ECU Firmware Update from Ford?

7144 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by AMWill, Sep 7, 2013

Powerbolt09

Discussion Starter · Sep 6, 2013

So, I have a 2007 Mustang 4.0L V6, that has an FRPP CAI with a tune from Bama Tuning... It's been having some trouble over the summer with the AC/Heat fan going out. I had put a new relay in thinking this would fix my problem, and so it did -- for awhile.

It had went out again quite some time later, about the time I was heading back to school. So I took it into a shop as I wouldn't have time to look at it. They got into it, and decided it was the BCM (Body Control Module) that was shorting out. Now, while they were calibrating the BCM to coordinate with my key remotes, they decided to "update" my ECU with a new firmware from Ford addressing a few recall issues? Now, the car, at this point, would start up and chug quite vigorously and throw several lean codes. Understandable as I'm sure this new firmware overwrote my tune, and is now not used to the increased air flow.

So, the shop got back to me tonight, and told me that they contacted the CAI manufacturer (FRPP I'm assuming) about the problem, and they were told it would need an entirely new air intake setup because of this firmware, and that I should send it in and exchange it for a new one.

My question is simply this: I have the Bama tuner SCT SF3/X3 with three tunes relative to the mods currently installed on the car. Can I just re-marry my tuner with the "stock" file on the car, and re-flash my 93 octane tune? I'm hoping I can backup the stock file from the tuner to my HDD, wipe the stock file from the tuner completely, and re-capture the stock from the ECU; allowing me to re-calibrate the engine. As it stands I cannot even flash the ECU which leads me to believe I have some marriage issues between the ECU and the tuner.

Note: This is just the information I've been able to gather from the shop as of this afternoon, so you know as much about it as I do at this point. I don't have the slightest clue as to why they would even touch the ECU as it wasn't having any issues, but they decided to update it anyway. *FACEPALM* I'm just trying to gather some viable information so when I get access to it tomorrow afternoon I can hopefully make it a quick fix.

Thanks for your time!

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TexasBlownV8

· #2 · Sep 6, 2013

First of all, NEVER let Ford update your PCM when it has a custom tune in it!!!! So now that it's too late, what can you do?

Second, don't listen to them idiots about having to get a different cai; they messed up your car as it is now.

As part of the ecu update, there is possibly a different strategy code in the pcm now, and your tune is not compatible, or the x3 thinks it is a totally different car. Your x3 is locked to your previous pcm; you still have the same physical pcm and serial number, so it should allow you to start over, so to speak. First, try to unlock the X3. If your'e able to unlock it, you might then be able to load one of the tunes back into the car. You may need to work with bama to help out as well.

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Immortal

· #3 · Sep 6, 2013

It was the Shops fault to f**k up your ECU, so if you require a new CAI as they say (i think that´s rubbish, what should be different?) they got to pay for it? If so you may have a time without your Stang until it arrives, but if it´s a free Filter and CAI, why not? Maybe contact Bama to get info if they can retune it afterwards?

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Powerbolt09

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 6, 2013

Apparently they had a Ford technician come out this morning and return the ECU to stock. It's now sitting at home waiting for me to come in and fix the tuning. I'm not worried about unlocking the tuner, or anything pertaining to it, but rather if the tune itself will work with the engine to bring back the car. I didn't exactly authorize them to update the ECU, they just did so on a whim, even after I warned them several times about modifying the ECU. What would I know right?

@Immortal : Yes that's what I said about needing a new induction system, too. They ended up knocking about 50% off the bill so that should, in itself, pay for most of what I'll need -- if anything. I'll get in contact with Bama Tuning today and see what they can do. However I can't do much until I see the extent of the damage to the ECU, and what has been changed.

Thanks guys, I'll take your advice into account. I'll be back tonight to let you know how things went, and what the problem was.

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amustangrocks

· #5 · Sep 6, 2013

if you had returned the tuner to stock before they messed with it, you would be ok. you could use a life off it and re download the new stock tune, then upload your new bama tune for that code they put in. but sounds like your tuner is now locked out, and you cant return it to stock so your screwed is what i`m thinking. its $150 and sending it in to sct to get it unlocked, then you can start over.

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Powerbolt09

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 7, 2013

Turns out the tuner that Ford Racing sent with the initial purchase of the CAI worked to tune it back to running condition. Which will allow me to at least use it while I get my other tuner straightened out with SCT. My SCT tuner says it has "5 unlocks left" under device info, but doesn't allow me to activate it at all, so I guess I'll need to contact SCT next week sometime. Bama Tuning has told me they can re-tune it to the new firmware, but I don't think it will be necessary as the other tune runs fine on the updated firmware.

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AMWill

· #7 · Sep 7, 2013

Powerbolt09,

Did you get a chance to contact the Bama Team? Have you tried setting the PCM back to stock with your tuner?

Sorry to hear about all of this to begin with. It's really unfortunate you were just trying to get one thing fixed and picked up a new issue along the way. Situations like this is why I always suggest to notify your Dealership's Service Manager there's a custom tune on the car before they perform any work. It's not a full proof plan, but it typically keeps accidents like this away.

Let me know what the latest update is with the situation and we'll go from there. We'll get this straightened out one way or another!

Shane

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