Powerstroke HD beat me to it. There really is not much there. The dealer gave me mine, I folded it up and put it in my owners manual.

 

Just to clear up some confusion - there is only one version of the ECM flash upgrade.

The 68 and 69 numbers being referred to here are the software version numbers of Ford's Integrated Diagnotics System (IDS) which is the operating software on the tech's laptop that communicates with your vehicle and allows them to reprogram the ECM.

Some dealerships/mechanics may have versions of IDS software prior to 68 which will not allow them to communicate properly with the 2011 CANBUS.

 

I just found that my dealer didn't have there's updated, even after they called me and said they were ready. They have 4 of the IDS things and one guy was "supposed" to be updated and working on the trucks on the lot. I am once again reminded why I NEVER, NEVER, EVER let a dealership touch my truck unless it's warranty work. If I do have anything done I go back and check their work and make sure they didn't break something in the process.

 

Totally agree!

 

Amen brother.

 

You got that right..check and re-check!

 

Version 5 of the Diesel Supplement on pages 57 & 58 gives some insight into the new option. It sounds as if it is only for operation while stationary though. Manuals can be viewed at motorcraftservice.com and other ford sites.

"1. Start with the vehicle engine fully warmed.
2. Press the Info button on the steering wheel until the message center
reads

dealer."

Would be nice if they make it available for all models and at any time; plus it would be nice for anyone to view the status of EXH XXX% at any time.

But this is progress......

Bob

 

Maybe Ford will decide to greatly impress (and show their competitors how much they care about) us by offering this feature late this year or early next year. The computer already knows this info so the sensors must exist.

The hardest part I see is they have to program a few more message center outputs and I don't know the difficulty level of reprogramming the message center "screens" on existing units.

I'll even settle for the percentage if a software update can't allow the actual regen to complete at idle (such as hardware requirements). It is an improvement though and I'm allowed to dream.

 

================================================== =

Thanks, this letter proved to me that my dealer lied to me last week..
I went in to have my new truck looked at because my Gear Read out keep going from to the other setting (On & Off) and to have the new flash installed. They said my truck had the new flash and that they couldn't duplicate the read out & bring it back when it switched back
By this letter it should be a continuous read-out showing the Gears!
Thanks

 

imagine that...a dealer lied...time for a new dealer

 

I agree that the Regen software should be modified.

Going into the regen mode when towing a load eats fuel unnecessarilly. If I had 50 miles or so advance notice I would be able to manually start the regen cycle before I hooked up. It is also kind of aggrivating having the regen cycle start just before I pull into my driveway after driving an hour on the highway. Additionally it would be nice to know when the regen cycle has been completed. I spend entirely too much time looking at the mileage trying to catch the next cycle. If I am lucky I will notice the regen cycle start notification otherwise the only way to tell that the system is in the regen mode is via crummy performance and fuel mileage.
Since it is all software driven it should be a no-brainer for Ford.

 

Thanks for reviving an ancient thread...your profile says you have a 2008 truck. Wrong forum...but if you did come here to post your concerns, the 2011 truck has a completely different regeneration design and strategy...evidently Ford was listening

Regards

 

No doubt at least someone is looking at the details.

I Traded my 08 for a 011 last month and for economic reasons obviously.
13.5 to 22 mpg.

My current findings are as posted. The XL XLT models without the Dash CPU will not let you force a regen and does not give you any advanced warning what-so-ever. Additionally you can't tell when the cycle has been completed other than from the seat of your pants. It would be nice if I were able to force a regen when it was convenient even if the window was rather small.

So if in fact Ford is listening it would be nice if they responded with an update. Undoubtably environmental requirements were met but it certainly cannot be considered a user friendly process.

 

IIRC, forced regenerations are only available on chassis/cab XLT's. You do not say how many mile you have on your new truck. Opinions vary but the overall consensus among 2011 6.7 owners is that the DPF event process is a non-issue.

The DPF system design on the 6.7 is completely different than the 6.4. Most owners report little to no performance drop when the DPF event starts. If I miss the reden notice during it's short lifr on tne info screen, I do not know my truck is regenerating. There is a 10 minute or so mpg hit that can be noticed if you watch the fuel computers instant mpg screen.

One feature of the new design is the elimination of the drive to complete cycle that drove 6.4 owners crazy. DPF event interruption is allowed. The cycle will restart and complete upon the next operation. It has been rumored that there is a "drive until complete" message but I have not seen this message in 26000 miles.

I have never pondered the effect that DPF events have on the fuel economy while towing. You could be right about a larger fuel economy hit but I have not noticed this happening. The 6.7 engine uses passive regeneration to clean the exhaust filter while driving. Towing creates a lot of exhaust heat that cleans the filter without the need for active regenerations. Guys that tow heavy a lot report few dpf events. On a recent 1900 mile trip towing the 13000 pound fiver, I only saw one event notice and I was empty at the time.

JMO and YMMV

Regards

 

I got this message once early last winter. The difference when this message appears is that when the "Cleaning Exhaust Filter" message comes on it stays on until complete. This is the truck telling you it has attempted several times to complete a regen on its own and now needs you to get serious about removing the soot buildup in the DPF.

As Rickatic stated, you just normally don't notice the event. It does not affect power because it does not affect the fuel injected in the compression stroke.