Can someone explain "flashing" to me?

[Supergumby5000]

Just a new powerstroke guy here wondering what people talk about when they say they got their trucks "re-flashed"

I have no idea if my truck has ever been reflashed for anything. Is it something i should look into? Seems like its a pretty common deal to all you powerstroke folk on here.

[choupique108]

its when you take it to the dealer and they "update" your PCM

[Supergumby5000]

Originally Posted by choupique108

its when you take it to the dealer and they "update" your PCM

Is there any way to tell if i have the most recent flash? does it cost anything to get flashed?

maybe i'll run down to the dealer after class today and ask them about it.

[SCUFFY828]

most dealers charge to flash , maybe an hour labor , there is no way to tell unless scanner is connected if truck has latest reflash ,the reflash is the same as your home computer when it says it needs to be updated , after a vehicle has been out a bit , certain problems the manufacturer runs into that can be fixed by changing software , example the truck runs better with egr valve opening at 2.6 volt reading from ebp sensor , but from the factory they had it originally opening with a 1.9 voltage reading , they do the reflash to change somwe inputs and outputs to hopefully help with the performance of the product

[jonnyjeeps]

Ok so you wanna get flashed?
First your gonna need some beads, the more the better.
You could get someone to flash you without them but
youll have a better chance if you offer them booze or the beads!

[MoyockPowerstroke]

You could ask a friend who has a programmer or some performance shops will read your PCM's strategy code for you if you ask. The latest strategy code is VXCF9 from TSB 09-24-3