Aaron

I am a fairly silent moderator at http://www.fordpowerstrokeforums.com I recently participated in THIS post: Quote: Bought the Triple Dog Downloader from Bully Dog and installed it with the Outlook Monitor back in '04. While back the wife took the truck in for an oil change while I was underway (Navy), how sweet of her. However, the truck wasn't flashed to stock first. Couple tanks later it donned on me that the MPG dropped from 18.5/24 to 12/15 (stock). No problem, just gotta reflash it right. So my Triple Dog informs me that I have to "unload" (flash to stock) before downloading the most recent update. So I do, but the truck is probably already stock. I then download the update and go reflash the truck. During the countdown to "initialize" everything in the truck starts flashing rapidly when the count gets to 4. It continues to count down to 1 and freezes there, truck still wiggin out. Been troubleshooting with Bully Dog for two weeks now. Reflashed it to stock about a dozen times with different files they've e-mailed me. Recently tried their "recovery" flash and still same indications. When I turn the ignition to on everything keeps repeatedly resetting, and when I turn the key the power keeps flashing like a relay is grounding. Finally, today I figured maybe God would send some luck so I try the key again while monitoring DTCs. Now I have a P0603. I know its ICM KAM Error. I'm betting that the power flashing has burnt/fried the memory. Is there something I can do before going to the stealership and getting ripped off at $85 for a mechanic to check it? I replied to this with the following: Quote: So what you're saying, is you think that what happened is the missus took the truck for a LOF at the Ford store. And you are also saying you figure they reflashed your PCM while it was there? Why do you think they would have reflashed your PCM when your truck was in for an oil change? I know I don't get paid to do stuff for free, and the LAST thing I'd be doing when I'm doing a .5 to .7 LOF on a big truck where I've gotta grease about 350 fittings, pour 14 litres of oil, and top up all the fluids, plus set any low tires to the proper factory spec, after waiting 10 minutes to get in the truck bay. Especially since a WARRANTY reflash pays .4, and it takes about a half hour. It'll reflash the TCM, PCM, and FICM all at once. And I would also imagine the dealer has a fastlane guy slinging oil and filters. And you're not getting RIPPED OFF at the dealer. The dealer has the specific tools and trained technicians to properly diagnose your problem. Mr. Chan replied as follows: Quote: COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF!!! And it's these kind of meatballs that look for free advice that give me a very bad taste in my mouth. If you chose to modify your vehicle with aftermarket electronics, to enhance its performance there are associated risks that come with using tuners and such. It's just like buying a used vehicle. CAVEAT EMPTOR. I for one, will be the first person who's more than willing to help in any situation where I feel I could be of some assistance to someone in need. However, I do not appreciate being referred to as an "$85 rip off mechanic at the stealership" like you describe. Where I also draw the line is when I get these outside "garages" calling me up for free information and they've gotten in over their head after they've soaked the customer with about $3,000 in unecessary work, and I'm expected to able to "help" get them out of THEIR mess for FREE? And with all that said, people who have the attitude that I am "ripping them off" are the kind that really piss me off!!! The sad truth about this, is more often than not, it would've been cheaper for the customer to have brought it into the dealer in the first place!!! This combined with the added stress that we now face, wondering whether or not we are going to be paid, after we carry out a repair under warranty repair!!! Back on topic. The pinpoint test for P0603 is very strightforward. Check to make sure you have 12 volts to the proper PCM connections. If all checks out good, more than likely you've fried your PCM. Now pay up, or park your ride. A couple more moderators replied as well as a couple other members: Quote: WAAAAAAAA I don't know what I'm doing could you fix it for free ? Only rip off here is the stripped nut behind the wheel. Quote: I see it all the time i will not go to the phone to answer a carquest lost dog i f.up, will you bail me out. paid to much for my knowledge on these engines to give what i know away for free. don't f.with a rattle snake unless you can handle it's bite. So, the thread got locked by another moderator. I then am cruising around on that forum, and I slide over to the moderator break room forum. I then see the following post. The title is "If We Could...." Quote: Not insult the Members. I know some of them may not be the brightest bulbs on the string, but we are staff and should refrain from openly telling them what a genetic misfire they are and they really are too stupid to own their truck. Thanks So, I look this over, mull it over in my mind for a few moments, and came up with this: Quote: Figured that I'd better chime in here. It didn't really get under your skin that he basically said "Fuckers at the dealership reflashed my PCM when they did my oil change?" That post rubbed me the wrong way after a particularly shitty day. He was the recipient of the rage that I couldn't unleash on a customer. When a guy comes on a public forum and publicly berates someone that does the SAME work as you, doesn't that bother you? I know I don't go around flashing PCMs and FICMs any time I feel like it. It's a waste of my time, the customer's time, and the dealership's time. Every time a small garage calls your dealership and you're the only diesel guy in the parts room, do you rush to the phone to help them sort out their fuck-up? Because I know I don't. I'm busy enough with my own shit, I don't want to have to sort everyone else's out for free. I have no problem helping people, but when you openly admit you've done something, and fucked up large, and try and pass the blame off on someone who likely has MANY more qualifications than you do, it bothers the hell outta me. Today, at the parts counter: Parts guy puts the phone down, and says "Is there a common coolant leak under the intake on a 6.0?" Me: "Yep, why?" Him: "Shop on the phone wants to know" Well, if he isn't competent enough to find a coolant leak, should he be fixing it? I think not. I'm not trying to be an asshole, but I mean come on. Accuse someone that has the same training I doing something to your truck, and then you try and load an aftermarket programmer, fuck the PCM, and cry to the Ford techs for help? He then states that he doesn't want to get "ripped off" by a mechanic. Do you consider the work that you do "ripping off" a customer? The main reason that people send stuff to you is because they either A: have had it to several different shops, and paid several thousands of dollars to not have the problem fixed, or B: They trust the training and workmanship done by a professional institution like the dealership. I don't like seeing shit like this happen, mainly because the dealer gets a bad rap for everything they do, either good or bad. I'd bet the $85 an hour "Stealer" wouldn't have flashed his PCM for free. I didn't do 4 years of trade school and apprenticeship, spend tens of thousands of dollars on tools, do HOURS and HOURS of specialized training to give shit away for free, or be called a thief. Would you have? Do you guys think I'm wrong here?

Someone gonna start a "WE WANT JIM" support message? Or a "Let's make PROTECH a WIENER FREE area!"

Why...what happens Jim? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

Everything was brutal on that car. The dude's christmas list was in the car once when we worked on it - "Underwear for Nancy 5XL" **shudder**

OH NO! Post I am replying to: David Lugonja B6269 KOCH FORD SLS(ATHABASCA) ATHABASCA , AB posted Jul 08, 2008 12:15AM Two things. remove the cab to do those gaskets. After a couple, you should have no issues getting the time down, possibly making good time at them, yeah... really. Actually make time. My reply and reply I talked about: Aaron Robertson A8009 PERFORMANCE FORD SLS INC WINDSOR , ON posted Jul 08, 2008 5:45PM Wouldn't get terribly carried away about how long it takes or doesnt take to do certain jobs on a forum run by the company writing the op codes. Chris Briggs B7015 KICKING HORSE FORD SALES GOLDEN , BC posted Jul 08, 2008 5:53PM yes, shushy!!! If anyone recalls, this is the guy that said "All you need to remove is the RH CAC tube" when asked on the Ford forum if there was any shortcuts on the EGR cooler hose.

Is there a CX part number for this pixie dust? I'm worried some of it may have spilled during the accident. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

1226 - A REVIEW OF WARRANTY RETURNED 6.0L HIGH PRESSURE PUMPS HAS FOUND MANY TO BE NOT DEFECTIVE. PLEASE REFER TO TSB 08-09-09 FOR COMPLETE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS. NOTE: IF THE IPR VALVE SCREEN HAS FOREIGN MATERIAL, THEN REMOVE THE FOREIGN MATERIAL AND CONTINUE WITH IPR DIAGNOSTICS IN TSB 06-13-03 OR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM TSB 08-09-09. IF THE IPR VALVE SCREEN IS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED THEN INSTALL A NEW IPR VALVE. THE PRESENCE OF DEBRIS ON THE SCREEN DOES NOT WARRANT HPP OR IPR VALVE REPLACEMENT. PUBLICATIONS ARE BEING UPDATED TO REFLECT THIS. Sooo....if there's trash on the screen, change the pump, WAIT...no...DON'T! (BTW, Firefox is supporting alot of Inford.com now)

I have a question - why is it the guy that opened his yap about changing the EGR cooler hose telling people to 'SHUSHY' when I suggested that we don't talk about how much time it takes to do things? In the RE TSB 08-11-3 thread. Sorry for the thread hi-jack!

He had a full set of chicklets, but I think he was two or three sandwiches short of a picnic, if y'know what I'm gettin at?

YOU MEAN THE ONE I DROPPED IS NO GOOD?!?!?!?!!

Yeah, it'll probably pay .1, too.

*grumbles under breath* Cab probly tilts forward on those big 'uns.... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banghead.gif

Wonder if he's got 'er goin yet? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

I would bet you a thousand bucks he's never seen something along the lines of this: That is one of the finest 1992 Chevrolet Cavaliers. It's features include, but are not limited to: Hood Gauges SEVERAL sets of fuzzy dice Dukes Of Hazzard Horn Chrome Torq-Thrust wheels BIG ASS TACH Washer jet lights that are wired in to the turn signals Among other things I can't recall. Ask him if he's ever seen THAT! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/hahaha.gif This was an actual vehicle a customer had the small garage I worked at perform the 'performance upgrades' on. When I left the small shop, he was talking about wanting a rollcage installed, as well as considering a 426 Hemi swap. The dude showing his appreciation in the photo is me, so don't be makin' fun saying it's my car.

JIM - GO HELP THE MAN! Ralph xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx EDMONTON , AB posted Jul 04, 2008 1:38PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- just installed 7.3l reman engine in e-350. will crank no start icp, fuel pressure good no codes retrieved passes inj electrical test. have gone over all electrical circuits o.k. noticed while cranking it seems to sputter and exhaust seen at turbo outlet but will not fire. any ideas would be helpfull. was considering cam crank timing out.

Dang, I posted it somewheres else, but another guy from work showed me this today - Ralph is still a wiener. LMAO

At any way you slice it Jim - Ralph is still a wiener. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/hahaha.gif

"Compression stroke" in the HPFP maybe? That's a strange one.

Wow, Ford doesn't want us to try and patch these things up? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banghead.gif When I worked in London, we did a 6.4 motor, and Pat had me (i'm a rather large fellow) grab that actuator arm with the key off, and pull it as HARD as I could - wouldn't budge. We're thinking that this was a partial contributing factor to the engine failure, but engineering would not allow us to take the engine apart. The new engine came COMPLETE. Almost like it was yanked right off the assembly line.

Camshaft timing different than you're used to like baring over a gas motor on the compression stroke?

I know MOST diesel engines use chrome rings, but can't find on the shop manual what these ones are. Quote: NOTE: A 101.6 mm (4 in) deglazing hone is required to hone the cylinders of this diesel engine. Insert the hone into a cylinder and begin honing for 3 seconds at a cycle of 2 strokes per second. Remove the hone from the cylinder. from the shop manual - the picture shows a ball hone being used.

+1000 on that one Keith! Trying to find an oil leak on something with a gajillion miles on it that's poorly maintained is really hard to do. You've gotta use about 50 packs of dye. I think I should start buying the shit by the gallon. Always wondered what it'd be like to ingest a bunch of that dye and go to the hospital or something, and get a whole bunch of tests that would reveal glowing, like a piss test, or puke somewhere near a UV light. Or, failing that, throw up on the floor in a place that has lotsa blacklights, like...an adult entertainment venue? I would bet that the bouncers wouldn't throw you out. I'm weird, but it would be kinda funny.

HPOP cover gasket maybe? I Have seen them leaking out the corners of the head gaskets. Guy down the hall from me just did one. We were also confused as to the leak, because there's no pressurized oil in the heads. But that's what it was. He swung the cab off and we looked, and sure as shit, it was leaking out of the heads. Lookit all that neon oil!! ^^^

That looks kinda neat! Anyone know anything about the Protech GCR Rewards thingy? Everything I click on in the popup says "You are not authorized to view this publication".