Spartan Tuning Files Update

[08stroker250]

This is a spin off of Mick's thread to detail what is in the update!!!!

The long anticipated update is finally available! To update your tuning files, log-in to the website and go to "Update Tuner" on the right side of your screen under "User Menu." If anyone has any difficulties with this, please email Mick at tech@spartandieseltech.com. Also, I am available to answer any questions that I can here in this thread, through PM, or through email.

What this update includes:

*275HP Tune added to Level 1 tuning (free for all users)
*350HP Tune added to Level 3 tuning (free for all level 3 users)
*File repair to allow EGR cycling with no EGT sensors
*3.55 Gear ratio converter lock scheduling lowered to address late lockup issues
*Recalibrated shifting on 250HP, 275HP, 300HP, and 310HP tunes for more comfortable daily driving (on all Job build and year models)
*No-EGR files have been added for all users, both standard and Spartan TCM, for ALL tuning levels
*All 250HP, 275HP, 300HP, 310HP, and 350HP have cold weather surging corrected, entirely.
*Please note that this update is fully compatible with the latest Ford flash update.
*This update will only work with tuners that have already been updated to the "V2" software. If your tuner has not been updated, just contact our tech support and we can walk you through it.

Once again, if you have any questions regarding this update, please let us know!

Thanks,

Spartan Diesel Technologies

[j21black]

This is a spin off of Mick's thread to detail what is in the update!!!!

The long anticipated update is finally available! To update your tuning files, log-in to the website and go to "Update Tuner" on the right side of your screen under "User Menu." If anyone has any difficulties with this, please email Mick at tech@spartandieseltech.com. Also, I am available to answer any questions that I can here in this thread, through PM, or through email.

What this update includes:

*275HP Tune added to Level 1 tuning (free for all users)
*350HP Tune added to Level 3 tuning (free for all level 3 users)
*File repair to allow EGR cycling with no EGT sensors
*3.55 Gear ratio converter lock scheduling lowered to address late lockup issues
*Recalibrated shifting on 250HP, 275HP, 300HP, and 310HP tunes for more comfortable daily driving (on all Job build and year models)
*No-EGR files have been added for all users, both standard and Spartan TCM, for ALL tuning levels
*All 250HP, 275HP, 300HP, 310HP, and 350HP have cold weather surging corrected, entirely.
*Please note that this update is fully compatible with the latest Ford flash update.
*This update will only work with tuners that have already been updated to the "V2" software. If your tuner has not been updated, just contact our tech support and we can walk you through it.

Once again, if you have any questions regarding this update, please let us know!

Thanks,

Spartan Diesel Technologies

I was wondering why I had the 350 tune available to me.

Next time it snows, I am going to load it up!

[08stroker250]

I would also like to add that those guys with stock TCM's and a SunCoast, Matt is working on a batch of files for you. He will be adding it to the database soon.

[nutcup]

Guess I will ask this here then.

I got firmware version 2.1.4-2036 on my dashdaq. Would that firmware cause an issue?

The reason I ask this is because I updated my firmware through drewtech update client, and I'm pretty sure I had the 1949 version that I was told to look for prior to that. I could be wrong, but I can't confirm that myself at this point.

At any rate, I sent an email off to mick simply saying I needed the v2 software.

When the v2 tunes initially came out I downloaded them and found out they wouldn't show up so I shot Mick an email back then to get the v2 software. He replied with a link to phalanxupdate.exe so I downloaded it and extracted it, which was simply a tuning files folder like normal. I loaded that on my SD card and I was able to see those tunes. I'm wondering if that was actually a v2 update or simply the old tunes that would show up on my non v2'd dashdaq. Beings i'm unsure of how the v2 software is implemented I obviously can't tell. If it's done through something other than a phalanxupdate, then no I did not get the v2 software when I originally requested it.

Edit: My problem is that my dashdaq isn't showing these new tunes. Trying to narrow it down. I've had the SD card in and out multiple times and have rebooted the dashdaq multiple times. Going to try that unplugging off the plug to see if maybe that resets something though I doubt it.

[08stroker250]

Send an email to tech@spartandieseltech.com. Mick will help you out with this.

[j21black]

Guess I will ask this here then.

I got firmware version 2.1.4-2036 on my dashdaq. Would that firmware cause an issue?

The reason I ask this is because I updated my firmware through drewtech update client, and I'm pretty sure I had the 1949 version that I was told to look for prior to that. I could be wrong, but I can't confirm that myself at this point.

At any rate, I sent an email off to mick simply saying I needed the v2 software.

When the v2 tunes initially came out I downloaded them and found out they wouldn't show up so I shot Mick an email back then to get the v2 software. He replied with a link to phalanxupdate.exe so I downloaded it and extracted it, which was simply a tuning files folder like normal. I loaded that on my SD card and I was able to see those tunes. I'm wondering if that was actually a v2 update or simply the old tunes that would show up on my non v2'd dashdaq. Beings i'm unsure of how the v2 software is implemented I obviously can't tell. If it's done through something other than a phalanxupdate, then no I did not get the v2 software when I originally requested it.

Edit: My problem is that my dashdaq isn't showing these new tunes. Trying to narrow it down. I've had the SD card in and out multiple times and have rebooted the dashdaq multiple times. Going to try that unplugging off the plug to see if maybe that resets something though I doubt it.

Did you rename the folder? I originally renamed it, and it didn't show any tunes when trying to load tunes. Went back and left it as tuning files and it showed them no problem.

[sdetweil]

If I have a tune installed from the prior release, and want to use these, can I go directly by installing a tune from the new 'tuning files' folder? (I renamed the old one to old_tunes, and installed the update in a NEW 'tuning files' folder.

Sam

[nutcup]

If I have a tune installed from the prior release, and want to use these, can I go directly by installing a tune from the new 'tuning files' folder? (I renamed the old one to old_tunes, and installed the update in a NEW 'tuning files' folder.

Sam

Yeah, if you're running v2 tunes now, you should be able to directly go to these new tunes as far as I know.

Did you rename the folder? I originally renamed it, and it didn't show any tunes when trying to load tunes. Went back and left it as tuning files and it showed them no problem.

Nah, it's not that. I've updated my dashdaq before the v2 software without a problem. I think I narrowed it down to me just not getting the v2 software when I first requested it. I still have the emails I sent and received from Mick back when v2 came out.

When the original v2 tunes wouldn't work with my dashdaq, I sent him my info for the v2 software and received back a phalanxupdate.exe. Going by the dates the tune files were created (2/15/2010), they were pre v2 software tunes which would obviously show up on my dashdaq. I honestly noticed that back then but thought nothing of it because they worked and that was alright.

Now that the newest v2 tunes come out though I'm running with that same issue of them not showing up. I could be wrong, but I won't find that out until Mick gets back to me this time time with the v2 software. If I knew how v2 software was originally implemented, I'd be able to tell if I'm possibly wrong about my assumption right now. No sweat though as I backed up everything and can simply run the old tunes until I get it figured out. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[nutcup]

Well, in the end I confirmed what I thought was the problem, and it was that I never got the proper upgrade for the v2 software. At any rate Mick fixed me up and I can see my tunes as well as the needle in my haystack. HALLELUJAH BROTHERSH AND SISTERS.

Anyway, thanks goes to Mick for believing in me and I couldn't have done this without him. *holds championship belt up over his head with swollen shut eyes*

[NicksF350]

Ok.. how about an 'updating for dummies'??

How do we attach our Dashdaq to the computer.. etc???


Edit... nevermind.. I got it... take out SD card and put in your computer...

[nick4833]

Is there any change for the 210 tunes with this update? If not is there any reason to update the tunes or can i just leave the current tunes alone. I use the 210 for towing n daily driving and dont change tunes at all

[08stroker250]

No changes to the 210 tune.

[nutcup]

Ok.. how about an 'updating for dummies'??

How do we attach our Dashdaq to the computer.. etc???


Edit... nevermind.. I got it... take out SD card and put in your computer...

Only reason you'd really need to attach it to your computer via the usb cable is to update the dashdaq's firmware and other things via the dashdaq update utility found on drewtech's website.

If you're just talking about loading the newest tunes or even the v2 software, and you are already using firmware version 2.1.2-1949 or higher, all of your stuff can be done with the sd card. Which is pretty convenient if i do say so my idiotic self.

[Squirrel Stroker]

I just downloaded the new tunes and reinstalled the 275hp. went out and did a trans relearn. had the same fuel shutdown issue that others were having while doing the relearn and had a smell that something was burning ( i think it was just that the EGR valve finally cycled) but after the relearn i fell in love with my truck again. shifts real smooth now and the power seems more solid. the TC locks right at 45mph and in the 20mi city/hwy drive i took the lie-o-meter said i was getting 24.8mpg a nice improvement. Good Work Guys!!!! :D

[Thistle3595]

I just downloaded the new tunes and reinstalled the 275hp. went out and did a trans relearn. had the same fuel shutdown issue that others were having while doing the relearn and had a smell that something was burning ( i think it was just that the EGR valve finally cycled) but after the relearn i fell in love with my truck again. shifts real smooth now and the power seems more solid. the TC locks right at 45mph and in the 20mi city/hwy drive i took the lie-o-meter said i was getting 24.8mpg a nice improvement. Good Work Guys!!!! :D

Squirrel, I know you have that warm fuzzy feeling about your mileage, and no doubt you are getting better mileage, but the DD just makes the nose on the Lie-O-Meter grow that much longer.

[hulld]

Hi...new here to the tuning. I had the 275 installed before the 4-6 update and see the comments about a trans relearn. Can you elaborate to a newbe what a trans relean is and does something like this need to be done every time a tune is either loaded and or updated.

Thanks...
______________________
Don
2010 XL Crew cab 4x4
AFE Stage 2, AFE 4" full down pipe back.

[BigBlue08]

From my understanding everytime u load a tune 210 & above u would need to do a tranny relearn..

[hulld]

And that's done...how?

[08stroker250]

Do a search. I have threads about the transmission relearn on the forum.

[BigBlue08]

And that's done...how?

Its under nutty notes.

[hulld]

Found it. Thanks for the help.

[hulld]

Just came back from a drive to do the Trans Relearn. 1st and 2nd shift smooth. 3rd shift, a little rough. Is this the expected results from this 4-6 update? Or do I need to do the relearn again?

Thanks...

Don

[BigBlue08]

Just came back from a drive to do the Trans Relearn. 1st and 2nd shift smooth. 3rd shift, a little rough. Is this the expected results from this 4-6 update? Or do I need to do the relearn again?

Thanks...

Don

Which tune? 275? I run the 275, and it also shifts a bit rough.. Its normal. No worries.

[hulld]

Ya sorry for the lack of details.

275 tune.
_______________________
Don
2010 XL Crew cab 4x4
AFE Stage 2, AFE 4" full down pipe back.

[BigBlue08]

Ya sorry for the lack of details.

275 tune.
_______________________
Don
2010 XL Crew cab 4x4
AFE Stage 2, AFE 4" full down pipe back.

Yea its normal.

[chillfab]

Hi, just curious about the egr portion of the update. Will the egr now cycle with the high tunes so my check engine light stops coming on with egr codes?

[BigBlue08]

Only the 210 and 250 cycle the egr, but only when the truck is in idle..275 & up are egr delete tunes.

[chillfab]

But is that part of the new update? The reason i ask is cause i am running the 250 tune and my truck sat at idle for about twenty minutes and set an egr code. Only had my spartan for a few weeks. Newbie.

[dgiles]

Hi...new here to the tuning. I had the 275 installed before the 4-6 update and see the comments about a trans relearn. Can you elaborate to a newbe what a trans relean is and does something like this need to be done every time a tune is either loaded and or updated.

Thanks...
______________________
Don
2010 XL Crew cab 4x4
AFE Stage 2, AFE 4" full down pipe back.

I've never done the relearn and I run the 275. . No probs or issues. I dont't race it and as you drive it, it seems to learn and shift better over time. Not sure why you need to drive the pi$$ out of it every couple weeks if your changing tunes once and a while for EGR cycling.

[64forsure]

The 250 tune has an EGR related problem. Spartan is aware of this issue and is working on a fix. Your truck is fine, the EGR valve is probably not stuck. It is a problem with the tune, not the valve.

[hulld]

I'm not into racing my rig either. I'm looking for better performance and better mileage. So far I'm very impressed by the numbers that I'm getting. With fuel at 4.10 a gallon here in MA, I need to stretch every mile I can from it. Now if we could only get the government to give us a break on the road tax they have on Diesel and we all be much happier!
____________________
Don
2010 XL Crew Cab 4x4
AFE Stage 2, AFE 4" full down pipe back. 275 tune

[TexasTruck]

Jeff,

Apparently I'm blind or can't read.... how can you tell if your tuner is at v2 or not?

TIA!

[08stroker250]

Jeff,

Apparently I'm blind or can't read.... how can you tell if your tuner is at v2 or not?

TIA!

When did you purchase it? If you purchased it after September of 2010, have you done any updates? If no updates have been done and it was purchased before September of 2010, your tuner is not V2. :D

[TexasTruck]

Jeff,

Thanks for the reply. Mick replied as well. He explained by having 2.1.2-1949 does not constitute having "V2" software. That 2.1.2-1949 is the "firmware" version only; not the "V2" software version. They are two different things.

Thanks again!

[sdetweil]

The 250 tune has an EGR related problem. Spartan is aware of this issue and is working on a fix. Your truck is fine, the EGR valve is probably not stuck. It is a problem with the tune, not the valve.

thanks.. just started using the 250 tune and am seeing the EGR codes too.

Sam

[Twissted]

So whats the highest tune that will cycle the egr on a regular basis? I dropped to the 120 tune and it cycles all the time but would like to run the highest tune that will cycle regularly for a daily driver and for fuel mileage

[snopro_69]

210 and 250 cycle it at an idle.... but the new 250 is throwing the EGR code rite now and should be fixed soon.. so go with the 210 for cycle at idle.....175 for cycling regular while running

[08stroker250]

The 175 tune cycles the valve all of the time. Above that (up to the 250), the tunes only cycle the valve at idle.

[TexasTruck]

I've been running the 150 DPF v2 tune for a week now. Some observations over the previous (v1?) 150 DPF tune, the TC locks at 45 vs 50, shifting is smoother tooling around; hardly know it shifts. On a slightly aggressive (2500 rpms) non-boosted, take off, the tires chirped from 1 to 2, which never happened before. I'm just about to fuel up and the trip meter is showing more miles for this tank. Maybe I'm getting better mileage too :-)

Net = I like it!

[sparksjr]

At risk of asking a dumb question...if I don't have the egr deleted or blocked off then I shouldnt run the 275? What, if any, is the risk of doing so?

[TexasTruck]

This is the reason I don't run any tune higher than the 210... I have the same concern....

[snopro_69]

I have stock EGR and many others do too.....It just turns it off so the Soot doesnt pour in your intake cuz the lower tunes dont have as much soot. Run the 275 all the time daily driving...Only thing is, drop down to the 175 or lower to cycle your valve once every 3 weeks er so. I monitor EBP and make sure i dont hold it over 75 for anytime at all to be safe. Dosent really have anything to do with the EGR though.

[TexasTruck]

Thank you! It's this kind of information I need :-) When you say you monitor the EBP (exhaust back pressure) and make sure it's < 75 for any time, what does that mean? What's happening to make it go over 75?

[drservo]

Holding the pedal to the floor:)

[08stroker250]

At risk of asking a dumb question...if I don't have the egr deleted or blocked off then I shouldnt run the 275? What, if any, is the risk of doing so?

You can run whatever tune you would like. All the tuning does is shut off everything EGR related.

[freedom_divine]

Seems like when I run the 275 my tranny doesn't like it at all. Doesn't shift right. Like a washboard shift. Bump bump bump shift.

[sparksjr]

thanks guys, gonna load this up tomorrow night and will report any issues

[BigBlue08]

Seems like when I run the 275 my tranny doesn't like it at all. Doesn't shift right. Like a washboard shift. Bump bump bump shift.

Did you do a tranny relearn?

[youngj]

Seems like when I run the 275 my tranny doesn't like it at all. Doesn't shift right. Like a washboard shift. Bump bump bump shift.

Have you added a half quart of tranny fluid? I wasnt crazy about the way the new 275 shifted, but now I honestly dont even think about it or notice it. I love this tune, been daily driving it since the new tunes came out, maybe 3,500 miles.

[08stroker250]

Transmission relearn does wonders.....

[freedom_divine]

I'm running the stock TCM and yes did the tranny relearn. Also had fluid and filter changed in tranny. Mabe just need to drive it more and longer on that tune. Yes added the half quart of fluid. I changed from the 150 to 275 tonight. Did tranny relearn. I'll drive it for more than 2 days on that and I'm sure it'll start learning and shifting good

[08stroker250]

It takes 150-250 miles for the transmission to learn completely.

[TexasTruck]

I've been running the 150 DPF v2 tune for a week now. Some observations over the previous (v1?) 150 DPF tune, the TC locks at 45 vs 50, shifting is smoother tooling around; hardly know it shifts. On a slightly aggressive (2500 rpms) non-boosted, take off, the tires chirped from 1 to 2, which never happened before. I'm just about to fuel up and the trip meter is showing more miles for this tank. Maybe I'm getting better mileage too :-)

Net = I like it!

I think I spoke to soon. With the new v2 tunes, under normal acceleration (2200 / 2500 RPMs) the TC locks up at 45 mph, the tranny is still in 3rd and 4th gear and pulling... the tranny shifts into 5th around 55 mph, it feels funny, like another TC lock up "feeling"... The old v1 tunes didn't lock the TC so soon, maybe I'm wrong...

Is this pattern ok for a daily driver? With the v2 changes, the TC is locked even while the truck is still accelerating, is this ok for the TC/tranny?

[rihale535]

So we know the V2 250 (regular) tune is having some updates made to it due to EGR codes popping up and it should be out soon...but does anyone know if the V2 250 EGR OFF tune will be changed in any way? I was planning on switching to the 250 EGR Off tune and wanted to avoid any temporary issues if it is scheduled for an update as well.

[snopro_69]

Dont think the EGR delete has any problems or codes.....But a later Lock up file is supposed to be coming out for people that dont want the early lock up....I run my 275 updated with early lock up daily driving since the day it came out and know what your talkin about with the funny feeling shifting..It pulls hard though with the TC locked and you get used to it... Im really wanting to try a lil later lock up though on the 275 when the update comes out.

[TexasTruck]

Yeah, at 45 the TC locks and away you go.... later it's like a secondary booster rocket that kicks in as it shifts into 5th. I'm worried about hurting something is all.... I'm not quite ready to call Suncoast yet...

[TexasTruck]

I've been running the 150 DPF v2 tune for a week now. Some observations over the previous (v1?) 150 DPF tune, the TC locks at 45 vs 50, shifting is smoother tooling around; hardly know it shifts. On a slightly aggressive (2500 rpms) non-boosted, take off, the tires chirped from 1 to 2, which never happened before. I'm just about to fuel up and the trip meter is showing more miles for this tank. Maybe I'm getting better mileage too :-)

Net = I like it!

I finally got around to switching the exhaust around to test the no-DPF 150 v2 tune. I've been running it about 2.5 weeks and I expected the MPG to go up not down! My driving habits are the same; the same 28.8 miles round trip, 5 days a week to and from work. It's down from 12.8 to 11.4. The old 150 v1 tune, I saw 12.8. The other thing I noticed with this 150 v2 no-DPF, I have more smoke than the v1. Granted, it's hotter than he|| here, so maybe the air temp has something to do with it....

[sparksjr]

Yeah, at 45 the TC locks and away you go.... later it's like a secondary booster rocket that kicks in as it shifts into 5th. I'm worried about hurting something is all.... I'm not quite ready to call Suncoast yet...

I've been trying to figure out a way to describe it for weeks now...perfect description, lol.

I would also like to know if there is any risk on an 08 job 1 tranny with this. Not sayin I dont like it, but like TexasTruck says, dont wanna hurt anything. Someone reassure me please! :)

I have been running the new 275 for about 2500 miles now. I really like it, the shifting has smoothed out now and is better than my old 250 tune. With the 250 and stock tires I got about 17 mpg on a road trip to Orlando last year. With the new 275 and 35" Trail Grapplers I got about 16 mpg going to Hilton Head a couple weeks ago. Considering how sweet the new tires look and how well the new 275 shifts, I am very pleased. :cool:

[08stroker250]

Just keep an eye on torque slip. If it's below 100, you are fine. If it's above 100, you might want to tune down.

[sparksjr]

Thats the TCSLIP (RPM) gauge right? I know...noob.

[08stroker250]

Thats the TCSLIP (RPM) gauge right? I know...noob.

That is correct.

[teamscheff]

Any update on when the "late lockup" files will be out??.. I really don't like the 45 MPH lock up. Thanks!

[TexasTruck]

Just curious, before I upgraded to the v2 files, I made a copy of the v1 DD memory card. If someone wanted to go back to v1, wouldn't they simply insert the old memory card, load the DD with the v1 .dtl file and be able to load the v1 tunes again?

TIA!

[snopro_69]

if your talkin your DD isnt updated to the V2....If you do the DD update theres no turning back from that...No more running any other brand tunes or older tunes....But then can run the newest Spartans with 275 in Level 1... If by "your" version of V1, how long ago did you buy your tuner? Mine already came the DD update to V2 but it came with a set of files up to 250 on Level 1..... I saved them on a card and when just the "tune" update came out (Level 1 275 and EGR Delete tunes) I have them on a separate card and can switch back to my original tunes when ever i want.

[TexasTruck]

My tuner is about a year old. I was running the original v1 (tier 1 level tunes). When the new v2 tunes came out, I upgraded. I remember the procedure for the v2 upgrade was to load the new .DTL in the DD that came with the new v2 files for my truck. Unless you do that, the DD won't understand the new tuning files. So it made sense that if you load the old .DTL file, the DD would understand the format of the old v1 tuning files. To go back to v2, load the DD with the .DTL file that comes with the new v2 tuning files.

[08stroker250]

The "V2" update is a software update for the DashDAQ.

[TexasTruck]

I'm not trying to stir up trouble, I'm just trying to learn something. Maybe it's none of my business.... but my DD firmware version is 2.1.2-1949.

My theory......

Part of the procedure to upgrade to the new tuning files is loading a new .DTL file. The DD "V2" upgrade happens when you load the DD with the new RefV2G1E64L_<Your DD #>.dtl file. It doesn't change the DD firmware, it only tells the DD how to read and handle the new tuning files.

The only step in the DD "V2" update procedure that could do "something" to my DD is loading the .DTL file.

I have two SD cards, one with my original "V1" files and a new one with the "V2" files. If I insert the "V1" SD card and load the old RefForceG1E64L_<Your DD #>.dtl in the transfer directory I should be able to read my old tunes.

If I insert the "V2" SD card and load the new RefV2G1E64L_<Your DD #>.dtl file, I should be able to read my new tunes.

Right or am I messing with something I shouldn't be messing with :confused:

[OoggyDoggy]

I read on another forum that you should be able to go back to V1 tunes doing that. I don't remember which, but remeber they even had a Youtube vidieo showing how to do it. My original sd card never included the V1 ReF...files so it is not possible. I am guessing the license was loaded on the DD before shiping so no need to include those files on the card. I doubt you can mess anything up trying since you have the V2 files to load again, but can't say for sure.

[quatackerb]

Just keep an eye on torque slip. If it's below 100, you are fine. If it's above 100, you might want to tune down.

Should the TC slip never be above 100? Around town driving my gauge bounces around all over on the 210 tune. Have 35" tires, dpf/cat delete and volant powercore intake/filter. Everything else is stock. Hoping it's not a sign my tranny is nearing the end of it's life :(

[OoggyDoggy]

100 is only after lockup. You will easily see over 1000 running thru the gears.

Get it up to around 70 in one of the tunes that is suppose to stay locked (i.e. 210 tow) punch it, the converter should stay below 100.

[kylebryan]

mine stays below 10.... 100 is still quite a bit of slip with the TC locked.

[08stroker250]

It should be under 10 RPM with most tunes.

[TexasTruck]

As others have said, below 10. I switch between the 150 and 210 tunes and never see above 5, maybe 6 once.

Someday, I'd like to learn or hear the why's a TC slips or doesn't slip when it's locked....

[TexasTruck]

Thanks Ooggy.... it makes sense to me.