Am I the only one with CRD1 PCM s/w?

[TripleTransAm]

Question says it all... I see tons of people getting calibration updates on their PCM s/w versions, whereas I'm still functioning on what came from the factory and there doesn't seem to be any update for my version.

Not that I'm complaining (I'm realizing my MM is running pretty well based on what I'm reading lately, except for a slight roughness when it's cold out)... I was just wondering if anyone else out there is running PCM s/w version CRD1?

And why ARE there 4 versions, anyway?

[RCSignals]

I think that is the latest s/w code

Actually the TSB or Service Letter about rough idle at cold start says something about the ambient temperature being between 70 and 90 degrees.

The updates people are getting is probably to your s/w code

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by RCSignals
I think that is the latest s/w code

Actually the TSB or Service Letter about rough idle at cold start says something about the ambient temperature being between 70 and 90 degrees.

The updates people are getting is probably to your s/w code


So what you're saying is that this update that everyone is talking about lately is actually more than just an update in calibrations?

[Matt Johnson]

That's the code on my MM. The latest upgrade doesn't apply to this?

[RCSignals]

As I understand it's a reflash of the PCM

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by Matt Johnson
That's the code on my MM. The latest upgrade doesn't apply to this?

It will if the available reflash code goes beyond that last PCM code

[Wags]

I have the FDH2 load, which is a very early load. I have the rough idle and cold hesitation, but my dealer says that I have the latest dump in there. I've never had it updated yet, so I don't see how it can be the latest, unless there are different revisions of code for each of the four boxes. I got my car early last year in June '02. The chip from Dennis does not take care of this problem. It's still there.

Wags

[NickLee]

CRD1. I have the rough idle and cold hesitation, but my dealer says that I have the latest as well.

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by Wags
I have the FDH2 load, which is a very early load. I have the rough idle and cold hesitation, but my dealer says that I have the latest dump in there. I've never had it updated yet, so I don't see how it can be the latest, unless there are different revisions of code for each of the four boxes.


Well, that's just it. What your dealer is talking about is the calibrations, and is what most people have been getting as updates (until now, where we need to know if it's a calibration re-flash or a re-flash of the ENTIRE pcm s/w). So the Bxxx guys have been getting reflashes of their calibration, and it looks like the CRD1 guys have not had any new releases of calibration. Looks like your FDH2 load is at the latest calibrations as well.

As a side note, the PCM code can be divided into 2 chunks (as far as I know): one chunk is the actual code, that controls how the PCM acts and how it does what it does - namely, how to send electric signals to injectors, how to read the inputs from the sensors, etc. Then there are the calibrations, which the PCM reads and uses the values based on what it's reading from sensors. So, if the PCM code reads 2000 RPM at some temperature at some air pressure/flow at some throttle opening in some gear with some oxygen sensor reading (all inputs from sensors), it will consult the calibrations table and determine how much fuel to deliver, if it should upshift/downshift, etc. The calibrations change the behavior of the vehicle, fuel-wise and others (transmission shifts, other tweaks) but the PCM code is the DNA (or low-level brain programming) of the box.

I've always wondered why they didn't just have 1 PCM s/w revision (ie. update all the FDH2, Bxxx, CRD0s etc. to CRD1, and have one calibration). There must be a reason why they needed 4 distinct PCM s/w and why some needed a calibration update or two, and some did not.

Can someone from Ford (or with more Ford programming experience) comment on this?

[cyclone03]

Ok what if's here....
Why they need 4 cal's?
Could it be regional,they program for altitude,weather,in different parts of the country.

They do it to sell more parts?

The programs are changed so Dennis can sell more chips?

They do it to trip up chip burners?

The programs are so different that they are totaly unlike the one before.

They are tuning by trial and error and can't seem to get it right.

[RF Overlord]

One possible reason for different codes is the mid-stream addition of traction control...

What I don't get, is if, as 3TA explained, a code consists of an "operating system" and a set of calibration tables, and if Dennis's chip overrides those tables, why Wags still has the cold stumble issue with Dennis's chip installed...

I had the BMD0 code before my FordChip ECM re-flash; so did the re-flash overwrite just the calibration tables, or do I now have a new "operating system" as well...?

Dennis?

[TripleTransAm]

RF, I didn't think about the little tweaks like traction control, etc. (I hope the heated seats aren't PCM-controlled :D ). I never looked at it from that angle before... basically, since I have TC I will never be able to run any of the revisions that didn't support TC. Likewise, looks like those without TC will never be able to run CRD1. All this coupled with emissions requirements (California versus Federal, etc.) might account for the 4 different revs. Sounds good to me...

I doubt FordChips reflashed the actual operating code of the PCM. As it stands, the PCM holds both the firmware (or operating system or whatever) and the calibration tables. The expansion port/socket/whatever seems to tell the PCM to read whatever's plugged into that port instead of what's in memory. If FordChips flashes your PCM with whatever tables it modified, the chip is no longer needed, since the PCM's "original" calibrations are now the ones modified by FordChips.

As for Wags' cold stumble issue with the chip... maybe Dennis has tweaked his tables along the way. Maybe some versions of PCM s/w don't react the same way to some table changes. After all, USUALLY whenever you get stricter in emissions controls, you lose some driveability, so maybe a more emissions-friendly code will take some table values and not use them in the same fashion, or might apply some offset to what it reads, or whatever... with software, the possibilities are endless.

Of course, this might explain the wide variations in fuel consumption and performance results we've been reading about lately. For example, someone in California may be expressing concern over performance issues, yet my MM surprised me yesterday with two different tire-spinning scenarios (the 4500 1-2 upshift, repeated many times, and the wheelspin from a dead stop later on). I wouldn't mind hearing some performance impressions from some other CRD1 users.

You know, this is the kind of stuff that's going to completely baffle automotive historians and restorers some 20-30 years down the line when our cars become classics. :cool:

[cyclone03]

You know, this is the kind of stuff that's going to completely baffle automotive historians and restorers some 20-30 years down the line when our cars become classics. :cool: [/B][/QUOTE]

oh man I can here it already,
your showing a BDM0 code here on the door sticker but the computer has FDR1 but when we plug in the scan-tron 2004 we see your internal code is ou812 thats going to cost you some points................

[MAD-3R]

:lol:

[Matt Johnson]

Mine's a 300 a with the CDR1 so that throws out TC as a component of this box.

I haven't experienced the cold hesitation, but I've experienced "rough idle" even more so after my first road trip last week through the desert at relatively high speed (80-85 mph).

[DavidB]

Does anyone know if the TSB flash for the cold hesitation does anything for the rough idle? I have the BMD0 PCM.

My 98 Mark VIII idles like glass compared to the Marauder, though the rpms are different (700 in drive for the Mark, ~550 for the Marauder).

TTYL
David

[darebren]

my nuild date is 2/03, I have CRD1 ecu code. no problems ever.

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by RF Overlord
One possible reason for different codes is the mid-stream addition of traction control...



I don't think so, since my 300B also has the same BMD0 code as your 300A

[studio460]

Where are you all reading your firmware/software version codes from? I looked at the label in the door . . . didn't see any of the codes mentioned [build date: 02/03 300B] on mine.

[Black Terror]

located on driver side pillar, open door and look at label on side of pillar. Code is not on door itself.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what he said^^^

it's on the windshield pillar...by the upper door hinge...has a bar-code on it as well...

[studio460]

Thanks, guys! Well, whadduya know . . . "CRD1" on my 02/03 300B! BTW, as far as I can tell, no cold hesitation that I've noticed.

So . . . lemme get this straight. It's hard to tell since many of your sigs are missing 'A' or 'B' notations and build dates. Is this the order (from earliest to latest) we believe to be correct? Does anyone know if in fact "CDR1" is the latest?

FDH2
BMD0
CDR0
CDR1

[TripleTransAm]

Okay, so we have a couple of Californians with CRD1 and a February build date, and one Canadian (me) with CRD1 and a February build date (Feb 13 2003). So that rules out the Kalifornia/Federal emissions thing (unless we have different calibrations as well between our CRD1 loads - seems some californians are complaining of gas mileage issues, I however am not).

And then there's a CRD1 with TC and a CRD1 without TC. So that rules out TC as being a specific item.

So, I'd agree with CRD1 being found on the later builds (with possibly a new s/w being released - no one's confirmed whether the latest change is a calibration change or a complete s/w changeout). So why doesn't Ford just blindly flash all the older Fs and Bs and CRD0s to CRD1 and be done with it? It must be a headache to have to maintain 4 different sets of calibrations (one for each s/w revision).

Trying to get the big picture here......

[Jeff]

Mine says BMD0

[Jeff]

I also do not have the symptoms that you are experiencing.

[Matt Johnson]

I do not have CDR1 on my 300a as I previously stated!

[RF Overlord]

OK, so what DO you have?

[Matt Johnson]

BMD0. No cold hesitation, but definitely "rough idle" that has gotten rougher after fast road trip in 100 degree heat to Vegas last week where car sat parked outside the Hard Rock for two days.

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by Matt Johnson
car sat parked outside the Hard Rock for two days.

Man, that must have been a heck of a bender...

:lol:

[gonzo50]

Mine has the BMDO version and I did get the update on it, they, (the dealership), will put a sticker on your air filter box stating the update calibration. The hesitation and cold start roughness has gone away. :D

[chapel1]

WAGS I have the same code and build you do.I'd like to check out the "chip"differance between our two cars? Will you be at Del Rea's 7/13?
Chapel1

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by gonzo50
Mine has the BMDO version and I did get the update on it, they, (the dealership), will put a sticker on your air filter box stating the update calibration. The hesitation and cold start roughness has gone away. :D

So what code is on the new sticker?

I'd have thought they'd put the new sticker over or beside the old one, and maybe another on the PCM itself

[Wags]

chapel1,

I should be there, but if it's nice out, I'll be bringing the Chevelle out. Otherwise, I'll have the Marauder. The difference is really huge between chip and no chip, but I still have the rough idle and cold start hesitation. The hesitation only lasts for the first few starts from a dead stop, then it's fine. The rough idle is always there.

Wags

[chapel1]

Wags if you want then I want you to drive my car to see if you feel the same things you feel in your's?
I've been stock for a year and I think I need the "chip".I feel the need for speed!:D

[engine23ccvfd]

So did anyone ever find the answer to the difference's in ecm code...new thread somewhere?

[WolfeBros]

Nope. Unless a Ford programmer chimes in it is just all WAG's(wild ass guessing) to this point. Guessing why Ford does anything on this car will give you a headache.

Time to lie down.:confused:

[MERCMAN]

build date 6-02,,fdh2, I had the hesitation, and a feeling of "surging" on WOT,, fordchips reflash made it go bye-bye.
Now hers a question, how often should the car be dyno'ed and reflashed? Any ideas,, suggestions?

[ChuckB]

OK i just ordered the s-trim from Dennis.
he's asking for the same code discussed here.

my MM does not have the label on the drivers side door. the only label anywhere to be found on any door is the vehicle ID tag drivers door opposite hinge side. with buil date, vehicle id #, tire pressure etc.

where else can i get this number? any offerings greatly appreciated.

[RF Overlord]

Chuck:

The ECM code is usually on a small square sticker, white with black letters and a barcode, about an inch square, on the A-pillar, right near the upper door hinge...no?

[ChuckB]

RF,

no gots - i mean the only sticker is the build sticker on the drivers door - side opposite the door hinges.

This may have been a results of my 13 year old son "detailing" after we got the car.

any suggestions for other locations?

[RF Overlord]

That's the only place I've ever heard of it being...unless the dealer has done a re-flash already, then it's supposed to be under the hood somewhere...you can try removing the ECM, but I don't recall there being any stickers on mine...if it comes down to it, Dennis can read the code, but you have to send the ECM to him...sorry, that's all I got...

[Wags]

If you haven't removed the knock off plate on the unit for a chip yet, the rev number should be on there. Just look under the dash, on the front of the computer. There should be a sticker that lists which one you have. It was on mine (FDH2).

Wags

[ChuckB]

thanks guys,

it hasn't been back to the dealer since i bought it in Jan 03. so it has what it came with.

Here's why it hasn't been back - i called the dealer and asked if they could decode. after giving me the "warrenty" talk they said shop rate 93$/Hr. 1 hour minimum.

it's my daily driver and really don't want to give the ecu frequent flier miles if at all possible.

will contort my body up under the drivers side when i get home and give her the once over twice.


thanks again - appreciated!

[RF Overlord]

Chuck, I just thought of one more thing...over on CVN they talk a lot about going to AutoZone to have their MIL codes read through the OBDII port (for free)...maybe those code readers can also display the ECM catch-code? Anybody here know?

[ChuckB]

CVN?

[RF Overlord]

Chuck, check your PMs...