dog??I thought it was just the newer trucks that felt like that. I'm gonna have to drive my dads truck and see what it feels like, its identicle to mine.
For some silly reason would the super crews have a milder ecm program?? The super crew thing is the only thing diff b/t the trucks that I've driven.
I drove a buddies 04 super cab with higher gearing than mine yesterday, and it even makes mine feel like a dog??I thought it was just the newer trucks that felt like that. I'm gonna have to drive my dads truck and see what it feels like, its identicle to mine.
For some silly reason would the super crews have a milder ecm program?? The super crew thing is the only thing diff b/t the trucks that I've driven.
Former ******
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 138
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From: Winder, GA
Curb weight is about the same on both given the difference in bed size.
The Evolution modifies the existing PCM calibration. It does NOT alter the base strategy. So, if you have an '04 with the RXAQ3B4 calibration, it can't use the '07/'08 RXDGxxx strategies. In fact, the strategies are not compatible and wouldn't even run in the PCM, despite them being basically the same models.
Ford 5.4L F-150 strategies break down as follows:
2004 - RXAxxxx
2005 - RXCxxxx
2006 - TEJxxxx (some Mark LT's are still RXCxxxx)
2007 - RXDxxxx
2008 - RXDxxxx
There is a slight power increase in the '07/'08 trucks based on dyno information. This resulted in a slightly lower power gain when running the programmer, but still netted the same final output numbers after dyno testing. The difference we've seen is only about 5-8 HP so I doubt it's something the ol' butt-dyno would feel. What you might be feeling is a slight relaxation of the torque control strategies which gives the truck a snappier feel.
I hope this helps clear up any confusion.
The Evolution modifies the existing PCM calibration. It does NOT alter the base strategy. So, if you have an '04 with the RXAQ3B4 calibration, it can't use the '07/'08 RXDGxxx strategies. In fact, the strategies are not compatible and wouldn't even run in the PCM, despite them being basically the same models.
Ford 5.4L F-150 strategies break down as follows:
2004 - RXAxxxx
2005 - RXCxxxx
2006 - TEJxxxx (some Mark LT's are still RXCxxxx)
2007 - RXDxxxx
2008 - RXDxxxx
There is a slight power increase in the '07/'08 trucks based on dyno information. This resulted in a slightly lower power gain when running the programmer, but still netted the same final output numbers after dyno testing. The difference we've seen is only about 5-8 HP so I doubt it's something the ol' butt-dyno would feel. What you might be feeling is a slight relaxation of the torque control strategies which gives the truck a snappier feel.
I hope this helps clear up any confusion.