Coercion Shaman

My speedometer was off by about 10% because of the 35" tires. Even though I was in the habit of doing the calculation when I look down at the speedometer, I wanted to truck to be accurate. I was also unsure as to whether or not it was affecting the shift points in the transmission. I did the research for making the changes in FORSCAN or buying a Hypertech calibrator. I happened upon a comment in another thread about the Rough Country Quickcal.

The Quickcal has limited functionality. The website reported that it can calibrate the speedometer and clear DTC codes. The real draw was the reported ease of use and the lower cost by comparison to other devices at $159. I actually purchased it on sale at $139 and Rough Country has free shipping. Sales tax will be applied depending upon your state of residency.

I ordered on Thursday and the unit arrived via FedEx on Saturday. It was a simple box containing only a Quickcal device, a USB to micro USB cable and instructions sheet. The device has a hard wired DLC port cable, a small screen, a Scroll button and a Select button. I set to reading the included instructions. It first asks you go to the website and verify your current software on the device. It required a download of a program that checks everything for you via the included cable. At this point you will register your device. My Quickcal had already been updated before shipping. Now to try it out.

Plug in the device to the diagnostic port and turn on the ignition accessory. After the Quickcal searched for and pulled the VIN (and subsequently locks the device to your vehicle), the screen displays the option for Calibrate Your Speedometer, GPS Speed, Clear DTC Codes, and Restore. Select calibrate and the screen displays GPS speed and vehicle speed, start the vehicle and proceed to an area where you can drive a steady 40MPH. I chose to set the cruise control on a level stretch of road free of trees and buildings to ensure a solid GPS tracking. The unit put out a steady beep to let me know that I was in the speed range and that it was recording data. GPS speed showed 44MPH and truck indicated 40MPH. In less than two miles it audibly indicated that it was ready and displayed a message asking if I would like to apply the changes.

After selecting yes, it advised that I should find a safe place for programming. Pulled over when I found a suitable location, turned off the ignition and the system prompted me to turn on the ignition accessory power. After the writing process started, a 45 second timer appeared and counted down to zero.

To verify the application, I placed the unit in GPS speed mode and departed the parking lot. The digital speedometer in the truck displayed the GPS speed rounded to the next full MPH. So, if traveling 64.1 MPH according to the GPS speed, my truck indicated 65MPH. If traveling at 64.6MPH the truck displayed 65MPH. This proved to be consistent throughout the entire speed spectrum. I do feel that the shifting is more fluid as well.

From leaving my house to start this through the completion, the process took 15 minutes. Most of this was the drive to an area where I could run at the appropriate speed. Rough Country says it is a 5 minute process. I concur. Now I no longer have to make the speed adjustments in my head, the fuel average is as right now as it will ever be using the truck's calculations (since it is overly optimistic), and I don't have to make adjustments for when services are due because of inaccuracies in miles driven. For a moderate price (by comparison), 15 minutes of my time, and the push of a few buttons, I am pleased with the product.

Note that this does obviously make changes to the PCM and ECM for speed calibration and transmission shift control points. That means it will show as a flash in the counter. Also, this unit is locked to the VIN you first use it on according to Rough Country chat. Restoring your vehicle is simply for service purposes if you so desire and does not 'unlock' the Quickcal to use on another vehicle. Finally, it does not work with the 2017 Ecoboost models, either.

Link to product: http://www.roughcountry.com/quickcal...or-90001b.html

Phil48315

I wouldn't by it for the fact that its locked to that vehicle.....
You should be able to remove it and sell it if you don't like it....


Thanks for the info

Coercion Shaman

I actually never thought to ask until I was doing the review. If you aren't happy, though, it is my understanding that you can go through the return process with Rough Country after doing a restore within their guidelines. Something to consider or specifically ask for verification before purchasing.

MNSportsman

iTrader: (1)

Great writeup - Thanks for taking the time to share. Options are always good for folks to have and IMO this one sounds like a pretty good one.

msgtord

Thanks for the info.

ExF100Guy

iTrader: (1)

I'm guessing you can unlock it and use it on another similar vehicle, like pretty much any other tuning device. The manufacturers do this so you can't use the device on multiple vehicles simultaneously.

Phil48315

Go back and re-read his last paragraph......


"Also, this unit is locked to the VIN you first use it on according to Rough Country chat. Restoring your vehicle is simply for service purposes if you so desire and does not 'unlock' the Quickcal to use on another vehicle."

ExF100Guy

iTrader: (1)

You're right; I didn't catch that. The tuners I've used are "married" to a single VIN until "unmarried". Based on what you pointed out, I'd have passed on this unit, too.

Coercion Shaman

Understandable. That is why I noted it in the review.

On the flip side, it is significantly cheaper and easier than other options for a calibration. I probably still would have bought it had I asked previously. I can nearly buy two for the price of the Hypertech, and I didn't have to do anything but plug it in.

Phil48315

Same here, that's my reason too...but following to see if maybe it can be.
He said based on chat..... maybe chat was incorrect.

Either way he did a nice quality review.