I took my '04 4x4 supercrew in for a quick computer update last week to fix the temperature display. My build date was 7/03 and it had the original software revision. The truck has just over 2k miles. Ford updated the program to the latest release.

Since last week, the difference is amazing. Shift patterns have changed completely (the truck downshifts much more readily than before) and throttle response is where it should be. I can easily lay 10'+ dual black marks from a dead stop on clean asphault just by stomping the throttle (this is with the 3.55 LS rear end, not the 3.73, 18" lariat rims, and BFG tires). The only drawback is the truck is a bit slower to shift into overdrive, which will have a negative impact on fuel mileage.

I wish I knew which software rev the dealer had installed, Ford got it right this time!

Grim

Edit: The only modifications on the truck are the floor mats, window tint, and dual flowmaster 40'series mufflers. The engine is the 5.4L.

 

7AM the Sleek Silver Beauty goes in for the same thing...
I'll let ya know

 

Grim/Gatr:
I have been talking with my service guy about the same thing, and am taking it in on Friday. He said he has not even seen an F150 in for anything but Oil changes. Is there is any other information that you have about the hesitation/fix that you can share? I think I read somewhere in this forum about the sticker on the computer having the revision number or something. If you have time, could you please note the version?
Thanks in advance.
dave

 

Grim,
Sounds great. Keep us posted on that gas mileage.

 

Hmmmm...build date Mar 10, '04...I'm not able to lay any black marks on blacktop with my 5.4L SuperCab. Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. I've been a little afraid of tearing it up You guys that are burning out...you're not power-braking it first are you? Just mash the pedal and let 'er rip?

 

They didn't update my sticker, it still says the original (BME6).

Grim

 

Grim...I think you can look on the computer module under the hood (back left corner if you are facing it) and it should have a 4 digit code on it, three letters and a number, that is the version you have installed from what I know. My truck was built 2/04 and does have a little of the hesitation talked about. When it kicks in I can spin the tires but it takes about a second to go once I hit the gas. I plan on having the dealer update mine when I go in for the first oil change, assume most things should be resolved by then and judge it from there.

 

It is more of a "stomp" than a "mash" buy yeah, that's all I did. Instant takeoff (and this thing was a complete dog when it was new).

Grim

 

My '04 built 10/03 with the BME9 chip and 3.55 rear has a slight delay/play in the pedal, but lays rubber with slightly larger tires (265/70/17)...engine MUCH stronger at 6000 miles than new.

 

A month back I talked to my dealers service manager about getting the latest "revision".

He said "Revision to cure what?"

I said "Any maladies that Ford has reprogrammed".

He said "This isn't Microsoft Windows. Ford has patches to cure specific problems, not one latest version."

Now, I didn't want to argue with him but in my mind they would have the latest revision which include ALL fixes to date, not?

Anybody know for sure what the real story is?

 

Grimalkin


Did you mean slightly smaller tires? P275/65/18 are wider than 265's.

 

dgdee...the OEM tires on my XLT were 255 Generals...they were mushy and not the aggressive tread I have with the new square-shouldered XTXs.

 

I'm on the stock BF Goodrich 275/65 18 Rugged Trail T/A tires. I might need to just find a nice secluded area and try it out. I notice the truck really has come alive after the 2,000 miles I've driven. When you stomp it to pass or just accelerate for the heck of it, it really takes off when the engine gets reving. I've just been a little afraid to stomp it from a stop. I'll have to get to that soon...at least once. I know next winter will be fun when it snows The LS rear end and 4x4 will be too much fun.

 

I have the BME9 code, but have not yet tried to see if it would spin the tires. It did have the slow throttle response/hesitation I don't know if it still does or not. I have gotten used to it. I'm going to mash it to the floor tomorrow and see what she does! I've been assuming that it wouldn't spin the tires.

 

You posted while I posted....

BME6 was the original code. They didn't update the code when they did the reflash.

So many people are complaining about throttle lag that I thought it might have been a fluke that I spun the tires. On the way home from work I drive on a strip of asphalt less than one year old, perfectly flat and straight, dirt and gravel free, about 2 miles long, and with a stop sign right in the middle. Pulled up to the sign, came to a dead stop, and stomped the gas. Both tires instantly spun and left one helluva double black mark. Throttle response had no delay. The only time I have significant lag after the reflash is when I punch it around 30-40 MPH, it doesn't want to downshift.

This improves my opinion of the truck immensely. I was very disappointed in the performance before, now I am satisfied.
(Edit: If I could only get 15 MPG now, that is).

Grim