I have the XCal2 from Troyer Performance and it works very well. My question is about changing between the three custom programs. Do you need to return the truck to the stock tune before switching to another custom tune? I want to make sure I don't somehow overwrite the stock tune that the XCal2 has stored. I've read the instructions several times and I haven't been able to figure out the correct procedures. The instructions could use some simple procedures for the three basic scenarios most people have; 1) Reprogram from Stock to Custom Tune, 2) Return to Stock Tune, and 3)Reprogram from Custom to Custom Tune. The instructions have lots of useful information but are somewhat lacking on the basic instructions of how to reprogram the truck and what messages to expect as the programming is progressing and then when you're done. When I returned the truck to the stock tune last week I think I did it twice (if that's even possible) because there was no clear message on the XCal2 that the process was complete. A simple message at the end of the process that said something like "91 Towing Custom Tune Load Complete" or "Return to Stock Tune Complete" would be nice. I guess I'm just nervous about turning off the truck and unplugging the tuner without some clear message that the process is complete.

Thanks,

 

No indication that the reflash is complete? yikes! What does the procedure documentation state as for knowing when the task is complete?

 

As the tune is loaded you get a % complete readout and when it finishes it says "upload complete, press select to continue" (or something like that) you press select and then it tells you to turn off the ignition and press select. It is then returned to the state it was in when first connected.

You do not need to return to stock between tunes, however I have found when using the Xcal 1 on my Stang, and Xcal 2 on my F150 it is better to dissconect the negitive post on the battey, turn the the key on and to the start position (to drain any remaining power, no need to wait an hour) to refresh the fuel stratogy with each differant tune. You dont have to do this, but it will take longer to relearn. You can reflash as much as you like but the old rule "if it aint broke don't fix it" does apply.

I hope this helps

 

Hi MReynolds,

05SilverFX4's response is right on the money, well said.

The key thing is to make sure that the XCalibrator 2 is *firmly* plugged into the OBD-II port & make sure everything in the vehicle is off, and that nothing (including stereo amps, radios, GPS gear, cell phones, etc.) else that can take any power or process any kind of signal is on in the vehicle any time you are flashing the PCM, as that cna cause anything from incorrect messages & odd behavior to file corruption, etc.

And no, you do not need to return to stock when changing to a different tune, you simply select which program you want to upload and do it.

Last - I also agree that while there is no set limit to how many times you can flash a PCM, it's a good idea not to do it unless necessary - in other words, treat it like the BIOS on your PC's mainboard, and don't' change it unless you need to for a different type of operation. I don't' think it's a good idea to flash the PCM a half-dozen times a week, even though there is no set limit. Just flash it when you actually need to, once the newness of it wears off and you have played with each tune, just pick the program you want to use and leave it in until you actually need to change it is usually the best policy.

Good luck!