Still missing the transmission braking my truck came with in '04 - Diesel Forum

CaptSkup · 08-14-2006, 11:09 AM

I am sitting here thinking what a great truck I purchased from Ford 2&1/2 years ago and 55,000 miles. I recently pulled our Sunline fiver to the Outer Banks and back, drove down to Fort Jackson to see my oldest graduate from Army recruit training. Truck ran and drove beautifully, towing averaged 11mpg and nontowing 18mpg at 70mph. Here is the only complaint I have. "I want my original tow/haul transmission programming my truck had when I purchased it from Ford. Now I have "limp wristed" engine/transmission braking after a trio of recalls were performed after my truck died once in traffic(wiring harness?). I do not want to resort to an aftermarket programmer/company for help. I have no need for power greater than what my 6.0 PSD provides. I want Ford to give me back what I paid for. Has anyone been successful petitioning Ford to return their original tow/haul? Truck built in Oct03.

FamilyRide · 08-14-2006, 12:32 PM

Just call Ford Customer Service/Custom Tuning. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

No, I think they had too many that were too aggresive so we all suffered. I would have like for the 2-1 downshift to have been taked away but everything else left alone. It works pretty well unloaded, but it's not when I'm unloaded that I need/want the additional backup to the service brakes.

PoneyXpres · 08-14-2006, 12:33 PM

I tried to get mine back. What I got was a new 2006 to replace my 2003. I was on Ford's back for over a year to put my 2003 back the way it was before it had the 03E03 reprogramming. They told me they wouldn't do it. I said buy it back then, well, they did. My 2006 has the same weak ass tow/haul down shifting profile. I too have no desire to use a power adder to get the tow/haul shifting profiles back so I am living with what I have. If Ford ever offered the ability to return to the useful tow/haul profiles, I'd be at there front door will bells on. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

AllOutFirefighter13 · 08-14-2006, 01:13 PM

Guys,

I can understand the whole "no-programming" thing, but the SCT can provide just a trans-only control that adds 0 HP to the truck. I'm not pushing an SCT, just saying that there are controllers out there that can do that (the one I can remember). It is my understanding that you can control pretty much anything the transmission does, including more aggresive engine braking, as well as a 2-1 downshift. Might help!? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

RoyC · 08-14-2006, 01:15 PM

You are of course entitled to your opinion, but many of the 2003 owners complained to FMC about the 2-1 downshift and its tendency to lockup the rear tires. I suspect that those complaints along with worries from their attys got the T/H softened.

RoyC

CaptSkup · 08-14-2006, 01:58 PM

I think most of those that complained were not people that used their Superdutys for towing heavy trailers. First time I towed with my truck up through PA, NY, NH, and Maine I could not be happier with the engine/transmission performance. With Tow/Haul selected, coming down a steep incline, all I had to do was touch the brake pedal. The transmission would downshift, converter locked, allowing the truck/trailer to gently slow down and maintain safe speed. Another tap, and again another downshift, converter locked. So much easier on the brakes and my nerves. After the recall, no more confident smile on my face. Same trip following year, much more brake application. Soon after, front rotors replaced due to warpage. I blame that on the neutered Tow/haul. Some guys want their MTV, I want my Tow/haul. I almost bought a '06 F-550 to tow our Teton. Without true grade braking and not being able to fit an exhaust brake, I dropped the truck from my choices of tow vehicles.