Procal tuner OBD2 cable problems?

[breaddrink]

Unit powers up fine with USB, downloaded updates via PC.
Went out to the Bronco to plug it into the OBD2 to backup the original tune, and the programming unit is dead. Can't get it to power up.

Plugged in an OB scanner just to check the Bronco has power and functioning, and it all seems fine.
Double checked on the PC that the unit still functions... It's fine.

Anyone else have any issues with the cable by any chance? Any odd fitment? The pins look pristine. Really nothing out of the ordinary that I can see.

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[jmuscatcl01]

Unit powers up fine with USB, downloaded updates via PC.
Went out to the Bronco to plug it into the OBD2 to backup the original tune, and the programming unit is dead. Can't get it to power up.

Plugged in an OB scanner just to check the Bronco has power and functioning, and it all seems fine.
Double checked on the PC that the unit still functions... It's fine.

Anyone else have any issues with the cable by any chance? Any odd fitment? The pins look pristine. Really nothing out of the ordinary that I can see.

Yes, had same problem with unit ordered and received in August. Dealer happened to have another cable for a recent F-150 install, so they used that cable and finished install.

 

[breaddrink]

Yes, had same problem with unit ordered and received in August. Dealer happened to have another cable for a recent F-150 install, so they used that cable and finished install.

Had you tried to power up, or it was something they found?

I'm a little concerned they'll tell me to get lost because I powered up at home (even though I wasn't going to program yet).

Just wanted to register it to me after hearing of some who couldn't upgrade because the dealer used their account.

 

[jmuscatcl01]

Something they found. I didn’t do anything with it before bringing it in.

 

[Brian_B]

Would not be the first time I've heard of a cable issue with ProCal though.

 

[breaddrink]

Would not be the first time I've heard of a cable issue with ProCal though.

It puts me as a buyer in a weird place.

Ford performance help, at least what I got, is an automated off shore call center. First attempt was someone who barely spoke English saying it was unreturnable over and over again, followed by 'they will need proof'.
I couldn't get to who "they" were before they hung up on me.

Second attempt said it's unreturnable, and I need to prove it's malfunctioning, through them or a dealership.
I contacted my local dealership, who were about as confused as I am... I guess I need proof so they'll replace or, something?
I can send them a picture of the black screen with it plugged in, and then another obd2 device functioning fine?

I'll take it in and see what they suggest.

 

[Brian_B]

It puts me as a buyer in a weird place.

Ford performance help, at least what I got, is an automated off shore call center. First attempt was someone who barely spoke English saying it was unreturnable over and over again, followed by 'they will need proof'.
I couldn't get to who "they" were before they hung up on me.

Second attempt said it's unreturnable, and I need to prove it's malfunctioning, through them or a dealership.
I contacted my local dealership, who were about as confused as I am... I guess I need proof so they'll replace or, something?
I can send them a picture of the black screen with it plugged in, and then another obd2 device functioning fine?

I'll take it in and see what they suggest.

Usually FP tech support can help you out, but not sure how to get around that call center BS you got stuck in

 

[breaddrink]

Usually FP tech support can help you out, but not sure how to get around that call center BS you got stuck in

Yeah I'll have to try on Monday now.
I did email them but have heard nothing back.

I just got back from the dealership... The guy in service couldn't have been any more unhelpful. He both told me he knew nothing about them, and also that they'd charge me 4 hours of labor to install it if they needed to find out if it worked or not, completely contradicting ford performance who told me I could take it in and it would cost me nothing to verify it's functionality.

At some point they just stole my money. It's crazy.

Not sure exactly what to do, honestly.

 

[Brian_B]

Borrow someone else's cable for a bit? I can mail you mine if you pinky swear to mail it back eventually.

Buy just the bare tool (no tune file), then return the old cable with that unit since it's defective? (Part No. M-12655-F ) -- the dealer should be able to sell that to you, and then take the return locally. It's also sold by a lot of online retailers.

I can't find a P/N for just the ProCal 4 cable, unfortunately (maybe ducatti or flip can work their magic, but it's not a factory part so idk). There are a lot of OBD2-tuner cables, but they all have different ends and not sure which would work.

Here was a case over at Ranger site, and they were eventually able to get through to Ford Performance tech support and get a new cable
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/assistance-with-installing-procal-4.10317/

 

[breaddrink]

Borrow someone else's cable for a bit? I can mail you mine if you pinky swear to mail it back eventually.

Buy just the bare tool (no tune file), then return the old cable with that unit since it's defective? (Part No. M-12655-F ) -- the dealer should be able to sell that to you, and then take the return locally. It's also sold by a lot of online retailers.

I can't find a P/N for just the ProCal 4 cable, unfortunately (maybe ducatti or flip can work their magic, but it's not a factory part so idk). There are a lot of OBD2-tuner cables, but they all have different ends and not sure which would work.

Here was a case over at Ranger site, and they were eventually able to get through to Ford Performance tech support and get a new cable
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/assistance-with-installing-procal-4.10317/

Such a nice offer. Thanks so much. I might take you up on it if things don't progress. Nicest thing that's happened in days

Good idea on the unit, but I already registered my number with it. I think that means my number is used up, no? I already registered it and updated the box via USB.

Just did a continuity test on my cable... All pins connect from the serial cable end to the OBD2.

 

[Brian_B]

Such a nice offer. Thanks so much. I might take you up on it if things don't progress. Nicest thing that's happened in days

Good idea on the unit, but I already registered my number with it. I think that means my number is used up, no? I already registered it and updated the box via USB.

Just did a continuity test on my cable... All pins connect from the serial cable end to the OBD2.

You wouldn’t actually use the new unit - just the cable that comes with it.

I’m not certain but should be able to
program a new unit with the laptop
and your Ford account - but I’m sure Ford has screwed that up somehow

 

[breaddrink]

You wouldn’t actually use the new unit - just the cable that comes with it.

I’m not certain but should be able to
program a new unit with the laptop
and your Ford account - but I’m sure Ford has screwed that up somehow

I just had a slight breakthrough... I sat in my Bronco with the power on, jiggling the network adapter side of the cable in the module. Twisting, pulling slightly, pushing... Got it to power up. It makes a high pitched frequency tone when it does so I could tell when I hit the sweet spot.

Super sketchy connection, and it's still really hard to tell if it's the module side or the cable, but I can get a connection finally. In fact I backed up my old tune... But I'm not sure I should risk the new write because it's so delicate. A single touch and it powers down again.

The whole module feels kind of crunchy, like the whole screen moves around slightly, and the network cable end of the cable moves a significant amount.

I managed to get a video, as I know I'm going to need it.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DRLVTKrW41tfdAhDA

 

[breaddrink]

So, after a while of messing with it, I found a sweet spot of connection. I found if I pulled down and pushed on the connection, it kind of clicked and momentarily connected but then usually switched off as soon as I let it go... I attached some bands to pull it down and feel vaguely confident it would stay powered for the tune install. It worked.

I'm left thinking it's the internal connection on the board. The whole module seems kinda cheap and creaky. I'll ask them if there's some way to swap it out, but if they continue the way ford has, I'll bypass the warranty stickers, open it up and repair it.

I feel a subtle increase in power. Oddly the steering feels a little stiffer. Not bad, but, maybe the feeling that a sensor got reset.

I'll be hesitant to purchase any non returnable from Ford in the future. There seems to be a great deal of confusion and division from absolutely everyone I spoke to. Somehow they lost sight of what they are, and nobody is responsible for anything.

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