PCM Tune?

[aaronrules]

Okay I'm thinking that the next thing I need to do is PCM 4 Less tune. Has anybody doen this after the tires size change and lift, and what not? Just wondering if it is worth do it or not. Better gas milage? I am sure the speedometer is going ot off, and the tune will fix that. Shift points need adjusting? What can I get out of a tune?

And sorry if this is covered already, I did try to search...but I got nothing.

And thanks for the replys to my ever so easy questions so far guys! You all have been a real big help!

[Zero]

I noticed a power gain with the tune, but we could never, and still cant get my speedo right. And I have access to a laptop with HPtunners. Im gona try a few more things. but who knows.

make sure to spend the extra $50 and get them to buy a computer and tune it, that way you can keep your stock computer un changed and in a box for emergencies. It also saves you from your truck being out of service for a few days while you ship it out to have them tune it.

[aaronrules]

I noticed that a good amount of people from the OS have done this, but then again...that is the OS...wondering if you cool kids have done it!

[janesy86]

I did it, but like Zero said, my speedo is still off even tho it was supposed to fix it. I don't mind so much about that, but I can say that I am happy with the tune and it was $$ well spent.

I did it before I lifted and was really impressed with the performance gain. Actually brought the TB to life, and a better feeling shift as well.

Sent it back in after I lifted, not sure if they did any changes because like I said the speedo is off, but still really peppy and responsive.

[aaronrules]

So I should do the CORE thingy? That means I WON'T have to a CASE relearn?

[Philberto]

I ordered it over a year ago, have yet to ship my PCM in... Will update first thing once I do.

[janesy86]

I think the core program you have to do the case relearn...

I did the loaner. Had them send me one so I could still drive, sent in mine to get tuned, put the tuned one in, and kept the loaner incase I need it.

Didn't have to do the CASE relearn, just security relearn but thats easy and just do it yourself. I wanted to stay away from the CASE relearn b/c those can get pricey.

[aaronrules]

I think the core program you have to do the case relearn...

I did the loaner. Had them send me one so I could still drive, sent in mine to get tuned, put the tuned one in, and kept the loaner incase I need it.

Didn't have to do the CASE relearn, just security relearn but thats easy and just do it yourself. I wanted to stay away from the CASE relearn b/c those can get pricey.

So the $250 option? They call it the loaner option

[aaronrules]

I think the core program you have to do the case relearn...

I did the loaner. Had them send me one so I could still drive, sent in mine to get tuned, put the tuned one in, and kept the loaner incase I need it.

Didn't have to do the CASE relearn, just security relearn but thats easy and just do it yourself. I wanted to stay away from the CASE relearn b/c those can get pricey.

So the $250 option? They call it the loaner option

Nevermind...just found out it is called the loaner option...the only way to stay away from CASE relearn...and it is 250$.

[janesy86]

I got it when it they were having one of their many sales goin' on so I got it cheaper...

If you can wait a bit I'm sure they will have another sale. They just had one end for Easter.

And its all up to you man, I just didn't want to have to find a place to do the relearn.

[The Roadie]

I noticed that a good amount of people from the OS have done this, but then again...that is the OS...wondering if you cool kids have done it!

Teebes and I have tunes. 'Nuff said. (JD - you're slacking?)

[aaronrules]

I noticed that a good amount of people from the OS have done this, but then again...that is the OS...wondering if you cool kids have done it!

Teebes and I have tunes. 'Nuff said. (JD - you're slacking?)

And where you three guys go....we all go!!!

[HARDTRAILZ]

I think the tune is the best bang for the buck mod.

I think JD had a tune at one point and didnt like it, but I may be misremembering

[Gordinho80]

JD had a tune but had issues with shifting. He sent it back for retuning, still had issues. He put his stock PCM in, no shifting issues.... so he's just decided to not run a tune.

I'm running PCM 4 Less tune as well. I've noticed a slight power gain, speedo is definitely a smidge off, but nothing crazy. Overall, I'm happy with it.

[Trail X]

I don't want to rant, but I did try a PCM tune and absolutely hated it.

As Mario said, I got the tune, installed it, and had tons of transmission issues. At first I was thinking that my transmission had somehow gone bad. I didn't immediately catch the connection between the PCM4less tune and the problems. I had it reprogrammed to fix those things... and it came back worse and didn't fix a thing.

Below is a quote from my final email to Kelley before requesting a refund:

I've used your PCM tune for about a month and a half so far. As our emails have shown, I've been battling issues in the transmission. These issues have been present during and after any highway driving, especially when ambient temperatures are over 75 or so degrees.

I've had 3 issues that appear separate.

First, the 1>2 shift. This seems to be due to an overheating issue in the transmission. As soon as you get off the interstate and require a 1>2 shift, the transmission will pound into 2nd gear, shuddering the vehicle. I know this is not intended and is not good for the transmission. It will continue this poor shifting until the vehicle has been shut off for 10-15 minutes and the transmission cools down.

Second is the issues with the torque converter clutch. The PCM is throwing codes P0894 (Trans component slipping) and P0741 (TC clutch stuck off). These codes have appeared while at highway speeds, and the vehicle is coasting. They both appear to have to do with the TCC. It seems at least one other member has seen this same issue with your tune.

The third issue is the speedometer. Despite your reprogramming of the unit, the speedometer still reads around 5 mph below GPS speed when at highway speeds.

Since I had kept the stock tuned PCM around, I decided to just try swapping that in and seeing what the results were. I went on a 400+ mile off-road trip that involved over 300 miles of highway driving on Sunday (with the stock tune in), and I never once had a slamming 1>2 shift, it never threw a transmission code, and the speedometer is still about 5 mph off at highway speeds. So I really only experienced a benefit by converting back to the stock tune.

I know the tune has worked for some people, but it obviously did not work for my truck. I've reversed my approach to engine and transmission controls. Stay stock, the OEM engineers did things for a reason. By pushing the parameters you can really push things to the limits... limits are not always a good thing to be near, especially if you want reliability. You can normally choose between the two... good power and reliable... or push the power/performance to the limit and you begin knocking off the reliability. We already push these vehicles to their limits in other ways... no reason pushing the engine/trans too.

Honestly? I'd 100% recommend you spend your money on a Scangauge first.

[Zero]

I love my scangauge.

[aaronrules]

HMMMM...now I am reconsidering it...

My next purchase more than likely will be some sort of spare tire carrier...like JD has...if I don't end up making my own.

I don't think I am going to want to keep the full size spare in the back all the time.

As far as the PCM vs. Scangauge now I am up in the air...thanks fellas! Maybe I will just get a WAAG for the front instead of either? Of course all this depends and either asking permission or forgiveness...the later second one tends to be easier!

[fishsticks]

Of course all this depends and either asking permission or forgiveness...the later second one tends to be easier!

Be careful with that... women have these damned long memories...

[aaronrules]

Of course all this depends and either asking permission or forgiveness...the later second one tends to be easier!

Be careful with that... women have these damned long memories...

We have over 11 years under our belt...she isn't going anywhere!

Still wondering what kind of gain I might get with a PCM tune really?

[aaronrules]

Is the power gain from a PCM tune really that much?