Should I buy a'07 ex with 21k that just needed PCM/TCM reprogrammed?

[Darcie]

an ex with 21k that just needed PCM/TCM reprogrammed?
Posted previously about my 02 Ex that Ford couldn't figure out, so now I just decided to buy a different one, a newer one.

Found a 2007 Limited with V8, 21,000 miles, but upon reviewing the service recs, found it has just had the PCM and TCM (it listed both) reprogrammed, because during a test drive at the dealership it lurched forward like it had been hit from behind when coming to stop. It listed the issue as "Ok now".

After just dealing with major problems, possibly tranny related, on my last one, the last thing I want is another problem with a trans. Is this a fairly common or benign issue, or is it a sign of deeper problems around the corner?

I am supposed to pick up the new ex on Friday.
Thanks everyone, I appreciate your imput.
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[brown986]

If this is your only concern, I wouldn't let that stop me. Those are common issues and the fix generally takes care of matters. I recommend changing transmission fluid in these newer automatic transmissions every 30,000 miles, which is also Ford's recommendation. The new automatics are very complex and won't tolerate old/dirty/thin fluid. You might be able to negotiate a fluid change as a condition of your buying it, but if not, it's not a big deal & doesn't cost that much to do.

 

[Darcie]

Sounds good, and thanks for the reminder on changing the trans fluid.

 

[GreenMando]

To be effective you will need a transmission fluid flush, more involved than just changing tranny fluid. A large percentage of the fluid is in the torque converter and a mere fluid change is a drop in the well.

 

[Gus Gorilla]

^^ I can get behind that. And if I'm not mistaken the ECM/TCM is all one module for this truck. At either rate, reflashes come out all the time for lots of cars for lots of things. Sometimes they're needed, sometimes they're preformed "just cuz' it was there". I agree with brown. Wouldn't sweat it.

Could have just been some joyrider test driving and said "oh no, it bucks/jerks at a stop sign, I don't want this" as an easy exit excuse. Then the dealership has to at least check it out and boom, there's a reflash available. So it gets done and the buck gets blamed on that whether it is or not.

 

[JohnnyO]

I had mine reflashed last year. A lot of the tranny complaints aren't a result of the tranny itself but the computer that controls it. No biggie.

 

[GSU4x4]

+1 i've had mine re-flashed too, my only problem is if I leave it in overdrive while pulling a trailer with a load...otherwise don't have a problem.

 

[Darcie]

So just picked up the new Ex- 07 Limited V8, it's awesome. But, it runs/drives much different than my 02, not sure if this is normal or not, but when I give it gas off the line, it sorta feels like I've let the clutch out on a stick, it almost hesitates for a split second, then takes off. Sometimes does it when it shifts to 2nd too. Is this normal?

 

[JohnnyO]

So just picked up the new Ex- 07 Limited V8, it's awesome. But, it runs/drives much different than my 02, not sure if this is normal or not, but when I give it gas off the line, it sorta feels like I've let the clutch out on a stick, it almost hesitates for a split second, then takes off. Sometimes does it when it shifts to 2nd too. Is this normal?

Try disconnecting the battery for about 10 minutes, then hook it up and drive it like you stole it and see if it's any different. The computer learns your driving patterns, or the ones from the previous owner, and it really needs to be refreshed once a year or so.

 

[04mach1]

It is the throttle by wire if you get as tuner you can have it tuned out so it will not hesitate when you take off.

 

[68 GT]

is there a TSB on this reflash ? My transmission does stupid stuff here and there too.

 

[04mach1]

is there a TSB on this reflash ? My transmission does stupid stuff here and there too.

Yes

 

[NotATruckGuy]

Me Too

is there a TSB on this reflash ? My transmission does stupid stuff here and there too.

I've noticed that the 6-speed transmission in my '07 V-8 doesn't exactly anticipate my next move, to make the understatement of the year. It looks like I'm not alone.

My guess is that Ford has issued a "secret recall" that is only done if you go to a dealership and complain of the exact problem that is cited in the recall notice. Since the new 6-speed auto transmissions are totally self-contained (the TCU is inside the transmission, and doesn't talk to other control units; there's not even a trans fluid level dipstick) I'm thinking that you have to be a "squeaky wheel" to get your Ford service department to open up the trans and install the new software. I think that I'm going to be a "squeaky wheel" and get that done before my factory warranty expires in December.

JohnnyO, unhooking the battery will not reset the TCU. I checked. The autonomous transmission in an otherwise cooperative-to-good-effect control system seems like a major thorn in the side of the V-8 Gen2 Sport Trac.

P.S. My 4x4 Sport Trac does seem to act "clumsy" under certain situations, which one doesn't expect with a long wheelbase vehicle. It feels a lot like the front end and the rear end have different agendas, if that makes any sense. It's been a long time since I've driven a 4x4 light truck, and I have a vague memory of old pickups acting that way many years ago. Could be that my memory is faulty, and this "bucking" behavior is another symptom of the same problem.

 

[pj07Limited]

Having the TSB done is worth it

NotATruckGuy - I know exactly what you mean by the "clumsy", "different agenda" feeling.... turns out it is the transmission that has it's own agenda, at least mine did.

I finally got around to having the 09B11 recall (stuck in park) done about 2 weeks ago and since I was going to be at the dealer I had them do TSB 08-24-4 (driveline bump while braking) which consists of updating the PCM and TCM. It cost me $80 for labor but was worth it.

A few things I've noticed:
I have never been very impressed with my tracs(07, V8) braking but the first thing I noticed after picking the truck up was how much better the brakes felt. I never realized just how much of it was do to the transmission still putting power to the wheels while breaking.

My trac also would often hesitate and then buck like a bronco when cold and at low speeds, this is also gone now, takes off nice and smooth while cold at low speed.

Just overall smoother, more responsive, and consistent performance out of the transmission. No more wondering if it's going to hesitate at takeoff, or push at slowdown, nice and smooth all around every time.

 

[NotATruckGuy]

NotATruckGuy - I know exactly what you mean by the "clumsy", "different agenda" feeling.... turns out it is the transmission that has it's own agenda, at least mine did.

I finally got around to having the 09B11 recall (stuck in park) done about 2 weeks ago and since I was going to be at the dealer I had them do TSB 08-24-4 (driveline bump while braking) which consists of updating the PCM and TCM. It cost me $80 for labor but was worth it.

Glad to hear it! I went over the various TSBs with my service manager, and he said he'd do an update, although he didn't think they applied to my particular situation. Meanwhile, I've gotten a custom tune loaded, and the problem is gone that way. Plus I have a few more ponies to boot!

A few things I've noticed:
I have never been very impressed with my tracs(07, V8) braking but the first thing I noticed after picking the truck up was how much better the brakes felt. I never realized just how much of it was do to the transmission still putting power to the wheels while breaking.

My trac also would often hesitate and then buck like a bronco when cold and at low speeds, this is also gone now, takes off nice and smooth while cold at low speed.

Just overall smoother, more responsive, and consistent performance out of the transmission. No more wondering if it's going to hesitate at takeoff, or push at slowdown, nice and smooth all around every time.

Yep, it's a lot better than the fancy new six-speed acting like it had half of its gears locked out or something.

 

[twooldfarmers]

driveline bump while stopping

my 08 ST with the 4.6 - 6 speed auto has a strange little bump just before you stop rolling forward at a red light or stop sign. It had me out looking to see if something in the cargo bed that I did not know about and perhaps it was rolling around. Nope nothing there.

It is almost indiscernible in nature but it is there and there is nothing lose in or under the vehicle to explain it.

It must be the TSB 08-24-4 that has been talked about here. I have only had the vehicle for a few weeks so I will making a trip to the local Ford dealership. You gotta' love the internet forums that allow us to interact in this way and sort out all kinds of problems that would otherwise plague us indefinitely.

 

[NotATruckGuy]

It's a Tuning Issue

After driving around for a while with Torrie's programs loaded via my X3 box, I've found that the 6-speed tranny can indeed be programmed to cure factory stock shortcomings. I don't have any problems when coming to a stop, but Torrie's "Sport" (87 & 93) tunes give a pronounced "thunk" when starting from a dead stop. No complaints, I asked for a positive engagement, and that's what I got. My point is that if it's possible to program the trans to be street rod firm, it's probably possible to program away the "strange little bump".

I don't know how I managed without programmable powertrain controls...