Important!! ALL X-calibrator Owners Please Read.. - The Mustang Source

**Doug904** · 9/21/06, 8:14 PM

Hey guys, and gals....

This issue has come up a few times and I feel I need to make a post about it to help. Please feel free to pass this along to ANY forum you may post on that may have a 05-up Mustang both GT and V6..

I've had a few customers that even when they returned their vehicles to stock and went to the dealer and the dealer reflashed or updated their calibrations. When they got home they reloaded the tune into their vehicle and it wouldn't start. Also, when they tried to return the vehicle to stock it wouldn't start.

Explaination....

When the dealer updated their computer it then changed the Calibration code inside the PCM. Unlike 04 and earlier models the X-calibrator didn't see this as a new vehicle and simply deleted the tune that the dealer installed and wrote the old program on the PCM. This old tune doesn't have the same settings and this causes the car not to start, to put it in simple terms.

Now for the bad part, being that it deleted the tune file that the dealer has installed it wont start. Returning the vehicle to stock doesn't work either because all you are doing is returning it to the factory program from the intial tune.

In other words, the dealer would have to reflash the new code into the PCM again.

Now, Prevention.....

The first thing you need to do when you get your X-calibrator in is to goto " Read DTC menu" and then scroll down to " Read Strategy" and read this information from your car. Then write this down somewhere secure, like inside the X-calibrator box.

Then, if you have to take your car in for service first check your strategy by doing the above after returning it to stock. Take it in for service and when you get the car back BEFORE uploading a tune Read the strategy again and compare it to the one you had before taking it in for service.

If they match then simply install the tunes and drive away happy.

If they do not match then DO NOT install the tuner but rather contact your SCT dealer and give them the new Strategy code and get some new tunes for your new code.

Every dealer CAN email these to you, not every dealer WILL email these to you.

On 05's I've not had any problems with this because the main codes for the 05's haven't truly been updated. This has truly began with the 06's.

Below are a few Strategy codes and the Calibration codes for which they stand for.....

Strategy = Calibration

06'S

FBNF1G3 = TJF1 = This code updates to= FBNF1GA = TSG0 ** Updated 2/7**

FBNE0G5 = GYX1

FBLF152 = VDX1 = This code updates to = FBLF1G2 = SRV0 **Updated 12/06*

FBLE0G3 = FTV1

07'S

FOAF054 = TZZ2

FPAF053 = TNJ2

FOAF0A4 = KHK2

FPAF0A3 = XZE2

Nothing has been updated for 07' yet....

The Above are all GT's, if the V6 owner's would like the same then please let me know as it applies to everyone..

Just let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of any help. Like I said please pass this along to any forums you know, this information can help alot of people.

***1/22/07*** If your X-calibrator will not read your strategy on your 05-up Ford then your version of the operating system or Firmware on the device maybe too old. You can update the firmware by going to www.sctflash.com/downloads.php and downloading Liveupdate and the newest version of the firmware.

If you haven't updated your Liveload Version to the latest since January 5th then you'll need to do this or your files will now say " Invalid LiveLoad file" Goto the same link as noted above for this.

Thanks, Doug

*garyb900* · 9/21/06, 8:29 PM

Doug,
Thanks so much for this crucial information. Once again you've demonstrated the true spirit of customer service!

blaster · 9/21/06, 9:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug904

Explaination....
When the dealer updated their computer it then changed the Calibration code inside the PCM. Unlike 04 and earlier models the X-calibrator didn't see this as a new vehicle and simply deleted the tune that the dealer installed and wrote the old program on the PCM. This old tune doesn't have the same settings and this causes the car not to start, to put it in simple terms.

Doug, shouldn't SCT be providing a firmware update that will not allow the XCal to do this if the strategy codes do not match?

*GRAYPNY* · 9/21/06, 9:04 PM

So having the XCal 1 means I'm screwed? Well another reason never to take my car to the dealer.

65sohc · 9/21/06, 9:47 PM

Doug,
I emailed you earlier today but as long as you are posting on the forum I'll ask you here since this may apply to others. I have your performance tune. When I select Read Strategy the Xcal2 searches for about 5 seconds and then says it cannot read the strategy. How do I correct this so that I can set up datalogging? Thanks.

65sohc · 9/21/06, 10:04 PM

After re-reading your message I have another question and maybe the answer. My calbration code is TJF1. Am I safe in entering the strategy you have listed above in the Livelink program even though my Xcal cannot read my strategy? I tried returning to the stock tune but it still could not read it.

*flapjack* · 9/21/06, 10:07 PM

Makes me wanna trade in my Diablo for an SCT. :P

(just kidding, guys... couldn't help it)

PIKE2244 · 9/21/06, 10:55 PM

This is a dumb ?, but does ford re-calibrate the computer everytime you take your car in? Even for something as minor as an oil change?

**Doug904** · 9/21/06, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65sohc

After re-reading your message I have another question and maybe the answer. My calbration code is TJF1. Am I safe in entering the strategy you have listed above in the Livelink program even though my Xcal cannot read my strategy? I tried returning to the stock tune but it still could not read it.

Yes, you should be able to do so but I've responded to your email as well. I think you may have an earlier firmware and that would keep you from reading your strategy.

As for Diablo, I'm sure it does the same thing I'm just not a Diablo dealer so I can't say.

Thanks, Doug.

**Doug904** · 9/21/06, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIKE2244

This is a dumb ?, but does ford re-calibrate the computer everytime you take your car in? Even for something as minor as an oil change?

No, it takes sometime to update a calibration using the Ford stuff. Alot longer then a quicky oil change. Only if you take it in for some sort of repair would I be weary.

thanks, Doug.

helicfii · 9/22/06, 1:31 AM

I'm switching to SCT and Bamachips- I just ordered from Doug.

I have had it with the Predator tunes- I have no engine braking at all, and it is seriously affecting my ability to upshift the car at the track- RPM should come DOWN (fast) when you take your foot off the throttle!

PIKE2244 · 9/22/06, 11:30 AM

Thanks Doug!!! Always appreciate the quick response!

PIKE2244 · 9/22/06, 11:37 AM

Another quick ? I am thinking it is unecessary to switch out the C&L intake w/ either the stock or a K&N system before taking my car in for an oil change. Am I correct or just being paranoid about warranty crap? (I know if I switch out the intake I would have to tune back to stock, so I hope I am correct)

Rash · 9/22/06, 12:22 PM

This should be a sticky. Thanks for the info Doug.

kepfordj · 9/22/06, 2:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIKE2244

Another quick ? I am thinking it is unecessary to switch out the C&L intake w/ either the stock or a K&N system before taking my car in for an oil change. Am I correct or just being paranoid about warranty crap? (I know if I switch out the intake I would have to tune back to stock, so I hope I am correct)

You might ask the service manager what his feelings are on the subject of certain mods, it may save a lot of headaches in the end.

PIKE2244 · 9/22/06, 3:41 PM

True enough!

RKNMACH · 9/22/06, 3:55 PM

My dealer has no problem with the tune or the CAI. Ford and Steeda are in bed together so I can't see how it could be an issue with dealers. Since this is not a perfect world I'm sure there will always be an exception(s) to the rule. I copied Doug's msg and emailed it to my service rep and told him to keep it on file just in case....

Britinastang · 9/22/06, 6:21 PM

can anyone tell me the cal code for this strategy code = FBCD0B6?

Rash · 9/22/06, 7:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug904

FBLF152 = VDX1

FBLF1G2 = SRV0 Which is the one that VDX1 updates to.

That happens to be my code (FBLF152), so I'm just wondering what the "updates to" means. Do you mean if the dealer changes the code, it will definitely be the new codes listed?

parrotheadGT · 9/22/06, 8:56 PM

Doug,
This may be a dumb question, but does the "read strategy" procedure you reccomend have to be done when the unit is brand new, I.E. before a tune is initailly uploaded while all the stock parameters are still in the PCM? I've had my tune for a couple of months now (with no service work done). Will I still be able to read the proper strategy code for future reference?

9/21/06, 8:14 PM	#1
Doug904 Premier Authorized Advertiser Join Date: July 28, 2004 Posts: 744	Important!! ALL X-calibrator Owners Please Read.. Hey guys, and gals.... This issue has come up a few times and I feel I need to make a post about it to help. Please feel free to pass this along to ANY forum you may post on that may have a 05-up Mustang both GT and V6.. I've had a few customers that even when they returned their vehicles to stock and went to the dealer and the dealer reflashed or updated their calibrations. When they got home they reloaded the tune into their vehicle and it wouldn't start. Also, when they tried to return the vehicle to stock it wouldn't start. Explaination.... When the dealer updated their computer it then changed the Calibration code inside the PCM. Unlike 04 and earlier models the X-calibrator didn't see this as a new vehicle and simply deleted the tune that the dealer installed and wrote the old program on the PCM. This old tune doesn't have the same settings and this causes the car not to start, to put it in simple terms. Now for the bad part, being that it deleted the tune file that the dealer has installed it wont start. Returning the vehicle to stock doesn't work either because all you are doing is returning it to the factory program from the intial tune. In other words, the dealer would have to reflash the new code into the PCM again. Now, Prevention..... The first thing you need to do when you get your X-calibrator in is to goto " Read DTC menu" and then scroll down to " Read Strategy" and read this information from your car. Then write this down somewhere secure, like inside the X-calibrator box. Then, if you have to take your car in for service first check your strategy by doing the above after returning it to stock. Take it in for service and when you get the car back BEFORE uploading a tune Read the strategy again and compare it to the one you had before taking it in for service. If they match then simply install the tunes and drive away happy. If they do not match then DO NOT install the tuner but rather contact your SCT dealer and give them the new Strategy code and get some new tunes for your new code. Every dealer CAN email these to you, not every dealer WILL email these to you. On 05's I've not had any problems with this because the main codes for the 05's haven't truly been updated. This has truly began with the 06's. Below are a few Strategy codes and the Calibration codes for which they stand for..... Strategy = Calibration 06'S FBNF1G3 = TJF1 = This code updates to= FBNF1GA = TSG0 Updated 2/7 FBNE0G5 = GYX1 FBLF152 = VDX1 = This code updates to = FBLF1G2 = SRV0 *Updated 12/06 FBLE0G3 = FTV1 07'S FOAF054 = TZZ2 FPAF053 = TNJ2 FOAF0A4 = KHK2 FPAF0A3 = XZE2 Nothing has been updated for 07' yet.... The Above are all GT's, if the V6 owner's would like the same then please let me know as it applies to everyone.. Just let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of any help. Like I said please pass this along to any forums you know, this information can help alot of people. *1/22/07* If your X-calibrator will not read your strategy on your 05-up Ford then your version of the operating system or Firmware on the device maybe too old. You can update the firmware by going to www.sctflash.com/downloads.php and downloading Liveupdate and the newest version of the firmware. If you haven't updated your Liveload Version to the latest since January 5th then you'll need to do this or your files will now say " Invalid LiveLoad file" Goto the same link as noted above for this. Thanks, Doug __________________ *www.BamaChips.com* 205-302-0231 The official tuner of Project Source Horse The only thing we do is Custom tuning, no matter if its SCT or Diablo we can do it and do it well. #1 rated custom Automatic tunes developed using our own Auto GT, a long stretch of road and our dyno, not to mention our manual tunes that actually allow the throttle to close when you let off. One of the Top 10 Dealers in SCT Sales in 05', 06', 07', and 08!

9/21/06, 8:29 PM	#2
garyb900 Team Mustang Source Gary Join Date: November 22, 2005 Location: Elgin, IL Car: 2005 Windveil Blue 4.0 V6 Posts: 426	Doug, Thanks so much for this crucial information. Once again you've demonstrated the true spirit of customer service! __________________ 2005 Windveil Blue 4.0 320 RWHP, 13.25 ET @ 106.39 mph Performance Mods; Procharger, Ford t-lok & 3:73 gears, JBA Titanium Ceramic headers & true dual exhaust, rear anti-sway bar, GT front anti-sway bar, Steeda sport springs, Powerhouse CHE LCA's, BMR panhard rod, panhard support brace & A-arm brace, Powerhouse 4" aluminum driveshaft & safety loop, LPW girdle Appearance Mods; Agent 47 grille & mirrors, Saleen Heritage rear spoiler, Mach 1 replica wheels, MRT hood struts, MGW stuff all over, Midwest Auto Gear stuff all over, Silverhorse Racing lower grille inserts and more...

9/21/06, 9:04 PM	#4
GRAYPNY Team Mustang Source Rich Join Date: December 12, 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,405	So having the XCal 1 means I'm screwed? Well another reason never to take my car to the dealer. __________________ 2005 Mineral Grey GT - OLD GUYS RULE!

9/21/06, 10:07 PM	#7
flapjack Team Mustang Source Join Date: February 3, 2006 Posts: 240	Makes me wanna trade in my Diablo for an SCT. :P (just kidding, guys... couldn't help it) __________________ 2005 Premium Legend Lime V6 4.0L ProCharger Stage II Supercharger @ 14 psi SSM Stage III heads and cams 440 RWHP / 388 Tq @ 14psi Tuned by Doug @ BamaChips

9/22/06, 1:31 AM	#11
helicfii GT Member Join Date: August 2, 2006 Posts: 190	I'm switching to SCT and Bamachips- I just ordered from Doug. I have had it with the Predator tunes- I have no engine braking at all, and it is seriously affecting my ability to upshift the car at the track- RPM should come DOWN (fast) when you take your foot off the throttle! __________________ 2006 Mustang GT Premium Coupe \| Dark-IUP \| Tungsten \| Stock 17" Anthracite Bullitt Wheels \| C&L CAI \| Bamachips 93 Race Tune \| FRPP CMCV Delete Plates \| Flows \| FRPP X-pipe \| Steeda Ultralite springs \| Steeda UCA \| Steeda UDP \| 255/50/17 Nitto 555 Tires \| Hurst 5-speed \| 1/4 mile: 13.2 @104

9/21/06, 9:47 PM	#5
65sohc Bullitt Member Join Date: December 28, 2004 Posts: 289	Doug, I emailed you earlier today but as long as you are posting on the forum I'll ask you here since this may apply to others. I have your performance tune. When I select Read Strategy the Xcal2 searches for about 5 seconds and then says it cannot read the strategy. How do I correct this so that I can set up datalogging? Thanks.

9/21/06, 10:04 PM	#6
65sohc Bullitt Member Join Date: December 28, 2004 Posts: 289	After re-reading your message I have another question and maybe the answer. My calbration code is TJF1. Am I safe in entering the strategy you have listed above in the Livelink program even though my Xcal cannot read my strategy? I tried returning to the stock tune but it still could not read it.

9/21/06, 10:55 PM	#8
PIKE2244 Cobra Member Join Date: August 1, 2005 Posts: 1,094	This is a dumb ?, but does ford re-calibrate the computer everytime you take your car in? Even for something as minor as an oil change?

9/22/06, 11:30 AM	#12
PIKE2244 Cobra Member Join Date: August 1, 2005 Posts: 1,094	Thanks Doug!!! Always appreciate the quick response!

9/22/06, 11:37 AM	#13
PIKE2244 Cobra Member Join Date: August 1, 2005 Posts: 1,094	Another quick ? I am thinking it is unecessary to switch out the C&L intake w/ either the stock or a K&N system before taking my car in for an oil change. Am I correct or just being paranoid about warranty crap? (I know if I switch out the intake I would have to tune back to stock, so I hope I am correct)

9/22/06, 12:22 PM	#14
Rash Mach 1 Member Rich Join Date: November 3, 2005 Location: Cary, NC Car: 06 Mustang GT Posts: 555	This should be a sticky. Thanks for the info Doug. __________________ 2006 Mustang GT Premium, Auto, Windveil Blue/Parchment, BFG KDWS w/ 18" Fanblades, Spoiler Delete Performance Mods: JLTII CAI, Bama Tunes (87 Performance, 93 Race, 93 Torque), FRPP/Supreme GTA Axleback Exhaust Exterior Mods: Ford Plenum Cover, Rear Blackout, Xpel Clear Bra, MAG Mirror Covers, CDC Classic Chin Spoiler, SHR Billet Fuel Door, antenna delete, GTS Foglight Covers Interior Mods: MGW Billet Upgrades (A/C Knobs, E-brake Handle, GT Power Outlet Plug, Coat Hangers), PIE Auxilliary Input Adapter, XM Skydock , GT logo Floor Mats Future Mods: Roush rear springs, 3.73 gears

9/22/06, 3:41 PM	#16
PIKE2244 Cobra Member Join Date: August 1, 2005 Posts: 1,094	True enough!

9/22/06, 3:55 PM	#17
RKNMACH Bullitt Member Chris Join Date: May 10, 2006 Location: NOVA Posts: 402	My dealer has no problem with the tune or the CAI. Ford and Steeda are in bed together so I can't see how it could be an issue with dealers. Since this is not a perfect world I'm sure there will always be an exception(s) to the rule. I copied Doug's msg and emailed it to my service rep and told him to keep it on file just in case.... __________________ 2006 GT, 5 speed, black on black. Steeda Tri-Ax shifter, Magnaflow catbacks, Steeda CAI w/HF inlet elbow. UDP's, Dyno tune by Wheat at Springfield Motorsport 294.6 hp 306.2 torque (SAE corrected) 4.10's w/FRPP girdle, CHE K Member brace w/torque limiters, Spydershaft, SoS three pillar pod with gauges Tokico D-Specs w/remote adjusters

9/22/06, 6:21 PM	#18
Britinastang Newbie Join Date: September 13, 2006 Posts: 28	can anyone tell me the cal code for this strategy code = FBCD0B6?

9/22/06, 8:56 PM	#20
parrotheadGT GT Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 175	Doug, This may be a dumb question, but does the "read strategy" procedure you reccomend have to be done when the unit is brand new, I.E. before a tune is initailly uploaded while all the stock parameters are still in the PCM? I've had my tune for a couple of months now (with no service work done). Will I still be able to read the proper strategy code for future reference? __________________ 06 Tungsten GT, 5 speed manual, premium, 18" wheels. MODS Flowmasters, MGW knobs, power plug;, oil & radiator cap, door pins. Redline leather shifter, and e-brake cover. CDC chin spoiler & GT500 pedals. Window tint. Black A/C vents (w/IUP). 07 Padded armrest. Ford plenum cover. Infinity 6812's front & rear. C&L w/Bamachips tune... Previous Mustangs 1985 Silver GT Coupe ('85-'91) 1992 Blue GT Convert ('93-'95) *"Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and* *anyone going faster than you is a maniac."* George Carlin.

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