strat code

[rescuemedic13]

What is exactly the strat code? Is this something that must be updated before using a sct programmer? How do you know what version you have? Is the strat code on the factory computer or something that is provided by the programmer. what is the advantageof having a newer strat code? sorry for being dumb, but new to all this information. TIA

[MoyockPowerstroke]

Originally Posted by rescuemedic13

What is exactly the strat code? Is this something that must be updated before using a sct programmer? How do you know what version you have? Is the strat code on the factory computer or something that is provided by the programmer. what is the advantageof having a newer strat code? sorry for being dumb, but new to all this information. TIA

The strategy code is Ford (make) driven...it is the calibration version of your PCM (akin to Microsoft windows 7 update from Vista)....Ford comes out with fixes for on-running problems or tweaks for systems that talk back and forth with the PCM...specifically the TCM or Trans Control Module. When a new version hits the street the dealerships can download the new IDS version onto their laptop and eventually update your trucks PCM when needed or when requested by the customer. It is wise to have the latest flash (update) prior to purchasing custom tunes since they are written to the strategy code your truck is currently on...if you get a later version update from ford "flash", then your old custom tunes are no longer going to wotk exactly right. The easiest way to determine which strategy code you currently have is in fact by using an SCT device. If you don't have one, ask a buddy who does, or go to the nearest performance shop (doesn't have to be 6.0L diesel...just Ford) and ask them to read it for you. Sometimes new ford flashes (calibration updates) make sense...like this most recent one....some are not for everyone...especially if you are not having any symptoms that the update was meant to fix. This latest one TSB 9-24-03 makes sense though.