ogieogilthorpe,


Just let me know. reality1@mindspring.com

All Star Testers are not equal. My Dealer knows not to use the one that will reflash the computer. If your computer was reflashed try starting with chip out.

You will know before start attempt, if theft light extinguishes it will start.
Jim

 

I'm confused.

Basically all this talk about PATS has me boggled.

Why is my dealer telling me it's gonna be $850 when I can get a CUX2 for $200 and have a locksmith do a PATS on it for $40. How does this work?

Why is my computer(00) cux2 so different from a 99 computer? What does reflashing do?

 

"PATS" stands for "Passive Anti Theft System". It is a system that detects a pre-coded chip in your keys upon every statup. With out the correct code the truck will not start. When you get a new key or computer the system must be reset. A "re-flash" is when a new set of operating parameters are downloaded and saved into your computer.

 

Man, take a deep breath and calm down. You sound so over excited. Geezzz. PATS is the system that won't let your truck start without the original key, or a key programmed to your ignition. Yes, it's a security device. And ask your DEALER for a breakdown of the charges...they're the only ones who can tell you why it's going to cost so much.

 

I was wondering when someone was gonna say that

ogieogilthorpe,

I'm real sorry about your trouble, but cardinal rule number one Dude is to De-Mod it BEFORE going to Ford, at least de-chip it.
Whats that take, less than 60 seconds. I feel for you Bro, and if I was you I would find out EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE DOING when it fry'd. "If" they were reflashing it, ASK THEM WHY. It's a known fact that they sometimes reflash it and actually make changes to have a problem show less, or partially go away. Unfortunatly they usually do this by taken Performance away. If they were re-flashing your computer, find out why. If they were just running test, then it sounds like Doug just answered you and said he does it all the time with no problem. Sounds to me like another Ford ****-Up, they won't own up to.

There has now got to be hundreds of these nightmare post on this Forum. Someone brings their L in for something simple, and ends up with a major NON-RELATED problem.
Mine never has been, and Never Will Be, in a Ford Dealership for Re-Pair Work. Anywhere else you go to get your car fixed,
IT'S ACTUALLY GRRNTY'D and THEIR RESPONSIBLE for your car while they have it. JDM's good enough to buy Don new slicks cause they got stolen while he had it. Yet if your L gets stolen, broken into, or smashed while Ford has it, IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. What the *** is that about ???

I understand we have wrrnty's and deserve to be able to bring it in for service with piece of mind. But right now, with Ford, that clearly aint happening at some of their Dealerships.

 

Well I'm taking all this info with me today when I meet with the regional service manager.

I still am wondering why they're even touching my computer of an exhaust rattle and power steering noise.

And they call me after the PCM is blown instead of before like I requested(even says on the work ticket).

I will go to the GM next...then ownership group...then states attorney general.

Guys I brought in with a chip because the mechanic that blew the PCM has a Lightning too and he was cool about the chip the first time I brought it in back in august and said he'd take care of me.

 

If you can find out, post here what they did to your truck, work wise. I can tell you from expierence, computers are hard to kill. Someone posted about the theft light, ask them if its a crank-no start, or no crank no start, and what the theft light does. The light should come when you turn the key, but then it shuts off, which indicates that the key is accepted. Also, do you have a remote start or alarm? Sorry to hear of your problems, I just purchased a 03 Screw, althou I will not take my truck to the dealer for service. Im an ASE Certified Master Tech, and am the lead tech at an independent shop. Dealers pay there techs crap, so all the good techs have either went independent, or went to work elsewhere. If they wont tell you, I would ask for your keys, and go out to your truck and check for yourself. If it still is a problem, and your left with having to pay for it to be fixed, take it somewhere else. I remember a joke about on of our local dealerships (chevy one)... They drive them into the bays, and push them out. If you drove your truck to them, and now it does not run.. Sounds clear to me, its there fault. If anything goes wrong at our shop, it gets fixed. Pride aside, if you screw it up, you fix it. Like I said before, those computers are extremely hard to fry. One quick statistic for you. 95% off all computers sent back as cores, test good. When a tech cant find or fix the problem, they always blame the PCM. Hooking up any scan tool to your computer will not hurt it, chipped or not. I have scanned (with a snap-on MT-2500) chipped vehicles. And yes, that stupid memory code comes up, but doesnt affect anything. Please post what you have found out, and I will give you any advice that I can.

 

Haku,

Good to have you aboard and your knowledge as a mechanic should be of great value also. Word to the wise. I wouldn't make generalizations about Ford mechanics, as there are a few members here that are Ford mechanics and have been very helpful to all. Just like in any profession, there are good and bad ones. Bad mechanics aren't just exclusive to the dealerships.

 

Yes, your correct. I apoligize to those who I have offended. I of course am reffering to my town.

 

Thansk for all your insight and help guy....just wanted to let you know that.........

I'm getting a new PCM today courtesy of the dealer.



The regional service manager was very helpfula and nice. I was polite and didn't blow my top.

He says he doesn't understand why Ford motorsport makes aftermarket parts and then you put them on your car and they void the warranty. Also said he has Harleys and loves to mod. Says it's tough NOT to mod when you get a trcuk like a lightning.

He said" well the ticket says call customer before work start so I guess i have to eat the charges, you will have a new PCM and original defects checked tommorow. Supr cool guy. REstored my faith in the dealer...kinda.

Now I'm kinda afraid they might f8ck with my truck though.

We'll see. Now I can start looking for an o2 or 03

 

What no one wants to celebrate with me?

 

 

why sure

 

Sweet all around