I've read some forums saying there is a TSB that says a 2000 Ford Ranger can have the computer upgraded with a new firmware to make the truck run better and the update is free? Is this true? How does this work? Do you just go to the Ford dealer and tell him to update your computer and make it snappy? I'd like some ideas on this. My idle is a little off so I'm replacing the EGR valve, plugs and wires this coming weekend. I've got 238k on the truck so I can justify replacing some parts just because it's time but I'd like to know more about how the computer update works (if at all). Thanks!

 

TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) are only "free" when the vehicle is under the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty. If the vehicle is outside of the powertrain warranty, you will pay per hour to have the PCM recalibrated (which is generally about 0.7hr - 1.0hr)

 

I got my computer updated with my tuner from Fred at Rogue Performance

 

My truck is 13 years old with 240k on it so it's WAY outside of the warranty stage. I don't mind paying if it's worth it. Is it worthwhile to spend the $100+ for the update? Thanks for the responses, too!

 

I don't know what changes you'll benefit from, and honestly, I don't even know what they updated

 

I don't, either. I've read where some guys with the 4.0 had better idle because of a change that Ford made and wondered if it was worth looking into for my 3.0. My idle is fine now that I replaced my EGR but I wasn't sure if it was worth having the computer updated.

I'm a computer consultant so updating the firmware on a computer is always a good idea. I wasn't sure if doing the same thing to a truck was a good idea or not. Anything that can get me more mileage and better idle is worth the time and money (as long as it is less than $200).