2006 F250 6.0 liter FICM programming

[jgrappone]

I am very interested in doing the FICM programming after the dealer reprogrammed my truck to the VXCF9h7 strategy. I run a diablo predator programmer and after the ford calibration my mileage went down the toilet. My question is which besides my driving will give me the better mileage having my FICM reprogrammed or do I need to get it all rolled back. Also if I get it all rolled back what calibration would be in the truck so I can use my diablo predator. Thanks

[cleatus12r]

The best way to get your mileage back is to do it all in one shot. Even when the Diablo is installed in the truck with the VXCF9H7 strategy, the ECM is still operating with a crappy base strategy.

[jgrappone]

Okay that will be fine. What will the new strategy number be with the roll back or will it still show VXCF9H7 even thought it is different. When I had the previous strategy from ford and the 100hp tune from diablo I was getting about 23 mpg on the highway not pulling and when towing a 5th wheel would get about 13 mpg with a 13,000 lb trailer.

[jgrappone]

My current strategy is VXCF9H7 in my 2006 F250 6.0 liter powerstroke and that is the reason I want a FICM programming. My strategy I had before that I liked was VXCF1D6 if I get my ECM and TCM rolled back can I get it rolled back to that strategy? It seems that some people that have had it rolled back by you folks was to a VXCF4D3 strategy and the tunes for the Diablo Predator were not as good with that strategy. Thanks

[Jeremy]

If you want VXCF1, thats what they'll give you. Most people go to VXCF4 because 4 shifted better than 1 did.

[ff0326]

I have the exact same set up in my truck. How did the update work? I recieved my email yesterday for the remote programing. What can I expect? I rolled over the local grain scale the other day with the 5th wheel and motorcycle trailer attached. Pushing 24,000 lbs. Was getting about 11 mpg pulling this setup out to Doubis WY then Ford got ahold of it and now 7-9 mpg. Same roads about the same conditions. Doing about 15 empty on a good day. My '04 with the 100 hp installed ran 19+ all day long. If you parked the two trucks side by side, you would not be able to tell the differance, except for the grill.

[OneMeanStroker]

If you want VXCF1, thats what they'll give you. Most people go to VXCF4 because 4 shifted better than 1 did.

I see you have an 05 EX. Do you like the strategy that you have, and what kind of mileage do you get? I just got my custom tunes today, and am thinking rollback. Got an 80 DD, 100, 120, and 140. They all shift like butter, and have good power, but mileage still seems subpar. I know I have a garbage strategy, just wish I rolled back before I paid for the tunes, and have to pay again.

[Jeremy]

I really dislike the EX's program. It shifts like crap and gets poor mpg. I averaged 14-15.5 when I used the Stock Ex computer. Then I changed over to a Truck PCM. With a 04 F-250-F350 PCM and the PHP FICM I'm up to 17.5 so far...Winter fuel...

I have a summer of traveling ahead so I should have some good base numbers to report. Otherwise the EX is sitting in the garage, so I have not had much of a chance to do any real hard core mpg tests with it. I'd like to get to 20 at 75 mph, but it may not be possible since they're so heavy.

[ff0326]

Well the upgrade has been in now for a couple of days. Only running to and from work. Before 14.5-15.2 mpg. after about 60 miles or so looking at around 16.8-17.:) Still too early to get accurate readings, but some is better than none. Will install my programer this weekend and see if that ups it at all.

[OneMeanStroker]

Well the upgrade has been in now for a couple of days. Only running to and from work. Before 14.5-15.2 mpg. after about 60 miles or so looking at around 16.8-17.:) Still too early to get accurate readings, but some is better than none. Will install my programer this weekend and see if that ups it at all.


Keep us updated.

[ff0326]

Installed the 100 hp program from my Predator after updating that also. The kick in the pants returned, blows black when you mash it:happy-dancing: Milage has not increased any. Pretty steady at 15.4:sigh: My '04 was in the 19+ range with the same trim. Don't know, but thinking I may have thrown my money out the window.:doh:

[RoyBoy]

Not that it's really related, but Predator's programming is really terrible. You could probably do better stock or with something custom. JMHO :D

[ff0326]

Yea, know that it may not be the best and a pain to change when I tow, but it has worked pretty well in my 6.0's in the past. They did have a glitch in one of the last updates that did not allow it to install any type of power. It seems to be fixed in the latest update. In my 2 '04's I was getting 19-22 mpg at 60 mph on 2 lane roads with 285 tires. Now with the '06 it looks like 15.5 mpg is what it is willing to get. About the same with or with out the programer, just a little bigger smile with.