How would I go about finding out if my computer code has been changed?? My motor was replaced because of piston slap, and I was just wondering if there was some way I could find out before I order a Superchip. There are no updated code stickers anywhere, and the original code sticker is still ont the back of the computer and the door jam. My truck is still under warranty, just wondering if the dealership would get suspicious if I asked them to scan my comp. to see what my could is. Any sugg. would be great.Sorry for the length!!

 

Hi Rock...

Good question...

Its been said that if the "PCM" has been reprogrammed..suppose to have sticker showing new code...

Now, you dont see any new sticker(code)...just old code....

Im guessing...unless you got great dealer or go in for someother warranty issue...aint gonna get a free scan...

So....call whoever installed the motor..just ask them if the pcm was reprogammed with the new engine install, cause you dont see any new code stickers...just a simple question....if you dont get a good answer....although you should....then-

Call Mike T. at PP. I think he maybe able to help with finding code.

Good luck....OT

 

Thanks OT,
I am going to have to go in for a rough idle, so maybe I can find out then. Thanks alot

 

Hi therock,

Sure, that's easy! It is not normal to reflash the ECU for an engine change, that happens rarely. You do see that happen more with automatic transmission replacements, but usually not with engine replacements.

If they did reflash the ECU, as OT mentioned in his response, they are required by federal emissions laws to place what's called a "Notice of Modification" sticker in a prominent location under the hood, so any future technician/inspector will see it. Those stickers are white in color, about 2 inches high and 3-4 inches wide, they will write in by hand the new calibration code, and that is the info we need if it has been reflashed, along with the vehicle's original computer code.

In the event that the ECU was reflashed and the sticker was not placed (and that happens about half the time!), then this would also be recorded in your service papwerwork, somewhere on one of the lines it would say something about reflash or reprogram PCM, or they might use the term ECU instead of PCM, it all means the same thing, the powertrain computer.

And last, there will be a record of that in Ford's OASIS computer system, that a reflash was done. That record may or may not contain the calibration code, but the bottom line is, they are required to make that information available. The OASIS system usually has anywhere from the last 6 to 18 months of your service history, and can be retrieved by any Ford dealership in the country.

Just go over your copy of the service paperwork, looking for a line item that says something about reprogramming the PCM, or the ECU, etc. As long as you don't find that, then you can generally assume that your ECU has not been reflashed, as that is normally not done with an engine replacement.

Worst case scenario, you can always have your ECU scanned at a dealership to have them tell you what it's current calibration code actually is, and we can cross-reference that into the catch code (what we call the computer code) for you, should that need arise.

Once you've checked your service paperwork and don't find any reference to reprogramming the ECU, then you can go ahead and place your order for the Superchip, using your vehicle's original computer code. For future reference, should your ECU *ever* be reflashed after you purchase your Superchip, we will reprogram that Superchip to the new matching code at no charge, just a few bucks for return shipping of your Superchip after we reprogram it.

If you'd like to go over any of this, or anything else, please feel free to give us a call.

Merry Christmas!

 

Thanks again Mike. Man you know your stuff. I hope to be contacting you soon!!!!!!! Thanks again OT. And Merry Christmas to all