computer upgrade

[ewclement]

In some of the threads on TBN, I've read people talk about computer updates. What are they? How often do you get them? How expensive are they. Do they improve performance? Why get them?

Ed

[Treken]

Re: computer upgrade

Hi Ed,
From what I understand, if you just want the Ford computer update, it gives advantages to 2002 and early 2003's. Cost is from free to about $100.00, I payed 50 here in Canada for the update. I did notice a little better shifting in transmission.
As far as preformance computer updates, it will cost you alot more and it is more for the preformance end if you are doing the hourse power thing. You should find alot of threads if you search or maybe someone else will list them here for you.

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

In some of the threads on TBN, I've read people talk about computer updates. What are they? How often do you get them? How expensive are they. Do they improve performance? Why get them?

Ed

Ed,

Not all cars need it. There is a Excel file on the Motorcraft.com web site that has all the "catchword"s for a particular model year run. If you match the catchword on your car with the spreadsheet, it will tell you if there is an update available. My '02 was late enough in the model year run that the catchword (and thus computer program) was the latest one and my car didn't need an update.

Mike

[mamabird]

Re: computer upgrade

ok...I have read most of the "computer update" posts. I took HerRavn in the dealership and they said they had to update the computer and ti wasnt covered under warranty. Ok..I said. I asked if that will change the way it ran and he said it should. He said that after they update it they will drive it and see if it tosses up any more codes. From what I read it sounds like the computer updates corrects the shifting. My Bird shifted just fine, it was the puttering along that I thought tossed up the ck engine light and I was for sure I had the COP problem. Please advise and let me know what to look for after they update computer - I will be here for the next few hours checking your responses. Im in a small town and even drove my car to the bigger town because I heard this dealership was better, but I dont know if they know what they are talking about Much love to all my TBN friends

[bwlewis]

Re: computer upgrade

Jennifer, my '03 had a very definite "clunk" when it was almost stopped as it downshifted, after the update this went away and the shifts on acceleration seem to be smoother. The cost was around $100. Several thousand miles later no changes.

[MEK04]

Re: computer upgrade

Had mine updated today when I went in for oil change and service before leaving for holidays.

Noticed smoother shift as soon as I drove out of the dealership. Cost $23.00 cdn

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: computer upgrade

I have an 04 Merlot and paid $89 for its latest up grade. It made a total change in the car. The transmission is smooth and down shifts smoothly. It also has added a significant increase in "off the line" response and especially high end response. Who cares if it is not under warranty. It is the best spent $89 I ever made. In fact it now leaves Julie's 02 further in the dust.

[Borla Babe]

Re: computer upgrade

I have an 04 Merlot and paid $89 for its latest up grade. It made a total change in the car. The transmission is smooth and down shifts smoothly. It also has added a significant increase in "off the line" response and especially high end response. Who cares if it is not under warranty. It is the best spent $89 I ever made. In fact it now leaves Julie's 02 further in the dust.

LOL....in your dreams! The only thing your Bird does well, is put on one heck of a great fireworks display!

[fossil46]

Re: computer upgrade

if it would fix the way the transmission shifts it would be worth it

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: computer upgrade

With my results it would have been worth it at twice the cost. I am assuming I have the final 2005 upgrade but not certain.

[Ray]

Re: computer upgrade

With my results it would have been worth it at twice the cost.

Same here!

[Welker]

Re: computer upgrade

Ya'll will probably think I am crazy but I think there is something else going on with the "upgrade". Recently I had my tires rotated and new front pads installed. After it was finished the ABS/Traction Control light would not go out....sooooo.....my Ford dealer did a scan and found the right front speed sensor was bad, turned off everything and cleared the computer which resulted in the ABS/Traction Control miraculously healing and, believe it or not, the car runs smoother, shifts better. Nothing wrong with the speed sensor, either. Maybe the car's computer gets gremlins and needs to be hosed out once in a while?

[Ray]

Re: computer upgrade

I had the update done to my tranny right after the TSB came out, and it took care of harsh shifts and surging when trying to stop. The computer update I had done a year ago made my car run much better. Now when I floor it from a dead stop I can actually make the tires chirp, and when I floor it at 60, the seat belts tighten. That never happened before I got this last update.

[Mike2003]

Re: computer upgrade

After reading about the improvements the upgrade made in shifting I decided to have my 03 checked. In the past every once in a while I would here a "clunk" when transmission was down shifting to first gear. I made an appointment with the Ford Dealer. Decribed my shifting symptoms he looked up the problem and told me there was an upgrade available. Thanks to the Thunderbirdnest I already knew this. As it turned out I did need the upgrade. When I got the car back within a driving a block I knew the upgrade made a big difference in shifting. What I once thought was good is now even better. Thanks, to all for their input I would have never thought of getting this done. This is truly a very informative and friendly website.

[dcrichards]

Re: computer upgrade

The Ford dealer here in Houston that I used. Refused to upgrade my 02. Bummer.