Preparing for the Procal tune to be installed

[Augy]

I should have my Ford Performance Procal tuner early next week and I have a dealership that will do the install. Can anyone explain to me what, if anything, I should do before I take it into the dealership for the install. Should I create an account with Ford Performance and register it? Does it matter if it's registered with Ford vs Ford Performance? Can I download the necessary files and have them on the tuner before taking it in to have it installed? I want to avoid running up my shop time ($) but also don't want to throw any kinks into the process that would confuse or delay the installer. Thanks for any input!

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[AlpineBike]

If you’re wasting your money paying the dealer to do it. Let the dealer do it.

Don’t do half the job for them and still pay them…

Or better yet, just follow the detailed instructions that come with it and do it yourself.
As described in said instructions…

 

[Augy]

I don't think having a dealer install it in order to get the warranty is wasting my money. If there is anything I can do ahead of time to save either money or time, I'd like to do that...hence, the reason for my question. If I had the device in hand I might know more about the detailed instructions...I was just trying to get ahead of things so I can plan it out. I considered not asking this question for the very reason I would get this type of response. Anyone have any useful input?

 

[Catalyst]

Ignore Alpine’s post - he’s the smartest guy in the room… just ask him.

I would setup a Ford Performance account. Then download the software for the ProCal onto a computer. The steps are outlined when you receive the device, but essentially you can save time by doing a few things.

After you install the downloaded app, plug the ProCal in via USB and it will update the devices firmware. Then you unplug it from your computer and plug it into the OBDII port in the vehicle to marry it to the VIN and backup the stock calibration file. Then you go back to your PC and plug it back in. You will logon with your new Ford Performance account and save the backup. Then it will allow you to download the new tune file. At this point you are ready for the tech to apply the tune.

I had my local dealer’s mobile tech do mine, and it took about 5 minutes and he didn’t even charge me since I prestaged it all. They added the work to a repair order and I was able to register for the FP warranty.

 

[Augy]

Ignore Alpine’s post - he’s the smartest guy in the room… just ask him.

I would setup a Ford Performance account. Then download the software for the ProCal onto a computer. The steps are outlined when you receive the device, but essentially you can save time by doing a few things.

After you install the downloaded app, plug the ProCal in via USB and it will update the devices firmware. Then you unplug it from your computer and plug it into the OBDII port in the vehicle to marry it to the VIN and backup the stock calibration file. Then you go back to your PC and plug it back in. You will logon with your new Ford Performance account and save the backup. Then it will allow you to download the new tune file. At this point you are ready for the tech to apply the tune.

I had my local dealer’s mobile tech do mine, and it took about 5 minutes and he didn’t even charge me since I prestaged it all. They added the work to a repair order and I was able to register for the FP warranty.

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for. Greatly appreciated!

 

[DinoBirdClaws88]

You can absolutely do most of the preinstall yourself, However the for performance technician at your local Ford dealership should and most likely will do everything (to include registration).

My dealer charged me an hour and it took 15mins, so they also gave me a free oil change to level out the charges.

 

[yelnoc2]

Ignore Alpine’s post - he’s the smartest guy in the room… just ask him.

I would setup a Ford Performance account. Then download the software for the ProCal onto a computer. The steps are outlined when you receive the device, but essentially you can save time by doing a few things.

After you install the downloaded app, plug the ProCal in via USB and it will update the devices firmware. Then you unplug it from your computer and plug it into the OBDII port in the vehicle to marry it to the VIN and backup the stock calibration file. Then you go back to your PC and plug it back in. You will logon with your new Ford Performance account and save the backup. Then it will allow you to download the new tune file. At this point you are ready for the tech to apply the tune.

I had my local dealer’s mobile tech do mine, and it took about 5 minutes and he didn’t even charge me since I prestaged it all. They added the work to a repair order and I was able to register for the FP warranty.

I did similar for my '19 Lariat. Dealership changed hands and they wanted one hour labor - about $150 - I did everything but the final step on my Raptor, took it to an ASE Master and offered him $50. and created a "certificate" signed by him and providing proof that it was installed by an ASE guy. Warranty maintained Just a note, Ford passwords are now the same across their universe....basic Ford account, Ford Performance, and the app now all use the same password. Since this changed since I did my Lariat 5 years ago I had to update password which since I use Norton which creates these huge, complex passwords which I had to enter to get my app to work again.

 

[Augy]

Just a note, Ford passwords are now the same across their universe....basic Ford account, Ford Performance, and the app now all use the same password. Since this changed since I did my Lariat 5 years ago I had to update password which since I use Norton which creates these huge, complex passwords which I had to enter to get my app to work again.

Thanks! I had read something somewhere that made me wonder if I needed to create a separate account or not....this answers that question. Appreciate the info!

 

[AlpineBike]

I don't think having a dealer install it in order to get the warranty is wasting my money. If there is anything I can do ahead of time to save either money or time, I'd like to do that...hence, the reason for my question. If I had the device in hand I might know more about the detailed instructions...I was just trying to get ahead of things so I can plan it out. I considered not asking this question for the very reason I would get this type of response. Anyone have any useful input?

The only part of your warranty they can deny is if they deem a failure occurred because of the way in which it was installed.

Suit yourself!

 

[Venice Raptor]

I have the procal tuner in hand but have been waiting to break the truck in a bit. I now have 1600 miles and a dealership that will do the install. Im Anxious to see any positive input from this forum. I also suggest ignoring AlpineBike, as I've not read a single positive post yet from him.

 

[yelnoc2]

The only part of your warranty they can deny is if they deem a failure occurred because of the way in which it was installed.

Suit yourself!

ASE route is the way IMO, but there really is only one way it can be installed - it just file downloads and uploads, no calibration or settings that you could select let alone get wrong. If warranty ever became an issue it would all depend on the dealer - IMO they can claim about anything but it is virtually impossible to install it incorrectly. Not a fan of the AI answers (below) you get searching now but this IMO sheds some light and means to me that if the tune can't be directly the cause of failure. It would seem a pretty ridiculous if not specious for a dealer to claim I part they designed and tested could cause a problem regardless of who installed it. I've been following this since the Gen5 tune came out and I don't remember ever seeing any posts where a dealer denied a claim blaming the tune.

"A Ford Performance tune can void your car warranty if the tune is deemed to have directly caused a mechanical failure, particularly if it significantly alters the engine's performance parameters beyond factory specifications; however, due to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot automatically void your warranty solely because of an aftermarket tune, and they must prove the modification caused the problem.

Key points to remember:

• Direct causation:
  The manufacturer needs to demonstrate that the Ford Performance tune was the primary reason for the engine failure to deny warranty coverage. "

 

[AlpineBike]

I have the procal tuner in hand but have been waiting to break the truck in a bit. I now have 1600 miles and a dealership that will do the install. Im Anxious to see any positive input from this forum. I also suggest ignoring AlpineBike, as I've not read a single positive post yet from him.

You should google the magnuson moss warranty act good buddy.

 

[Augy]

Yep, although I didn't ask for thoughts on DIY vs Dealer/ASE install...seems like it's a pretty big deal to some people. I figure it's $90, its warrantied, and it's my money. Do I think I could install it myself...of course, I've put tunes on many vehicles without issue. Do I think my dealer would try to deny a claim if I had issues after installing the tune myself...not really, but why take the chance. Do I want to fight a dealership should they go down that route...nope. Do I care if you DIY the install...nope. Do I want your opinion on how I choose to spend my money...nope.

 

[yelnoc2]

You should google the magnuson moss warranty act good buddy.

yupper

 

[scrappyisbe]

Ignore Alpine’s post - he’s the smartest guy in the room… just ask him.

I would setup a Ford Performance account. Then download the software for the ProCal onto a computer. The steps are outlined when you receive the device, but essentially you can save time by doing a few things.

After you install the downloaded app, plug the ProCal in via USB and it will update the devices firmware. Then you unplug it from your computer and plug it into the OBDII port in the vehicle to marry it to the VIN and backup the stock calibration file. Then you go back to your PC and plug it back in. You will logon with your new Ford Performance account and save the backup. Then it will allow you to download the new tune file. At this point you are ready for the tech to apply the tune.

I had my local dealer’s mobile tech do mine, and it took about 5 minutes and he didn’t even charge me since I prestaged it all. They added the work to a repair order and I was able to register for the FP warranty.

i did this too just for the warranty.

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