I am writing this because of the recent problems that people are having in regards to tuners. Anyone thinking about a tuner needs to know how they work. Almost every problem related to tuners comes from user error, and it usually ends up costing the person a dead vehicle, and a tow to the dealership. If you don't understand how they work, don't buy one until you do. I'll revise the 1st 4 posts with any new info.

Your truck's engine and transmission are controlled by a computer. Your truck's computer has a program within it (called a tune) that controls how fast your engine turns, how much fuel it gets, when to spark, and other parameters. It also controlls when the transmission is supposed to shift, and how hard it shifts, as well as MANY other aspects of your truck.

A tuner is a device that changes the PROGRAM in your truck's computer. It hooks to your computer, saves a copy of the "factory" program, and UPLOADS its own program. So, you vehicle will behave differently based on the NEW program that your tuner gave it. The "factory" program (or "factory tune") is saved on the tuning device, (should you ever want to put it back).

Each tuner is different, but most offer several different programs (tunes) that cause your truck to behave differently. They change various aspects of your truck's computer's programming that yield different results.... Some tunes are for racing, some for towing, some for high octane fuel, etc. If you decide to switch "tunes" you just hook the tuner back up, and tell it to change to a different program (tune).

If you ever decide to put your truck back to factory settings (for whatever reason), you just hook the tuner up, and tell it to "return to stock". It will then UPLOAD the "factory tune" back into the computer, and everything will be as it was when you bought the truck.

If you lose or break the tuner (while the truck is programmed) you WILL LOSE YOUR "FACTORY TUNE"! That means that you WON'T be able to return your truck back to "factory tune"! This is not a big deal, because if you really want it back to "factory tune", you can go to your DEALERSHIP and they will (for a fee) re-program your truck's computer back to the "factory tune"

Now, there are MANY things that can go wrong with tuners, and since your computer controls everything in your truck, your truck (probably) won't run if something goes wrong. Most problems occur during the actual programming (tuning) process. You have to follow the directions precisely while tuning. If you unplug the tuner (or otherwise interrupt it) while it is "tuning" the truck, your truck's computer won't have all the instructions necessary to control the vehicle. So in most instances the truck just won't start. There is also the posibility that the tuner's program (tune) doesn't work with your truck's specific computer. (there are several differences for different trucks) It is also concievable that the "performance tunes" in the tuning device are faulty for whatever reason. Also, the tuning device itself may be faulty, and it might incorrectly program the computer. (All of these can cause a no-start, or other problems) All of the above mentioned problems HAVE OCCURED, and CAN OCCUR! And that is the RISK you have to take. And believe me (I know first hand), it IS A RISK!

Once you understand the basic function of the tuning device, you've done your part in preparing for "problems" that might occur. But there's several precautions you can (AND SHOULD!) take while tuning.... First of all, DO IT DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, if you have a problem, you can call your tuner's manufacturer and ask for help. (most have good tech support). Also, tune the vehicle in the dealership parking lot DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS!!!. So if you have a problem that the tuner's company can't resolve over the phone, you can just get the truck re-programmed back to "factory program" at the dealership. This will save you a tow, and get you back on the road in just a few minutes.

If you understand the above presented material, and follow the basic precautions mentioned in the last paragraph, you will minimize the risk of being stranded to near nothing. Tuners are a good way to increase the performace of your truck if you do it right.

I hope this can be made a stickey, as it doesn't mention or condone any brand of tuner. If anyone that REALLY UNDERSTANDS to the fullest extent their particular brand of tuner wants to elaborate on it's specific functions, please do so. (Mr. Mike, come on in!) I just want people to get the facts on how the different tuners work and how to deal with problems that might arise. I don't want any discussion comparing which is better PLEASE! I composed this in a hurry, and if anybody wants ANYTHING added to this first post, or if I forgot anything, or I got something wrong, or if I hurt somebody's feelings, please PM me and I WILL revise it.

 

I have an Evolution programmer, made by EDGE. My particular programmer works with truck through the years 1997-2003. In 2004 Ford made major revisions in the computers, so a different Evolution is available for the 2004+ trucks. The evolution for the newer trucks has more features, than for the older trucks. Visit Edge's website to find out the particulars.

The function of the Evolution is slightly different from any "normal tuner" The Evolution is 3 devices in 1. It is a standard tuner, as mentioned above. It is also a code reader. It is also a guage monitor.

Most tuners offer several features above the "standard tuning" Some allow you to change your tire size, and therefore correct your speedometer for bigger tires. Most allow you to check your computer for DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes) etc, and the edge is like that too. But the thing that throws people, is that "normal tuners" usually don't stay hooked up to the truck's computer all the time. Once you finish "tuning" your truck, you just take it out. But the Edge is DESIGNED to be MORE than a tuner. You have the option to monitor several different parameters of your truck's function. It gives a digital readout of engine coolant temp, intake temp, mpg, volts, etc... So, the edge comes with a pod to mount it to your dash. It stays hooked to your computer and is in constant communication with it. It does not affect any aspect of your truck's performance, but merely "watches" what the computer is seeing through its various sensors..

This does not mean that the edge HAS to be plugged in all the time. It does not mean that you lose your "tune" when you take it out. If you don't like the guages, you can just tune the truck with the edge, and take it out. It then becomes a "standard tuner".

I'm not going to list all the features of the Evolution. If you want to know them, visit Edge's website, or check out the owner's manual links below.

Edge makes several other tuners besides the evolution,(such as Juice, Attitude, etc.) but you will see it referred to on this site simply as "the edge" cause the Evolution is the most prevelant tuner used here. (some of the PSD guys have the juice, etc..)

I am not trying to sell anyone the edge. I just want everyone to know how it works, how to use it, and why it is different.

EDIT: If you want the edge's pod to match your interior, you can order a can of FACTORY COLOR spray paint from the FORD dealership. It's a little pricey (almost $20) but it's a perfect match and it doesn't go bad. And it's great to have on hand to touch up scratches, and to paint other accessories to match your interior.

Paint code for "dark flint gray" # PM-19M547-2002H (Provided by "NASSTY")

Links to Edge owner's manuals:(Provided by "akheloce")
1997-2003-----http://www.edgeproducts.com/product_...manual-160.pdf
2004-2006-----http://www.edgeproducts.com/product_...manual-161.doc

Color settings to match stock dash:
2004-2007----- 65% RED, 65% GREEN, 3% BLUE (Provided by "Ryan24")
1997-1998----- 0% RED, 100% GREEN, 49% BLUE (Backlight set to lowest setting)

 

As with the edge, the Xcal2 is a device built by SCT that is a little bit different than a "standard tuner". It interfaces and works like a "standard tuner", but it allows for a variable program to be used. Put it simply, an Xcal owner can "write" his/her own tune if they have the software to do it. So, a common practice is for individuals to charge a fee to write a specific program for you. An example of this kind of service is "Troyer Performance". They use the Xcal 2 as their means for getting their "custom tune" into your truck.

I'm not going to go over the specifics of a "custom tune" and it's advantages/ disadvantages. But that is the Xcal's claim to fame. If you were to order a custom tune from someone, (or a tuning company) you would recieve an Xcal2 (with the special tunes in it) and use it just as you would a standard tuner. So in practice, they're the same. They're just different in "software content". They're also SPECIFIC TO YOUR TRUCK. (meaning you can't use it to TUNE other vehicles, or even another truck exactly like yours) I'm sure the Xcal2 has much of the same features as other tuners, such as reading DTC's etc.

Now, I don't own an Xcal2, so it may have "special features" that I am not aware of. So, if you're thinking about buying one, you need to look at SCT's website, or give a tuning company a call. There are also SEVERAL threads in which I have explained in DETAIL what "custom tuning" is all about. Not to mention the COUNTLESS other threads, that other people have made. You can also check out the user's manual. I posted a link to it below.

Note: One thing to remember about the Xcal2's custom tuning is that it ONLY works with specific strategy codes. (meaning, specific "factory tunes") If you take your truck to the dealership, you need to make sure that they don't "re-flash" your truck's computer with a different or updated "factory tune" If they do, then you won't be able to use your "custom tunes" anymore.

Link to the user's manual for the Xcal2: http://sctflash.com/forum/attachment...tachmentid=730

Since I don't own one, I may have gotten something wrong, Please PM me if you feel like something needs changing. I WILL revise it.

 

There are several other tuners available on the market today. Hypertech and Diablo are two that come to mind, and to my knowledge they are "standard tuners".


ADDENDUM: One thing that I neglected to put in the first post is in regards to dealership "re-flashing". (And there wasn't enough room!)

As you now know, tuners can only be used in 1 vehicle at a time. You can use them to read codes on other vehicles, but you can't program more than 1 vehicle, because it can only save the "factory tune" of one vehicle. If you get a new truck, or want to give the tuner to somebody else, you have to return your truck back to "factory tune" This "unlocks" the tuner. It frees up the tuner's memory, so that it can remember the next truck's "factory tune". Remember, you can't tune a truck until you store a copy of the "factory tune" and a tuner can only hold 1 "factory tune". But that doesn't mean you can't use its other features (such as reading DTC's) with other vehicles.

It is a common practice for some dealers to re-flash (re-program) your computer's programming. They "update" or replace your existing "stock program" with a newer or better one (hopefull ). But the point is that, if they do this, then your tuning device isn't gonna recognize your truck anymore. It will still remember your old "factory tune" that it stored during initial programming, but since the dealership "re-flashed" your truck's computer, your performance tune WILL BE LOST. This will render the tuning device unusuable as a tuner, cause it won't recognize your truck, and tuners can ONLY be used on ONE vehicle at a time.

So, one solution is to return your vehicle to "factory tune" before you take it to the dealership. That way, if the dealership DOES "re-flash" your truck's computer, it won't matter. When you get the truck back, you can just tune your truck again. (the tuning device will be empty because you gave the truck back its "factory tune" before you took the truck to the dealership)

The other solution is to MAKE SURE the dealership doesn't modify your computer. It has been suggested by a member to put a piece of tape over the OBDII port with a message describing your situation.

If you forget to return your truck's "factory tune" and the dealership DOES re-flash your truck's computer, don't freak out. Most tuner companies will help you get the tuner's memory cleaned out. (edge reset mine for free) Just call them, and they'll help you with it.

Even if you have your truck "tuned" you can still use the tuner to read codes on other people's vehicles as well as yours. You don't have to return them to "factory tune". Both the Xcal and the edge will read codes on most ford vehicles, and the Edge will monitor some other vehicles too. (such as the V10 F-250)

ADDENDUM #2 In regards to tuning in cold weather (provided by Mike Troyer)
Tuning vehicles in cold (below zero) temperatures is NOT advised. There are several reasons as to why, but the main reason lies behind the "reliability" of programmable memory at cold temperatures. Sub freezing tuning is possible, but it is not advised. Anyone that wishes to tune their vehicles in sub freezing temps should first warm the tuning device, and the vehicle. This will assure that no issues will occur due to the PCM (computer) or the tuning device being too cold. The edge's guages will still work when it's VERY cold, and other tuners can still be used normally to monitor or to read codes, just don't change the tune. Do a search for more info. (not enough room here)

ADDENDUM #3 Before tuning your vehicle, make SURE your battery is FULLY charged (verify 12.5+ volts with the edge or xcal's digital readout). Also, ALL accessories should be turned off BEFORE tuning. These precautions are to ensure a constant source of power is available to the tuner and the PCM during the tuning process.(proviced by "TNC")

 

very helpful thread!

Thanks

 

If this forum is to have a sticky, this is it. No more ridiculously redundant tuner/chip questions. Thank God.

 

Hey Chester, you are right about the paint for the EDGE pods, with one exception the silver-grey color used on the 04-up FX4's and Lariat's (King Ranches too) is the only color that you cannot buy from Ford. At least that was the case about nine months ago when I tried to find some for mine, it may be available now but I doubt it.

 

Amen...sticky please?

 

I hope it is available now. If not, people are gonna have to mix their own.

I added some extra info about dealership reflashing, and returning to stock. I also added about strategy changes and how they affect "custom tunes" with the Xcal2. Any suggestions are welcome.

.... I added some more info regarding custom tuning and changing vehicles.... If you get a new vehicle, I assume Troyer will cut you a deal on a new tune for it, right? I didn't want to post that, cause that is kinda bias.

I added the links to the edge's owner's manuals... Some more info on the Xcal2 would be nice, if anyone has any to offer. Such as a link to their owner's manual...

I found a link to the Xcal's owner's manual and posted it above. Any more info is welcome.

 

You sold me on the Evo series, gonna buy a replacement filter now and save up for the programmer.

 

i think i need a cliff notes

 

That's good, but please understand that I wasn't trying to sell anyone anything. I just want to get a few facts across. If anyone would like to post about the specific features of each tuner, that would be great. Maybe Mr. Troyer would do a write up on exactly how the Xcal works and all its special features...

....I added that the Edge and Xcal will read DTC's even if they're VIN locked.

....Corrected some spelling errors...

....Added info about tuning in cold weather.

....Added Edge color codes, fixed MORE spelling errors... again

....Added precautions for tuning (+12.5 volts, no accessories etc.) Didn't see any spelling errors this time.

....Added edge pod paint color code, clarified the "cold weather tuning" section.

 

Great job with this thread Chester , this deserves STICKY status, webmaster...

 

Chester thanks, you taught me some new things, particulary about dealer reflash issues.

 

Thanks chester I think everyone will find this to be helpful. I just need to order mine