computer upgrade

[Treken]

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.

Glad it made a difference for you. It made a slight difference to my car as well. It was well worth the money.

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

I would think about trying another Ford dealer to get the update if you have an 02. Most Ford dealers do the update, from what I read and understand. It should make a difference, if anything, a piece of mind that you have the update.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: computer upgrade

David,
I am sure there is more than one Ford dealer in Houston. Hopefully you can switch your needs to a dealership that will provide you the service you request.

[luvbirdz]

Re: computer upgrade

I was at the Ford/Lincoln dealer for the third time yesterday to get a spare key. First time, cut from the wrong blank, wouldn't turn in the ignition, second turned but would not program, finally got one that worked.
(Ok, then it was my fault for stopping in while driving past the dealer in one of my other cars the first two times thinking this should be easy)

So I was not suprised when I went to Service and asked about a computer U/G for the 02 TBird. They did not have a clue what I was talking about. Did some searching, checked some TSB's, and said no, can't help.
My question now is what TSB , procedure or info can I give them about this U/G to point them in the right direction.

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

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

David,

What is the "catchword" posted on your car? You may not need the update if your car was produced late in the model year run; I didn't. Motorcraft.com has an Excel spreadsheet where the dealer matches the "catchword" on your car and if it's the latest one, you don't need an update.

Mike

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

My question now is what TSB , procedure or info can I give them about this U/G to point them in the right direction.

Go to Motorcraft.com (or tell them to) and check the Excel spreadsheet that tells you whether your car needs it or not. Ford put a "catchword" stuck on a label in the engine compartment of every car. It's a four letter code that you match against the spreadsheet for your model year. That way, you find out if you need the update and what to update to. My car didn't need the update.

[luvbirdz]

Re: computer upgrade

Thanks, will check into it and see what I can find.

[Fordguy]

Re: computer upgrade

A little help here. Where on Motorcraft.com is this Excel spreadsheet? I am having trouble locating it.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: computer upgrade

A little help here. Where on Motorcraft.com is this Excel spreadsheet? I am having trouble locating it.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...libration_menu

[5bird7]

Re: computer upgrade

Just tried that link, John and my computer got an error code.


but I went to www.motorcraftservice.com
scrolled thru their list of links on the left side
clicked on the "reprogramming and initialization" link
on next page clicked on "latest calibration information"

at bottom of next page is the link to download the excel file.
I downloaded with a "right" click and "save target as"

One does not need a subscription to go thru this process.
The file contains all Ford models but they are in alphbetical order.

I noted that there appears to be several different PCM modules for the 02s, some have had several updates, some have had zero.
Bottom line is your dealer has those same codes and if your code matches the ones with "zero" updates, then your PCM module doesn't have any updates available.

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

Just tried that link, John and my computer got an error code.


but I went to www.motorcraftservice.com
scrolled thru their list of links on the left side
clicked on the "reprogramming and initialization" link
on next page clicked on "latest calibration information"

at bottom of next page is the link to download the excel file.
I downloaded with a "right" click and "save target as"

Dot (and everyone),

Sorry I had Motorcraft's URL wrong but I'm glad you figured it out.

Mike

[Fordguy]

Re: computer upgrade

Ha! I found it! Thanks all for the assistance.

[luvbirdz]

Re: computer upgrade

These are the only two labels I can find, one on the front edge of the hood and one near the rad. What code am I supposed to be looking for?

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

These are the only two labels I can find, one on the front edge of the hood and one near the rad. What code am I supposed to be looking for?

I had to take the front "fascia" piece of plastic off and it was under there. It's the long piece of plastic in the front (by the hood latch) that has several removeable plastic pins that you take out and then remove the piece of plastic. The label was right under there. The piece of plastic spans from one headlight to the other. Dot may know the actual name of this piece. Its a white label with black lettering (4 letters).

[luvbirdz]

Re: computer upgrade

Getting dark now, will take it apart tomorrow and see what I can find.
I just occured to me I should have told the service guy that it was the same engine as the LS .LOL

[5bird7]

Re: computer upgrade

Can't help on that one. Years ago when quickdraw and I did a label game, I don't recall spotting that label and it's not in my label folder. I won't be digging into the engine compartment until next week.