PCM reflashed, now neither programmer works. HELP!
#1
PCM reflashed, now neither programmer works. HELP!
I have 2 different programers...the Diablosport Predator and the SCT. After a month and $1200 of waste, I have almost determined my computer needed to fresh start. The history and wanted outcome...
Truck was originally programmed with the Diablo, when I purchased truck from Cali. I had a local performance shop here tune it for me in Little Rock, Ark. Well they first told me the Diablo had been 'maxed out' and needed further tuning. So they removed the program and used a program called 'HP Tuners' to customize my PCM (not a fan of). Well, tuning after tuning, after tuning, the shop did not finish the job. I had the truck towed back to my house after finding out the business was going under.
Today, I had the local Ford dealership flash my PCM because I couldn't properly program my truck due to the PCM being modified. Now that I had that done, both programers are not allowing to do anything. The Diablo says 'this vehicle is not in our database' and the SCT says 'wrong vehicle'. I have the cables to download a custom tune from my computer to either programmer but it does me no good.
The diablo actually has a custom tune for my truck...just can't access it.
I'm running my truck with a stock PCM...anyone try to drive a highly modified vehicle on a stock PCM? haha Not fun, scary, and dangerous.
Do I have to wait till Monday and call Diablo in the hope they can help me out? Please someone HELP!?!
Truck was originally programmed with the Diablo, when I purchased truck from Cali. I had a local performance shop here tune it for me in Little Rock, Ark. Well they first told me the Diablo had been 'maxed out' and needed further tuning. So they removed the program and used a program called 'HP Tuners' to customize my PCM (not a fan of). Well, tuning after tuning, after tuning, the shop did not finish the job. I had the truck towed back to my house after finding out the business was going under.
Today, I had the local Ford dealership flash my PCM because I couldn't properly program my truck due to the PCM being modified. Now that I had that done, both programers are not allowing to do anything. The Diablo says 'this vehicle is not in our database' and the SCT says 'wrong vehicle'. I have the cables to download a custom tune from my computer to either programmer but it does me no good.
The diablo actually has a custom tune for my truck...just can't access it.
I'm running my truck with a stock PCM...anyone try to drive a highly modified vehicle on a stock PCM? haha Not fun, scary, and dangerous.
Do I have to wait till Monday and call Diablo in the hope they can help me out? Please someone HELP!?!
#2
Well if your diablo custom tune was written off the original calibration of the pcm and then the dealer reflashed the pcm with an upgraded calibration.....then that custom tune wont work on the diablo......this will also be the reason the sct xcal3 wont work either if that one has custom tunes also.....
Hopefully before the reflash the truck was returned to the stock calibration.....
Now if your sct programmer is a sf3 then the canned tunes should work but the programmer may also need an update....
Hopefully before the reflash the truck was returned to the stock calibration.....
Now if your sct programmer is a sf3 then the canned tunes should work but the programmer may also need an update....
#6
and anyone with a modified vehicle should know it, as it's common sense...
not to mention the research required prior to taking a modified vehicle in for a "tune"
#7
MK, I am by absolutely no means a pro in this field, but what I have learned is that (at least with my stc x3) if you do not return the truck to stock with the SCT X3 before taking the truck to the dealer, and have them to flash it for you, the programmer becomes a paper weight. Yes it is locked to your truck, but it is locked as it was. The program that was in it is no longer recognized. I believe that your only fix now is to find your proof of purchase, and send it, along with the handheld programmer, (and a pocketfull of cash) back to the manufacturer to get them to fix the unit and "unlock" it again for you. I have gotten it drilled into my head to use the handheld and return the truck to stock before taking the truck in for any service work, of any kind. Better safe than sorry.
Last edited by canadianelbow; 08-02-2011 at 10:46 AM. Reason: spelling
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#8
The truck was returned to stock, but there is a custom tune on the diablo for this truck. The actual PCM was modified from the previous shop. I can't used a programer on a modified PCM, therefor inhad to flashed to return back to stock so i could then load the time on the truck. But now it doesn't recognize the truck.
#9
It doesn't sound as if you understand what has happened. Every stock tune from Ford has stratagy code name called the HEX code(a series of letters and numbers). Your custom tune was written for the HEX code that was in your truck at the time. When they reflashed your PCM, they installed a tune with a new HEX code. Your custom tune HEX does not match, so your unit does not respond. It can't. You are going to have to start all over with a custom tune for the HEX code that is now in the PCM.
That's why those of us with custom tunes take a lot of precaution to keep the dealer from reflashing the PCM.
That's why those of us with custom tunes take a lot of precaution to keep the dealer from reflashing the PCM.
__________________
Jim
Jim
#10
The truck was returned to stock, but there is a custom tune on the diablo for this truck. The actual PCM was modified from the previous shop. I can't used a programer on a modified PCM, therefor inhad to flashed to return back to stock so i could then load the time on the truck. But now it doesn't recognize the truck.
since I have no idea how we can break it down any simpler for you I'm not sure how we can help you learn what we are trying to tell you
I feel really really really bad for your poor truck
#11
BlueJay, if you could educate me a little here, it would sure be nice. I have an SCT X3 with custom tunes for my 2010 5.4 ..... I always return to stock before taking the truck to the dealer for any and all warranty or service work. Would the dealer, in their normal business of doing any regular maintenance, or even software updates, ever change my HEX code? Coming out and telling them... "I have a programmer with custom tunes" is not on my list of things I want to disclose to them, while my truck is still under warranty.
What reason would they need, to ultimately change a HEX code?
What reason would they need, to ultimately change a HEX code?
Last edited by canadianelbow; 08-02-2011 at 10:46 AM. Reason: spelling
#12
BlueJay, if you could educate me a little here, it would sure be nice. I have an STC X3 with custom tunes for my 2010 5.4 ..... I always return to stock before taking the truck to the dealer for any and all warranty or service work. Would the dealer, in their normal business of doing any regular maintenance, or even software updates, ever change my HEX code? Coming out and telling them... "I have a programmer with custom tunes" is not on my list of things I want to disclose to them, while my truck is still under warranty.
What reason would they need, to ultimately change a HEX code?
What reason would they need, to ultimately change a HEX code?
anytime the dealer updates the ECM (aka "stock tune") the HEX code will more than likely change...
#13
#14
When I ordered my tuner, I was asked for the PCM code off the sticker on the firewall. I had read some info on HEX codes, but didn't (and honestly still don't) understand what exactly a hex code or pcm code truly is. When I asked them about if they needed a hex code the response I got from them was "hex code turns into PCM code.. PCM code is all we need"
By changing a HEX code, does it automatically change the PCM code? It seems like the more I learn, the more I get confused....
Last edited by canadianelbow; 08-02-2011 at 10:47 AM. Reason: spelling
#15
So theoretically, almost any time I take my truck in to the dealer, there is a serious risk of them turning my STC X3 into a paperweight, and in need of paying for new custom tunes? That's a serious kick in the go-nads. With a truck still under warranty, any recomendations to try and help to ensure this doesn't happen?
When I ordered my tuner, I was asked for the PCM code off the sticker on the firewall. I had read some info on HEX codes, but didn't (and honestly still don't) understand what exactly a hex code or pcm code truly is. When I asked them about if they needed a hex code the response I got from them was "hex code turns into PCM code.. PCM code is all we need"
By changing a HEX code, does it automatically change the PCM code? It seems like the more I learn, the more I get confused....
When I ordered my tuner, I was asked for the PCM code off the sticker on the firewall. I had read some info on HEX codes, but didn't (and honestly still don't) understand what exactly a hex code or pcm code truly is. When I asked them about if they needed a hex code the response I got from them was "hex code turns into PCM code.. PCM code is all we need"
By changing a HEX code, does it automatically change the PCM code? It seems like the more I learn, the more I get confused....
you are confusing yourself for NO reason
the HEX code is the ECM strategy code..
simply tell the dealer NO FLASH or ECM updates...