computer upgrade

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

Here are a few pictures:

image 1 is the picture from the front of car (engine). Plastic shroud (fascia) in front.

image 2 is plastic removeable retainer unscrewed.

image 3 is with retainers out.

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

A few more:

image 4 is plastic fascia piece removed.

image 5 is catchword label [HDE3] visible right in front of windshield washer fill (left side of engine when viewed from the front).

image 6 is plastic shroud (fascia piece) on the floor.

[luvbirdz]

Re: computer upgrade

Thanks Mike, nice to know what I should be looking for.
Once again, where would Ford Service people be without TBN to educate them!

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

Thanks Mike, nice to know what I should be looking for.

You're welcome. It took me a long time to locate the label when I was looking for it prior to bringing it in for service. I wanted to be sure I really needed the computer upgrade (which I didn't!).

[Fordguy]

Re: computer upgrade

OK, I pulled off the cover and found the "CATCH" code for my 2002 on the right side of the vehicle (left, if facing the engine compartment) on the radiator support. It was HDE2 which is listed on the Excel spreadsheet. Does this mean that no upgrade is necessary?

[luvbirdz]

Re: computer upgrade

Well I found where the sticker USED TO BE, just a little outline on the rad support.
Any other suggestions or should I just be happy that shifting OK and goes as fast as I need.

[MikeB]

Re: computer upgrade

OK, I pulled off the cover and found the "CATCH" code for my 2002 on the right side of the vehicle (left, if facing the engine compartment) on the radiator support. It was HDE2 which is listed on the Excel spreadsheet. Does this mean that no upgrade is necessary?

I think you look and find out what the latest code is. There are directions about accessing the spreadsheet and also I think if you have an older code, it points you to the newer one. I'm looking at the spreadsheet and HDE3 is the latest one and yours is one generation behind it. I think they would download 2U7A-FTA for the program but I'm getting out of my element here so that you'd have to ask Ford about that.

Anyway, the directions say the latest "catchword" has the latest program (and that is HDE3 for the 2002 Thunderbirds). Quickdraw found out for me years ago when mine was manufactured and it was late September 2002 so it was at the end of the model year run (they extended the model run in 2002 I believe).

This is my understanding of the process and how you would know but somebody else on the site may have better or more accurate information. I would want to know if I have interpreted this incorrectly.

[SugarDaddy]

Re: computer upgrade

Well I found where the sticker USED TO BE, just a little outline on the rad support.
Any other suggestions or should I just be happy that shifting OK and goes as fast as I need.

Well, I'm in the same boat as you. Pulled the fascia off and I can see where the sticker used to be. Just an outline of the sticker was left on top of the radiator support.

Now what? Is there any other place I can look for the catchword, or am I out of luck on this? Our T-Bird was one of the first batch of the '02's.

[Dallasblackbird]

Re: computer upgrade

Thanks for this info. I was in for an oil change and had the dealer check the code. Sure enough I didn't have the upgrade. The car shifts much better now. Noticeable immediately.
Thanks, this eliminates the only disappointment I've had in the car.

[bbranagh]

Re: computer upgrade

i am looking for my code and find that the sticker is gone. any suggestions as to other places to look?

[5bird7]

Re: computer upgrade

is it possible that ones computer has had the latest upgrade if that sticker appears to have been pulled?