Firmware update on your TBird Poll

[MikeB]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

I went through this several years ago and if I remember correctly, the "catch" code indicated that I did not need to update my car. I think it was produced late enough that the upgrades were already made and programmed in the car.

[04birdman]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

That's really poor customer relations on Ford's part. You've tried their solutions in good faith and they have not solved the problem. I don't think you would be out of line to write, or contact a regional, or even national rep, or even Alan Mulally to press for a replacement. I know, it's easy for me to say, not necessarily for you to do... I'd like to know, as I think TBN would, if you decide to pursue this avenue.

when it comes to our tbirds..is their any good customer relations with ford.....it seems to me from these forums that ford wishes we would just go away....

[merlot4]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

when it comes to our tbirds..is their any good customer relations with ford.....it seems to me from these forums that ford wishes we would just go away....

This thread was only to see who had updated the firmware, that's it. I think, though, that there are more than a few valid gripes regarding Ford's customer service and support, perhaps someone should get a different thread going to address it; perhaps some solutions will come from it, such as industry contacts.

[DaiUyTed]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

...the "catch" code indicated that I did not need to update my car. I think it was produced late enough that the upgrades were already made and programmed in the car.

Same here. I popped the radiator shroud to find the code, and looked it up as described elsewhere in this forum.

[Welker]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

I guess I don't quite understand the gripes about the firmware updates. Years ago when this issue came up, especially with the '02 and '03 models, a lot of people took their cars into their dealers, paid about $100 and had the upgrade done. I've had some bad experience with my local dealer but it was primarily with one guy at the service desk and now that he is gone things have improved. I even have the feeling that they like the car. A bad dealer is usually a bad service person. If you are getting sh__tty service from your dealer, talk to the owner or manager. If they see your car as just an old car, well, then you will get the old car treatment....but if they see the car as a T Bird, something that their company is(or should be) proud of, they should come around. Maybe that's wishful thinking but so far, its worked for me.

[camodude]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

I see the date of this poll is recent. Are we talking about a new firmware or ones back in the day. I am the second owner of my tbird. I checked the sticker codes when i join the group. They seem to be the current firmware inless there is a new one. I will see if i can find all the codes so people can check.

[merlot4]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

James, I gave the link to the original thread, which I think might have been results of the time period you mentioned, however anyone from any time period is welcome to add to the results on this poll since the time was not specified. Since the number of members VS the number of respondents is quite different, this was intended to give a capsule view and also a chance for new members to see what others have to say. Your input is appreciated!

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

WE RE-PROGRAMED THE 2002 TODAY AND CURED A HIGH RPM SHIFT PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE SECOND RE-DO AND IT WAS THE FIX.

[Will]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

Well, okay, I've got my catchword -- now, where do I go to look it up?

[merlot4]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

Well, okay, I've got my catchword -- now, where do I go to look it up?

Hmmm, I had to look around a bit since I hadn't done that, I had just gone to the dealer and asked to have it checked via computer.

Look at post 3 in this link:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ght=catch+code

Hope this helps

[bobc4383]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

Bought my 2003 two years ago. I had service done at the local Ford dealer (oil change, alignment and balance) and also asked about a firmwear update. It took several hours to do all the work (the download must be large), but afterward, I noticed it shifted much smoother and seemed to run better. As I remember, it was $85, but I felt it was well-spent.

Just an input.

Bob

I had the car serviced a week ago and decided to ask them to check for any COP (coil on plug) codes and also for any firmware updates for the car's computer. Thankfully, there were no COP issues noted, but there was an update. $77 later I drove back. It may be wishful thinking on my part, but it definitely seems more responsive; not giant amounts, but noticeable. I think that it was worth it.

There was a thread about this, but it is a bit long in the tooth since it dates back a few years. Rather than continue that thread, I've attached a link for it here if anyone wants to see what others did at that time and the results.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...omputer+update

[Will]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

Hmmm, I had to look around a bit since I hadn't done that, I had just gone to the dealer and asked to have it checked via computer.

Look at post 3 in this link:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ght=catch+code

Hope this helps

Yes, click on this link but scroll down to #24 & follow Dot's instructions to get to Motorcraft's spread sheet.

[merlot4]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

Thanks Will.

[qruml23]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

What do you think about these tools to flash your firmware, tune and calibrate your car by yourself?

http://www.sctflash.com/products.php?PID=12&VID=858

[5bird7]

Re: Firmware update on your TBird Poll

Just a few weeks ago, I had a request from an owner looking for a way to increase his power and disable his rev limiter.

I suggested that he contact SCT and ask them. They ended up selling him their flash set up. I also had him read an old TBN thread:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10897


This is his reply to me just a few days ago:

"I recieved the power flash from S.C.T in two days after ordering it. I instaled it yesterday. It worked great. Now my pipes sound the way they should, and it made a tremendous difference in acceleration, my little bird acts like a V8 should."