Instrument Panel lighting

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Mar 8, 2010 | 06:58 PM

#16

tex25025

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg B

Ford won't have to worry about selling me a new vehicle if the GEM or PCM has more control than I would have over mundane tasks such lights. I'll probably just start looking now for a mid 90's to restore for my next truck.

You got me thinking now. I'm going to see if I can hook up AE and see what it gives me control over with the onboard stuff. Maybe there is a way to re-program that.

Mar 8, 2010 | 09:09 PM

#17

soundwave

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Detroit 'burbs

well keep us informed. I dont care for this "feature"

Mar 8, 2010 | 09:33 PM

#18

tex25025

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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundwave

well keep us informed. I dont care for this "feature"

I don't either. I remember the first time I had the head lights on during the day and it was raining. The dash lights and the radio screen were on like it was a normal daytime and at first I didn't even know if my head lights were on despite the dail being set to "On" versus "Auto". I'll try to see what I can do in the morning with the AE. If nothing else I'll be able to see what all is available to the program.

Mar 9, 2010 | 10:06 AM

#19

tex25025

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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

Ok, 2010 units aren't supported yet, so I can't really do anything as of yet. Their latest 8.1 software stops at 2009. I did hook it up saying it was a 2009, but I can't really trust the results I'm getting, and besides that, when I was going to do a module configuration for something like the Belt Minder, the "module configuration" option was there but the "belt minder" sub-option was not and I know that it should be able to do that. It's an option on my 2006 6.0 and if it's an option there, it should be an option for a 2010 gasser.

Hopefully, the new update would be in the summer or fall and I'll be able to let you know then.

Mar 9, 2010 | 06:15 PM

#20

Greg B

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This AE, is that some sort of laptop software application to diagnose and reconfigure the PCM and GEM on the newer trucks? If so, where could one find it and how much does it cost? Are upgrades supported and costly?

Mar 9, 2010 | 07:15 PM

#21

tex25025

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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg B

Here it is: ScanTool PC-based

Alot of us diesel guys run it, but you have to get the enhanced Ford package for it to read diesels especially the 7.3, the 6.0(what I have as well) does have some support for just general coverage, but the enhanced Ford is well worth the extra money.

You do have to update your license every year for the enhancements that you have(I have 4 in total). For me it's about 100 dollars to update(if you have to if you got a newer truck or vehicle etc), if you just have 1-3 enhancements it's 50 to renew.

Code reading by itself is worth that price especially since my dealership charges 100 a pop to read codes.

The initial price is pretty well fixed by AutoEnginuity, but some places like RiffRaff diesel will cut you deals on shipping etc to help cut the cost. I have found it to be worth every penny and if you are a DIYer then it's worth the investment(in my opinion).

Mar 11, 2010 | 07:41 PM

#22

Greg B

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Thanks, Tex. I'll be looking into it soon.

Mar 12, 2010 | 11:46 AM

#23

04XLTRUNNER

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Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,392

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From: Dayton, TX

the dash lights and headlight automatically come on when you turn your rain wipers on as long as the switch is in the auto position. that could be why they cut on and off on you if you kept turning your wipers on and off. just take a hat and toss it up on the dash. i have a radar up there and it cast a shadow over the sensor so my lights come on sooner at night and stay on longer in the morning.