New to tuning. Doing Ford performance Tune tomorrow

[Tys]

Hey yall,

Looking forward to this Forum. I have not yet introduced myself yet. New to me 2020 Lariat Fx4 with 40k. Full introduction soon. Quick Noob question......

So I got in my Ford performance tune pck from stage 3 a few days ago. Filter in, 93 in, Procal updated and ready. I have a brand new AGM BmW battery installed 12/24 by the dealer. Yes BmW dealer Lol. Everything seems straight forward but I am extra concerned about the battery drain from the tune. The only Tender I have Is a Craftsman 1.5A baterry tender. Will this be good enough with the new battery? Should I hook this up for the intial stock download too? or is that quick enough where I dont have too? I am thinking about calling ford techline to ask before I start. Is that worth the time? Feedabck from Y'all is much appreciated.

Love this truck!!

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[SigOris]

I installed the FPT in my MY22 RANGER with NO ISSUES

As a best practice for things like this, connect your vehicle to the charger while doing the install.

As far as the install, just follow the instructions STEP BY STEP and you'll be fine.

To get the benefits from the tune 91+ is needed.

I had no battery issues after tune install

hope this puts your mind at ease.

Does your RANGER the @AzScorpion tail gate damper installed?

 

[Tys]

1.5A tender ok to use?

Good with everything I believe.

Yup came with Tailgate damper already installed ?

 

[fusseli]

The tune doesn't take long, there's nothing to worry about. Congrats on the tune! You'll be happy with it!

 

[JimG_AZ]

I hope you didn't have to pay the BMW dealer to install that battery. If so, that is probably the most expensive battery and install you will ever pay for. Here is why I do not like BMW batteries. If the battery fails during the warranty period, the only way you can get it replaced under warranty is to run the claim through the BMW service department. That means they will have to look at your Ranger. Not sure about your local BMW dealer, but the ones around Phoenix, seem to charge $250 just to write the service ticket - LOL.

 

[Dereku]

Should be good to go. Battery tender is optional

 

[dozxab]

I just turned off everything. I have a voltage meter that plugs in to the 12v plug and kept an eye on it. It dropped from 12.4 to 12.2 through the entire process. Tranny may shift a little funny for a day, just the learning phase.

 

[Tys]

I hope you didn't have to pay the BMW dealer to install that battery. If so, that is probably the most expensive battery and install you will ever pay for. Here is why I do not like BMW batteries. If the battery fails during the warranty period, the only way you can get it replaced under warranty is to run the claim through the BMW service department. That means they will have to look at your Ranger. Not sure about your local BMW dealer, but the ones around Phoenix, seem to charge $250 just to write the service ticket - LOL.

LoL your not wrong! Fortunately the battery and 40k service including diff fluid change was done by them for pre sale. Their a local BmW dealer and I bought the truck pre owned from them. They gave me the write up and their shop charges were silly expensive for sure. But not on my dime. Great place actually but will not be returning for anything any time soon. Im just syked they replaced the battery!

 

[Tys]

I just turned off everything. I have a voltage meter that plugs in to the 12v plug and kept an eye on it. It dropped from 12.4 to 12.2 through the entire process. Tranny may shift a little funny for a day, just the learning phase.

What would you do if it dropped significantly? Is there an option to stop the tune, or would you just have quickly hooked a charger? Im just wondering if my small 1.5A tender is even worth throwing on there. Thats a small trickle LoL

 

[Rp930]

It will be fine. The charger won’t hurt if you can put it on. It’s over in 15-20 minutes. You will love it.

 

[RangerPNW]

Should be fine without a tender, i did mine on the original battery at about 45k, and had zero issues. You can tell when the battery needs to be replaced anyways, auto stop/start doesn't work, the keyless entry sensors stop working, etc...

Oh and if you're throwing the tune on, now is a good time to get some new spark plugs too. I went with a step colder plugs which is common practice on tuned turbo engines. I snagged a set from Mountune, they come pre-gapped which is convenient. https://mountuneusa.com/products/ngk-iridium-spark-plug-set-ltr71x-ii?variant=40381994827843

 

[pickettf3nce]

From my experience flash tuning Infinitis/Nissans, you'll be fine, especially with a new battery. Just follow the instructions and it is hard to go wrong with most of these setups.

Battery tender is likely optional and unnecessary, granted, it never hurts to have it.

Also, welcome to the forum!

 

[dozxab]

What would you do if it dropped significantly? Is there an option to stop the tune, or would you just have quickly hooked a charger? Im just wondering if my small 1.5A tender is even worth throwing on there. Thats a small trickle LoL

If you want, just throw the trickle charger on. I didn't need it but you never know. Once the process starts, there is no stopping it. I would have thrown mine on if needed. I did tuners on a couple of Mustangs in the past and didn't need a charger for them.

 

[Tys]

OK lets cap off this thread....its done!

First that was super nerve racking, really for no reason but when you just buy a truck you love and really cant afford it in the 1st place, bricking the ECU is less than optimal LoL
And the fact that it shifts great and had plenty of power already, So why do it? Well.....its fun stuff!

So quick 20 min ride and..........awesome!! I know hardcore gear heads will want more but this tune was exactly what I was looking for. Shift points are better already and its still got some learning to do, throttle is amazing and that truck is quick. Even sounds better when gettin on it. Prob just the KN.
Now an exhaust in the spring and maybe some charge pipes and shes done. As of now I want for nothing for her. Thats a great feeling!

For those wondering some of the things that I was about this tune, this is for you.....

I did hook up the 1.5A craftsman tender. Said charging the entire time but at that small rate I cant be sure it was enough to do much for a low battery. Luckily my battery was new. I feel even with everything off the truck kinda new to power down everything too. So like others have said it prob is not necessary but I would do it anyway.
The stock file download took about 20 min. I did not start the truck after it finished. (thought I might just to charge up the battery quick) I left it on the charger, went in and finished on the PC then came right out and started the update. The new Tune update only took about 10 or so minutes. Shut down, disconnected, cleaned up, started her up and it was all good. Im a stickler for directions and it was a bit confusing when it says " finished, clearing codes, power off for 3 sec" at the end of each download. Seemingly your just done at that point and can power down and disconnect. Def should have been more clear on the finishing step. Shoulda said " your F@cking done! ECU didnt explode! Have a fast day"!!

Thanks all for your quick replies, insight and help!! Much appreciated!

 

[dozxab]

OK lets cap off this thread....its done!

First that was super nerve racking, really for no reason but when you just buy a truck you love and really cant afford it in the 1st place, bricking the ECU is less than optimal LoL
And the fact that it shifts great and had plenty of power already, So why do it? Well.....its fun stuff!

So quick 20 min ride and..........awesome!! I know hardcore gear heads will want more but this tune was exactly what I was looking for. Shift points are better already and its still got some learning to do, throttle is amazing and that truck is quick. Even sounds better when gettin on it. Prob just the KN.
Now an exhaust in the spring and maybe some charge pipes and shes done. As of now I want for nothing for her. Thats a great feeling!

For those wondering some of the things that I was about this tune, this is for you.....

I did hook up the 1.5A craftsman tender. Said charging the entire time but at that small rate I cant be sure it was enough to do much for a low battery. Luckily my battery was new. I feel even with everything off the truck kinda new to power down everything too. So like others have said it prob is not necessary but I would do it anyway.
The stock file download took about 20 min. I did not start the truck after it finished. (thought I might just to charge up the battery quick) I left it on the charger, went in and finished on the PC then came right out and started the update. The new Tune update only took about 10 or so minutes. Shut down, disconnected, cleaned up, started her up and it was all good. Im a stickler for directions and it was a bit confusing when it says " finished, clearing codes, power off for 3 sec" at the end of each download. Seemingly your just done at that point and can power down and disconnect. Def should have been more clear on the finishing step. Shoulda said " your F@cking done! ECU didnt explode! Have a fast day"!!

Thanks all for your quick replies, insight and help!! Much appreciated!

Pretty straightforward. Much bigger improvement from when I did my 2 Mustangs but I think with a turbo, there is a lot more room to find HP. Have fun!

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