Hi guys, new to the board and have no experience at all with programs and tunes. I've got an '04 FX4 Screw with the dreaded throttle lag. I bought the truck used and have been to my local dealer asking about a reflash which they refuse to do unless I pay about $125 and then from searching on here, not sure if that will really work. I don't mind paying the money if I know that it will work.

Looks like many people with tunes have been able to remove it and add better performance to their truck. I really can't afford to pay $500 for a programmer right now but am curious if there is anyone near me with one that can help me out for a small fee. Not sure if tunes are vehicle specific or can be used on multiple trucks. I live in Christiansburg, VA (24073) so if there is anyone nearby that could help I would appreciate it.

I'm too the point that this lag is making me really consider trading vehicles.

 

First how many miles are on the truck & I assume you have the 5.4l engine. I would save my money & not even mess with the dealer and buy a programmer such as an xcal3 or a gryphon. Go with whoever you choose for tunes but do get custom tunes. I never had a tuner/programmer before & I couldn't believe how well the truck responded with custom tunes.

 

I paid about 350 for my Edge programmer. Worth every penny. Night and day difference.

 

Truck does have the 5.4, has 60k miles. I've read about the mechanical modifications that can be made to pedal assembly but was am a little hesitant to mess with the little brishes. Looks like the '06 and newer trucks do not have the throttle delay issue, which makes me wonder if those pedal assemblies will work with the 2004 truck? I guess the only questions would be if the electrical connector would mate up properly.

 

Get a tuner!
They are the answer all to these newer trucks!!!

 

i have a hypertech max energy for 225 shipped in the classifieds that should help... comes with everything as if it were new

 

sorry just wanted to add, that you should do your research!
call-
PHP: 678-963-9913
VMP: 321-206-9369
Troyer: 540-965-7126
those are the three big names in custom tuning. they go beyond offering a standard tuner, they custimize the tuner to vehicle specifics.

Ask each of them what will suit your needs, what does each tuner offer, what benefits can you expect from each tuner, but make sure and talk to all of them before you decide!
I mean, anyone can say theirs is the best but it boils down to what you want, and what they offer you. Thats my unbiased opinion.
good luck my friend, and no matter who you choose you should be pleased with the results.

 

You are about an 1 1/2 hours away from Troyer.

 

If you want your dealer to perform the work, simply speak to a service manager and point out the TSB. Let them know that you feel unsafe operating the truck due to the lag and explain if you are involved in an accident you will certainly be holding them personally responsible. If they refuse, call Ford and explain.

I had it done at a dealership and they had no problem with it. I could notice the difference and thought it was a big improvement.

This was the TSB on the throttle lag when downshifting... I think from 3rd to 2nd. Perhaps this is different then what you are mentioning.

 

With all due respect the throttle lag TSB won't come close in comparison to the tuners responsiveness in throttle, and shifting, but then again the TSB is free, where the tuners run about $500-600.
I too had issues with throttle lag and had the TSB performed on my truck, but once I added a tuner it was a night and day difference.
I have an intake and exhaust and nothing gives me chicken skin(goose bumps) more than when I added my tuner.