The charge is $90 here but does anyone know if that is a flat charge for programming or is $90 based on a minimum charge? I have CC I need to get programmed but I also have a stereo with all the bells and whistles that was given to me from the same year explorer to put in. I've gathered from another thread that will need programming also. It's up at the cabin but for $90 I can wait if that's how it works. I'm wondering if anyone knows if I'll be charged $180 regardless or just the $90 if I go in with both already installed? It's not going to break the bank but $90 is something I don't want to give to the dealer if I don't have to. If you have the answer I'd appreciate it. I'd call the dealer but there have been too many times where what is said on the phone doesn't always match with what happens there.

 

My guess is, that's per hour.

 

programming/diag is usually one hour of labor. the more involved it gets the more hours get paid

 

Thanks, I appreciate it. djflllmn, I called the dealer to ask if I needed an appointment or not and was told first come, first serve. I also asked if he had any idea of how long it would take and he said, "if there are no problems, 10 to 20 minutes." I don't know if that's actual work or if that includes getting the truck into the shop also? At this dealership I'll be paying for that too. So, that's interesting information. Thanks again.

 

its book pay. It's not dictated by the actual working time on the truck. It's flat rate. So if a job pays 1.0 hours the tech gets paid for that regardless if it takes him .5 or 1.5

 

Ok. It's like a body shop when you get an estimate then.

I have to admit I don't have a clue as to who I talked to or if the answer I was given about the time it would take was given by someone qualified to answer the question or not?

What you are saying is if the book says an hour to program for the cruise control and an hour for the stereo, it's going to be a 2 hour charge even if both are done in an hour? So this isn't about a minimum shop rate. Have to admit I don't like it, but I don't have any surprises coming now.

If you can, do you have an answer for this. 3 years ago I got my sister a remote start for Christmas. That involved programming although I don't know what. Do these companies buy the needed codes from Ford--or whoever--do they have there own codes or is this something totally different?

Thanks.

 

you are correct on the first part. the second part was the code for the PATS. aka the coded key

 

I really don't mean to be a PITA to you. You've helped a lot but should I understand what you wrote to mean that yes they have the necessary codes from Ford or they have their own code that is accepted and work? Obviously PATS is more involved then just theft or I'm really off base now? Wouldn't be the first time.

 

When you added to your sisters truck, it required additional programming within the trucks PCM to activate. Ford uses a device called IDS. It connects to a laptop and then to your obdii.

You run the program and you can diagnose and make some changes to the truck. It is very expensive and requires updates in software.

What you added to your sisters truck, required it to be turned on via the IDS and saved in the trucks PCM.

 

Digital Trucker,

I really do appreciate it but I'm more confused now. Hopefully it's just because of this. The remote starter I got for my sister is not a FORD starter. I got it at the local car stereo store and whatever programming they did, they did there. I was gathering from djfllmn that whatever they did, it was something apart from IDS. Or, I'm wrong about what I thought djfllmn was telling me with this, "the second part was the code for the PATS. aka the coded key," with PATs being passive anti theft. I wasn't sure but I gathered I was being told the aftermarket companies have been given an access to activate their own gear that is separate or aside from the IDS access. I know how assume can be defined, none the less I assume access through PATS rather then IDS ultimately limits after market gear's ability to integrate with the truck or car. I guess I'm looking at it almost like a firewall on a computer. I'm just trying to understand it all.

I hope I haven't made it worse! haha