Ford V10 engine slightly surging climbing mountains

[Sagecoachdriver]

I understand the downhill. What about the uphill is it really needed for climbing without anything in tow?
Here in California, there isn't much that can be done legally to the engine or transmission.

[ddbck]

SCT-X4 or Livewire plugs into your ODB II & reprogram your ECM & transmission. He builds custom tunes spesificly for your vehicle. He can put the in your device of choice or email you new or updated tunes. Very easy to do. His tunes will pass any inspection. It is also a code / data reader. You can also Data Log with it. Go to his web site 5 Star Tuning he specializes in V-10`s. Excellent customer service. I have had his tunes on 3 different trucks. You will not believe the new power, its like a new vehicle. He leaves the factory safety limits in place, very safe very effective. Lots of information & testimonials on his web site.

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by JimOneil43

What is the approx cost for their tuning program? Do they send you a chip or something that you load into your Ford computer module or what?
Thanks

We have not installed one, but are considering.The one for the motor home is about $480. There is a module that plugs in under the hood. You have to remove it before taking it for warranty. Pretty easy to do.

1997-2015 RV Tuner/Programmer Archives - 5 Star Tuning

[Dodge Guy]

I'll 3rd 5star! They make the V-10 the way it should've been from the factory. All you do is plug it into your OBDII port under the dash and reflash the PCM. Then you remove it. Other than the improved programming you'll never know it was flashed.

[Sagecoachdriver]

I am wondering if I had it in T/H and it was nearing the point where it should be shifting. Heading up again to Yosemite again in a few weeks and will pay more attention to it.
The 5 star has some many plans, which do you guys use?

[JimOneil43]

Originally Posted by Dodge Guy

I'll 3rd 5star! They make the V-10 the way it should've been from the factory. All you do is plug it into your OBDII port under the dash and reflash the PCM. Then you remove it. Other than the improved programming you'll never know it was flashed.

So, you can remove it from the OBDII port after you reflash it? Could I then plug my scangauge back into the port and use it as I was before? Is there also something that plugs in under the hood as Penjoe mentioned?

Thanks

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by JimOneil43

So, you can remove it from the OBDII port after you reflash it? Could I then plug my scangauge back into the port and use it as I was before? Is there also something that plugs in under the hood as Penjoe mentioned?

Thanks

Somewhere in my previous search, I noted diagrams of mounting a module at the firewall in the engine compartment. A wiring harness was unplugged, the module inserted and the wiring harness plugged into the module. That is lost in cyber space.

For motor homes only, it appears that the 5-Star Tuner SCT x4 would be used and accesses the compuer via the OBDII port under the dash. Open the following link, select SCT x4. You can hover and click on any of on the list. The users manual explains a lot of process.

Support - 5 Star Tuning

[Sagecoachdriver]

Guess this precludes me from getting the 5 Star tuner!
*This product is not legal for sale or use in California on pollution controlled motor vehicles.

[Dodge Guy]

Yes, once it's flashed you remove it. You can use your scan gauge. I use my IPhone and OBDII dongle to run my Dash Command app on my phone. It does the same thing as the scan gauge, but with a lot more readings.

I wouldn't worry about the "Cali restriction" you can install and remove it before and after a smog check. And I personally don't think it will run any dirtier than the factory program.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Went to Yosemite earlier this week and had the same engine rpm fluctuation. I called my local Ford dealer and the service tech said it was normal as there is no CHECK ENGINE light or trouble code in the memory. I asked it it could be starved for air and he said again it would be picked up and a trouble code. He said the new computers and sensors are great for picking up the slightest malfunctions now.
So I guess I just live with it for now.

[Kevin & Judy]

My V10 has had a surge in it from day one, Mostly under med to hard acceleration. Like getting onto the expresway. Been to 2 different dealers as i feel it should not act like that, was told by both dealers this is normal enging performance for the V10.

[lbrjet]

Sage,

You mentioned a Scangauge. The SLP function will show you what the torque converter is doing. A 1.00 or .99 reading is locked. Anything less is open and will raise RPM's without shifting gears. The lower the number the more RPM's you will see. When more engine load load is required (like when going up a hill) the Torque converter will unlock first to raise RPM's to give you more power. If that is not enough power then a gear shift will follow. This is all normal and may be what is happening. What would not be normal is if the SLP number is skipping around rapidly. This may indicate a problem with the converter.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Sage,

You mentioned a Scangauge. The SLP function will show you what the torque converter is doing. A 1.00 or .99 reading is locked. Anything less is open and will raise RPM's without shifting gears. The lower the number the more RPM's you will see. When more engine load load is required (like when going up a hill) the Torque converter will unlock first to raise RPM's to give you more power. If that is not enough power then a gear shift will follow. This is all normal and may be what is happening. What would not be normal is if the SLP number is skipping around rapidly. This may indicate a problem with the converter.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

Found it, Thanks!

[Mars]

I have an 2004 that does not surge. Anybody wanna trade?

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by Mars

I have an 2004 that does not surge. Anybody wanna trade?

Neither did my 2004 Minnie with the same engine and 4R100 transmission that I prefer over the 5R110W. Hate the Tow Haul! Want my O/D back!!
Entered in the X codes on the Scangauge and double checked them. Only the Symbol shows, no reading. But I was in the driveway and at idle not moving. Will see next week when I go for propane fill up, but I don't think it's working.

[lbrjet]

I think you do need to be moving. If it doesn't work I will look up my codes.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

I think you do need to be moving. If it doesn't work I will look up my codes.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

Thanks SCD

[benagi]

If you get Motorhome magazine , the May issue has a great article on "plug in power, tuning a v-10 gasser". During their test, they were able to increase torque and horsepower all at a lower rpm and change shift points. Looked like a great tune for driving on mountain highways.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by benagi

If you get Motorhome magazine , the May issue has a great article on "plug in power, tuning a v-10 gasser". During their test, they were able to increase torque and horsepower all at a lower rpm and change shift points. Looked like a great tune for driving on mountain highways.

Ben, the aren't legal in California. You can't touch anything.

[Mars]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

Ben, the aren't legal in California. You can't touch anything.

Do it and forget about it, just like politicians........I do not recall.....