[Jackpine]

Originally Posted by dplummer87

I already got my hex code, i just want to know what the heck it is....lars gave me a small run down. Thanks though

It's not something that you really want to read off the sticker on the PCM. The hex code is an "identification" of the program that is burned into the PCM either at the factory, when the truck was built or the identification of a new dealer flash that Ford determines is good for your truck. (The new dealer flash is the reason you don't want to read the hex code off the sticker - the flash changed it). The stock Gryphon comes ready to accept a large number of hex codes (they're in a table that''s part of the Gryphon's firmware. When it reprograms the PCM to a new level using these canned tunes, the hex code is not changed, but I think the Gryphon is pretty much "married" to that hex code until it is returned to stock.

The canned tunes are very generic - sort of like Maxwell House coffee: They "wake up" any truck that they're applied to, but that's about it.

Now, when Bill writes your specific custom tunes, he "marries" those to YOUR hex code, so they won't work on someone else's truck. Part of this, of course is to keep one programmer from being used to program every truck in the world (no profit in that)! But, another, more important reason is that a custom tune for your truck COULD damage MY truck, and Bill would not want you to damage my truck with your programmer.

The custom tune is like the gourmet coffee you drink on special occasions. It's perfect for your tastes, but I possibly wouldn't like it - it could even upset my tummy!

And, if I haven't bored you enough already, the hex code is probably located in the first few bytes of the flash memory program stored in the PCM. The Gryphon can retrieve and display it using the "diagnostics" menu, as I recall.

Does this explanation help or confuse you?

- Jack