[reckkerranch]

He guys, I've been having a romping/chugging problem at start-up and was told by the dealer I probably needed to have the computer reprogrammed. I've got 63,000+ miles on the truck with no reflashes so far. Do reflashes fall under warranty or recall/tsb notices? Should I expect to pay my $100 deductible under the powertrain warranty? I'm also having slight power surging under load when pulling a trailer. Sounds similar to some of the EBP problems I've read here. Thanks for any info! Dan

 

[scott36kdoc]

I had mine reflashed and only had to pay the deductible.

 

[4x4Mark]

I was curious, so I asked: If not related to an engine problem, my dealer told me they'd charge about an hours shop time - right around $65 he said; well below the $100 deductable. If you want problem evaluation, it will most probably cost you more. If I were you, I'd tell them flash it first, then move on to diagnosis phase if needed. The current flashes are pretty good, address romping (early on), but as you've read, tow/haul is milder than before

Mark

 

[teamroper60]

Just my opinion here, but if you made it to 63,000 without needing a reflash, I doubt you need one now. You most probably are having a hardware issue which could in all likelyhood be resolved without one (if you can find a tech that will do it this way). My guess is that either your EBP or EGR is giving you fits. If neither of those fixes it, then I would check the VGT......Of course, if you want a reflash, then that is another story altogether.

In any event, this is a driveability issue and you should only have to pay up to the $100 deductible, regardless of what they do to it.

 

[reckkerranch]

Do you think they will attempt to diagnose the problem first by checking codes, the service engine light did come on and has since gone off, or is reflashing an automatic response for any problems? I do have a local mechanic who diagnosed my previous cam sensor problem on my 7.3 and would probably do the same on this one if I took it to him. What is the cost of the EBP?

 

[teamroper60]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you think they will attempt to diagnose the problem first by checking codes, the service engine light did come on and has since gone off, or is reflashing an automatic response for any problems? I do have a local mechanic who diagnosed my previous cam sensor problem on my 7.3 and would probably do the same on this one if I took it to him. What is the cost of the EBP?

[/ QUOTE ]

There are a few techs who will try to diagnose your problem without flashing you, but unfortunately, most dealerships are going to want to flash you first and then try to diagnose the problem. Since you got a check engine light, there should be a stored code for your problem. If you have access to a good code reader (the Auto-Enginuity one works really well, I have used it on my truck), I would do a little checking myself prior to taking it in. This might give you a heads up on what is really causing it to act up.

If it were me, and I could find the problem, I would research the cost of the parts and if they aren't much more than the $100 deductible, I would consider doing the job myself to avoid the reflash.... But that is me and I will protect my Tow/Haul at nearly all costs!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

I am not sure how much an EBP is, you might check with Dale Larkin (not sure what his website is, but he is a site sponsor, so it should be in the links) and see how much he sells them for. His prices seem pretty good on most parts.

 

[warrenpouyer]

I can't agree more!

If my dealer told me that I needed a Reflash, My first question to the Service Writer who spends his day behind a desk would be:

Oh Yea, Why is that? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
What tells you that the fix for my issues always a Reflash?

Ask to talk to the tech, and IF he can't answer that same question,
Haul your ass outathere as fast as your truck will carry you... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bleh.gif

I too will protect my Tow/Haul at all costs.

Let's remember who owns these trucks, Us or Ford Motor Co? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Just in a bad mood I guess... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

Good Luck
JR44

 

[reckkerranch]

I definately agree that I also want to keep my tow haul as it is. I'll check with my local guy about reading the codes as he did this the last time to make sure the cam sensor was bad on the 7.3, I can't see the EBP being much more than the deductible if that's the cause, and it sure sounds like it. Thanks for the info, I'll keep you posted on the fix! Dan

 

[GrampyJim]

There are cold start problems related to the injectors. Why not go in, exp[lain your concern and have it fixed under the engine warranty instead of putzing around with "what ifs"?

Your dealer will need to keep the truck overnight. Before they first start it, they will have to set up their WDS to monitor LOAD and MFDES PIDs as well as perform an enhanced power balance.

Sometimes I can only shake my head in wonder....

 

[teamroper60]

Actually, Grampy's post made me re-read the original post again. Since it involves startup, I would check the ICP too.. That one was giving us the romps back in 03... Could possibly be the case here as well.

It could also be an injector problem, which would be far more complicated to replace on your own (though it can be done).

Nevertheless, I would get it on a scan tool and see what is happening before I took it in, if you want to have a shot at keeping your Tow/Haul.

 

[teamroper60]

[ QUOTE ]
I definately agree that I also want to keep my tow haul as it is. I'll check with my local guy about reading the codes as he did this the last time to make sure the cam sensor was bad on the 7.3, I can't see the EBP being much more than the deductible if that's the cause, and it sure sounds like it. Thanks for the info, I'll keep you posted on the fix! Dan

[/ QUOTE ]

One more thing, with an unflashed 03, an OBDII code reader will not work. The code reader needs to be able to read CAN... So make sure the one you stick on it will actually read your truck's computer, otherwise, it's an exercise in futility.

 

[dbennett48]

Not entirely true. Autoxray scanners are both OBD-II and CAN compliant. It will work in either case. Mine read the codes before and after I had the 03E03 recall for the OBD-II change.

Dave

 

[teamroper60]

[ QUOTE ]
Not entirely true. Autoxray scanners are both OBD-II and CAN compliant. It will work in either case. Mine read the codes before and after I had the 03E03 recall for the OBD-II change.

Dave

[/ QUOTE ]

I guess I wasn't clear on that one!! Ya got me there! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I wasn't implying that the scan tool should only read CAN, just that whatever tool he uses, needs to be able to read CAN, since his truck uses it. I know the Auto Enginuity that I used will also read OBDII and in fact, you have to purchase the upgrade to read CAN. I doubt the Autoxray would've worked if it wasn't CAN compliant. If it will, it is the first I have heard of that could do so. (Of course, you learn something new everyday! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif).