This is the How-To, Thanks to Drew

This is basically what I do at work, but more on the GM side (since they are a lot easier). Ford put catchword stickers or "tear tags" on their PCMs and either under the hood or in the door jams of the Front Doors. They are usually hard to find, but for my 2000 4.0L SOHC it was right on the computer/connector (passenger firewall).

go here: http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...p?menuIndex1=2 and then click on Quick Guides in the left hand column, and then Latest Calibration Information (read that if you must) but then click on the bottom link on the page that says "Latest Calibration Information in Excel"

Here's a pic of the tag you need:

So lets use that for an example. So the code is JFA8. What you do is bring up your Excel sheet and type CTRL + F (which is FIND). Type in your code: JFA8

What it'll do is take you to the catchword that goes with your vehicle. These catchwords are model specific.

What you see should be your vehicle. In this case it's a 2000 Ford Focus with a Zetec 2.0L

Now what about those part numbers?

Well the part number on the left (98AB-ZJ) is your old one (which is probably in the vehicle - unless you know it's been updated). The one on the right is the new update YU7A-DTA. Now, before you think that's too easy...you're right. What you have to do is try to find that "new part number" in the old part number section. If you find it (which you will), and theres another part number to the right, that means the update has been updated (basically two updates for your vehicle). If it has a hyphen in the New Parthttp://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/# Number section then that last part number you looked at is the newest update. It sounds hard, but it isn't.

So on the Excel line 6950 you see YU7A-DTA in the Old Part Number section. And then in the New Part Number section you see a hyphen. That means YU7A-DTA is the latest update for that vehicle.


What sucks about this system, it doesn't tell you what the update does. GM's website tells you exactly what the update does. Ford will not until you get into the whole reprogramming ordeal. Also what sucks, is that to find EXACTLY what software part number is in your PCM you have to hook up a scanner (I have used a factory NGS for older vehicles, but the new laptop based Ford software IDS will work - I have not had to use it yet). The NGS will work on mostly everything 2005 and back, while the IDS will work on 05-06+ due to it being CAN capible. The NGS can be updated to CAN, but if you are going to get the IDS software then there's no reason.

Hopefully that gives you a little idea of how things are done. Enjoy. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Very nice! You say they do "re-tag" the ecu after a reflash?

 

They should.

The purpose of this is just to see where you are...if you have had an update done once or twice, just make sure they give you the latest catchword...you should be able to call in for that if you are not sure.

 

I support the motorcraft website actually. And if you've noticed we actually offer free technical assistance by calling us! Totally free!

 

Do you guys handle radio issues?

 

I wonder could you just call in with your VIN and find the date of the latest PCM program. Like if you've owned the car for a year, and the latest update is six months old, you could get a reflash (paying for it of course).

Getting the # off the PCM module won't tell you if the thing was ever reflashed...they don't mark the PCM with the new reflash #. Don't think anyway....

 

yeah...well u would have to know where u stand. with no point of reference, it wont work.

 

Nice find! I think BradWhite has a subscription to that site. I bug him when I need some specific specs! [woot]

 

can this be stickied?

 

I was able to get my car re-flashed twice by going to the dealer and saying that I'm getting crappy gas mileage. I gave them an Excel spreadsheet that detailed everything I did to improve the mileage figures so they couldn't pull a fast one by replacing the new air filter or replacing new spark plugs with new spark plugs and charging me an arm and a leg.

 

lol...i can just imagine my dealer's face if i whipped out a spreadsheet. better yet, pulled out a laptop, and started running figures!

 

If you call us up we can look up the vehicle history and that would tell us wether or not you had a pcm reflash at a dealer. Chances are not to many independant shops will have the equipment to reflash a PCM.

 

and who are you, and what is ur phone number?

 

PCM re-flash

Hi there,

My local and very trusted mechanic told me I need to get a PCM update for my 2010 Fusion SE to IDS 62.11 or higher.

I went to the dealer and was told they have to do their own diagnosis (ok, i can live wiht that) but then said with an appointment they need the car for a whole day.

I can repair almost anything on my car but I choose to use a trusted mechanic due to my time.

Is there any way to get the PCM update and re-FLASH this myself? I don't mind paying more than the dealer would charge for a tool or whatever, i just hate going there.

Any help or direction would be welcome.

Steve

 

Went to check this out to see if my car is in need of a re-flash, it looks like the Excel option is no longer available on the page you provided? It can just show you what codes you should have.. which is helpful, but less helpful if I'm not sure that I'm finding the proper code (nothing to verify). Am I missing something?

 

Soooo, what software would I need to use to find what has been done to my ecu??