We have a 2002 F150 that was bought new from a local Ford Dealer. So after 10 years and 80k miles I replaced the tires because of age and cracks in the sidewall. I also found a better set of factory rims, same size but cast aluminum instead of the ugly chrome rims. I upped the size from 235 70R 16 to 265 75R 16. No more changing gears, had to be done with a programmer. Found a local business, speedo guy, tuner, and such. Dialed it in just right. Fast forward to now. Time for smog check. In california they do not worry about vehicle condition, but they do worry about what comes out of your tailpipe. Go to the guy I have been using for a few years now and his business is boarded with plywood. OK start driving home and stop at the first smog check place I see. His bay is empty so he gets me in quick only to come and get me to show what is on the computer screen. I have to go to a referee station. So I look at the back of my registration and it says nothing about that, just to go to a test and repair station. Same result, this time I take a picture of the phone number. On hold forever and when I do get a human they say I have been randomly flagged for this check. Now I get an appointment for a phone call 2 weeks later (today). Minutes before the scheduled call at 0810 I got an email:
Your vehicle was found to have incorrect programming , and must be reprogrammed back to manufacturer specifications (stock). Prior to being allowed to schedule onsite referee appointment, you must provide copy/picture of an invoice from a repair shop or dealer showing that the engine control module in your vehicle has been programmed back to manufacturer specifications (stock) . The invoice must state that the engine control module was reprogrammed.You must also provide a copy/picture of your vehicle registration or registration renewal notice, and proof that the required monitors are ready with no diagnostic trouble codes with either a picture of a monitor print out or a picture of the results on a scan tool. Once you have completed and obtained all these requirements, please reply to this email and you will be notified when you could proceed with the scheduling process for a regular referee appointment.
So basically he tells me the same thing as the email with a little more detail. Seems that the catalytic converter is not being seen or something. My guess is that the speedo dude turned stuff off when programming the speedo. No longer in business, or any local speedo shops able to correct. So Ford it will have to be. Service writer was like Whoa, you need to talk to my manager. He was not in yet, left a voicemail. But I will call back soon. My 1993 Ranger was easy, simple gear change.
I am hoping that this is easy and not too expensive, just time consuming is all. Why because the tires looked too small in the wheelwells.
Scheduling an appointment at my local Ford dealer for next week.
fd
Your vehicle was found to have incorrect programming , and must be reprogrammed back to manufacturer specifications (stock). Prior to being allowed to schedule onsite referee appointment, you must provide copy/picture of an invoice from a repair shop or dealer showing that the engine control module in your vehicle has been programmed back to manufacturer specifications (stock) . The invoice must state that the engine control module was reprogrammed.You must also provide a copy/picture of your vehicle registration or registration renewal notice, and proof that the required monitors are ready with no diagnostic trouble codes with either a picture of a monitor print out or a picture of the results on a scan tool. Once you have completed and obtained all these requirements, please reply to this email and you will be notified when you could proceed with the scheduling process for a regular referee appointment.
So basically he tells me the same thing as the email with a little more detail. Seems that the catalytic converter is not being seen or something. My guess is that the speedo dude turned stuff off when programming the speedo. No longer in business, or any local speedo shops able to correct. So Ford it will have to be. Service writer was like Whoa, you need to talk to my manager. He was not in yet, left a voicemail. But I will call back soon. My 1993 Ranger was easy, simple gear change.
I am hoping that this is easy and not too expensive, just time consuming is all. Why because the tires looked too small in the wheelwells.
Scheduling an appointment at my local Ford dealer for next week.
fd
