Programming in Cold Weather

87ttopstang · #1 Thu, December 11th, 2008, 10:35 AM

Before I install my gryphon today, as it arrived yesterday

, I thought I'd ask if there are any problems loading the new tunes in cold weather. I do not see why there would be, but I have read on another forum that there might be issues.

When I say cold, I mean -16 degrees here in Canada or 3 degrees in the US.

I'll be patiently waiting. HA HA

***Jackpine*** · #2 Thu, December 11th, 2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87ttopstang

Before I install my gryphon today, as it arrived yesterday

, I thought I'd ask if there are any problems loading the new tunes in cold weather. I do not see why there would be, but I have read on another forum that there might be issues.

When I say cold, I mean -16 degrees here in Canada or 3 degrees in the US.

I'll be patiently waiting. HA HA

You've read the same forums that I've read. I suspect the problem is due to low battery voltage, rather than any difficulty caused by the unit itself or the PCM being cold. Usually, electronic devices work better when they're cold, although LCD screens can malfunction then. And, we all know that cold weather kills a battery's output.

I think what I'd do in your position is hook a battery charger up on a low charge setting, say 2 amps if you have one that can deliver that kind of charge (I do). Let it sit like that for about 30 minutes to bring the battery up to a good charge state and then go ahead and try to install the Gryphon and program the PCM. I'd leave the charger connected the whole time.

Of course, Bill should really be answering this, since he knows the unit best, but I don't see how what I suggest would hurt anything. Because my truck sits for long periods (weeks) in my garage, I keep it connected to a battery tender. I've programmed the PCM without disconnecting the battery tender.

Failing the charger route, just drive the truck until it warms up completely. Then, shut it down and immediately try to install and program the PCM. Make sure all accessories in the truck are turned off first, especially your DRL's and the heater blower. (The same advice for accessories applies to doing it on a charger too).

- Jack

***Power Hungry*** · #3 Fri, December 12th, 2008, 12:20 AM

Battery voltage is definitely an issue when programming in cold weather, but according to Ford's own internal documents as well as documentation from the manufacturers of some of the components, the PCM should not be reflashed until the unit temperature is at least 35º F (3º C). This actually has to do with the way the flash memory is written, which can be unstable in colder temperatures.

The best solution, as Jack indicated, is to run the truck for a bit and allow it to reach full operating temperature. This gives the battery a chance to receive a full charge and allows the PCM to warm up internally. Also, as Jack so wisely indicated, makes sure to turn off any accessories such as the heater blower, DRLs, and radio.

One thing people also overlook is the impact PTT (Nextel) Cellphones can have on the communications. CAN is a very robust communications protocol, but the microwave emissions to and from the phone can conceivably cause an issue during programming so I'd recommend keeping it far away from the programmer. I'm not aware of any specific instance where a failure occurred, but better safe than sorry.

Thanks for catching that one, Jack!

Oh... and 3º F. is freaking COLD! Brrrrrr!!!

Hope this helps.

87ttopstang · #4 Fri, December 12th, 2008, 10:16 AM

I did allow the truck to warm up and I waited until the it was a little warmer. Worked fine and I can really notice the difference in the shifts. I am looking forward to the custom tunes.

***Jackpine*** · #5 Fri, December 12th, 2008, 11:30 AM

Glad you answered this one Bill -

I hadn't thought a cold PCM would be a problem and a cellphone? Sheesh!

Interesting that the PCM's ROM seems to be able to "hold" its programming, once programmed, into sub-zero temperatures.

We don't worry much about cold weather in Tucson - forecast to reach 73 degrees today. :Yawn:

- Jack

87ttopstang · #6 Fri, December 12th, 2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackandJanet

We don't worry much about cold weather in Tucson - forecast to reach 73 degrees today. :Yawn:

- Jack

Going down to -20C or -4F for you USA folks tonight.

I wish it was 73F here.

***Power Hungry*** · #7 Fri, December 12th, 2008, 08:12 PM

-20º C?

:omg: That's just crazy!

I'll even take my miserable 5º C (42º F) as opposed to that.

I bet it makes keeping warm a whole lot more fun, though!

Take care.

***Jackpine*** · #8 Fri, December 12th, 2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Power Hungry

-20º C?

:omg: That's just crazy!

I'll even take my miserable 5º C (42º F) as opposed to that.

I bet it makes keeping warm a whole lot more fun, though!

Take care.

Dressed like you (in a loincloth) :covereyes: 5º C (42º F) has to have a pretty severe "chill factor"! :cold: Glad us old farts

have warmer climes to escape to.

(This is awful - I could spend my whole life here just thinking of ways to use these smileys).

- Jack

Chris74 · #9 Sun, December 21st, 2008, 10:18 AM

we are at -18c here today but more like -30c with wind chill. Severe snow strom as well......my Gryphon has been working fine though in the cold weather so far this winter!

Chris74 · #10 Sun, December 21st, 2008, 12:12 PM

Well Corey, it's pretty normal to get that cold here in December through February. It's the windchill though that will really bite yah!
We get extreme high's and lows in both winter and summer.......so we just get used to it.
We do take a trip down south somewhere to get a break from winter when we need it though!