ok so, as alot of you know, the dealer flashed my comp for the re-gear and tire size, does this change my comp code?

Like ARF2, is it now something else because of this?

 

dunno

but another question, how much did it run for them to re-flash it for you?

 

It's called a module reprogramming and the module that stores tire size and gear ratio information is the GEM (generic electronic module) not the PCM (powertrain control module) so it has nothing to do with your engine calibration.

I assume ARF2 is your tear tag which is located on the processor next to the PCM part number (as well as on a sticker somewhere in the fender or door jamb usually). The tear tag never changes but the PCM part number does. So your PCM says something like 3S4A-12650-KA (for example). A reflash to the next revision would bring you to 3S4A-12650-KB and then 3S4A-12650-KC and so forth and allows you to always be able to know what calibration belongs in the PCM because part numbers change. The tear tag is the unique identifier for the original configuration for the PCM. They are supposed to put new stickers for the PCM part number on your processor reflecting the new revision after the reprogramming.

Questions?

By the way, the Ranger GEM is limited to maximum gear ratios of 4.12 and a maximum tire size of 670 RPM which equates to roughly a 31 inch tire. Anything past that is outside of the federal certification range and is not supported.

 

that is why we have you here, dave

 

well, i get what ur saying, but my question really is, i ordered a apten flasher, to the ARF2 code.. what your saying means it has no problem with that because, the code didnt change, but the program for the gear and tire change did, which has nothing to do with my PCM code...

And Scott, it was about 50 bucks...

 

ARF2 is just a tear tag, a label to identify a processor type. Your "flasher" definitely changes the PCM part number and the strategy within the PCM. If you went to the dealer to have them mess with tire size axle ratio, they did nothing with your PCM.

My question to you is, how do you know the dealer did what they were supposed to? What axle and tire size did you come from and what did you go to?

 

i went from 3.55's to 4.10's

they flashed for my tires 275/60/17

before i would hit

48-1st
70-2nd
90-3rd

now its

42-1st
60-2nd
85-3rd

so i know it changed, but not sure for the right reason...And my speedo is back in order...

 

stock tires, to a 30" tire

 

Just wanted to make sure you didn't get ripped off. Your changes are possible in the module, I mean the values are valid.

I can't guarantee they didn't reflash your PCM though, I mean it's all on the same menu there. As a routine I check to make sure there are no later calibrations available and if they were to do that they might have reflashed your PCM. But if they were lazy, they probably didn't.

 

:(

 

But even if the PCM was reflashed it would only be an update of the current "software" correct? So...when he goes to reflash it with the Apten it will work correctly. But, every time it goes to the dealer and gets reflashed it will need to be redone with the Apten... if that makes sense.

 

my dealer "supposedly" fixed my speedo. it is off 10% with stock tires!

i went and drove it around after he had it for 2 days.. and it was off 5%...

i know because my gps is accurate...

 

There is no way to know what is in your PCM without the WDS. When it ID's the vehicle is creates a log with the module part number and you can see the PCM strategy. If it were me I would redo it just to be sure unless you know the dealer and know they didn't do anything to your PCM. But yes, if they reflashed it, the PCM would basically be what it was before you used the Apten. Sometimes the changes are so subtle you would never even notice, or they may be things that would never apply to you, like a drivability problem when it is 10 below zero and you live in california.

A speedo will never be as accurate as a GPS, unless it is one.

I am going home to "flash" an '02 F-150 now. See you tomorrow.

 

Thanks for your help Dave

 

The '02 F-150 I looked at yesterday had a PCM update to resolve a driveability concern that came about when the ambient temperature was over 100 degrees. Even though it will never get that hot here, I reprogrammed it anyway. Updates aren't always useful to you.

That got me thinking. Does Apten update their software when Ford does? I imagine they take the Ford software and change a few things, instead of rewriting everything. You purchased the software and now you have it, do you get free updates? Suppose Ford updates the software due to the discovery of a new issue, there would be no way for you to use your Apten device anymore without ignoring that Ford update. In that case you could not take advantage of the Ford update, which would be free, unless you chose to stop using the Apten.

I'm not saying anything would happen where you would have this problem but for me it's nice to not worry about it. Ford is going to give you better PCM software support than any aftermarket company, and it's warrantable. Just my opinion.

 

The SCT software, used by myself and Apten, tunes on all 4 banks of the computer system programming. Now from what I gain from this from SCT they say as long as you have the base calibration, your 4 digit code, then it will work.

Now, from what I've gained is since I've created flashers for two 99' model trucks that had been reflashed the updated computer wouldn't recognize the PATS code, I don't know why because PATS isn't even in the PCM in 99. I had to go back and disable the PATS function until I figured out the new calibration code.

So??? Its kinda up in the air, but I think Leo has already gotten his flasher and used it once so if it worked for him the first time then its all a go from there.

And tire size and gear ratio changes after 01' are in the PCM, before then they are in the GEM module.

Later Doug904.

 

Doug flasher had been sent

 

You did try it out before you sent it right? I think you said you did I just wasn't sure.

Doug.

 

Ya i did.....