Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

WIKD · 08-24-2008, 04:47 PM

Seems like an easy question but apparently not. I was always under the impression that 2004 was the cut off. 2005 and above needed a tuner to tune. Why I ask is I have installed Roy's 3/8 spacer and a MAC o/r H pipe and exhaust. Even with MIL eliminators I am getting a SES light. I just wanted a tune to get everything working together and possibly turn the rear o2 sensors off. However I have been told by two local shops now that to tune an 04 you have to buy a tuner. What gives?

birdman941 · 08-24-2008, 04:49 PM

Find out what code you are getting before you make any decisions.

TOWGUNNER · 08-24-2008, 05:05 PM

Disconnect your battery for a couple of hours then connect it again. I had to do that after I had my off road h pipe with mil eliminators installed. It was still on the check engin light. That took care of the problem to reset it.

rich1 · 08-24-2008, 05:40 PM

MIL eliminators are a band -aid...

,some work ,some dont .Really your best bet is to get a tune to make the car run better with your mods now and future.I have a SCT switch chip that has 3 other tunes plus the stock tune .I had to switch to the stock tune to get it inspected the other day .I forgot and drove the car home it ran poor compaired to the other tunes .The other thing is my tuner has the rear o2 sensors off and the EGR off too.That said... I will say that people should think about using catted H/X pipes again.The emissions tests are getting more strick every day. I still have my stock pipe just in case.. btw a new one from Ford with 4 cats is $1,500.

WIKD · 08-24-2008, 07:56 PM

Well Florida does not have inspections so that's not a problem. But just in case the old catted H pipe is hanging in the garage. Already tried the disconnect the battery fix and the SES light came back on after the second cycle. Will be taking it to Autozone Monday to get the codes. Still don't know if you have to have a tuner to set the tune for these cars though. Anyone know?

rich1 · 08-24-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdman941

Find out what code you are getting before you make any decisions.

I agree... and a Tune would be best.Btw N.C did not have full inspection until recently ,goood you kept the old H too.

birdman941 · 08-24-2008, 08:32 PM

Yes you will need to buy a tuner.
Xcal 2 is what I have for the project car.

jaimoe · 08-25-2008, 08:31 AM

Yes you will have to buy a handheld tuner. The reason is that EVERYTHING in the car is controlled by the computer. The tuner is the only way to access the computer.

305HP · 08-25-2008, 08:55 AM

Every Computer based car requires a tuner, don't remember the 80's then people were tunning Grand Nations with laptops?

This has been going on for over 25yrs now, even Escorts, Civics and Neons need a tuner.

WIKD · 08-25-2008, 03:12 PM

I've already talked to Justin on Sunday and thats where I planned on taking it.
Got a code I wasn't expecting though. Code P2270. After climbing back under the car I did find a small exhaust leak on the left side where the H pipe and manifold come together. I'm guessing thats close enough to the front o2 sensor to be the air leak. Tried moving the pipe and tightening but it's still there. I guess I'm going to take it back to the muffler shop and see what they can do.
Since it didn't state which bank/sensor that's where I'll have to start.

G · 08-25-2008, 06:11 PM

I'm a little confused on the answers you're getting about the tuner????

You don't need to own a tuner to have your car tuned!!! If a shop is equipped they can burn you a chip. You can even switch between several tunes if need be, all without owning a handheld tuner. I highly recommend the Sniper Special Forces it will give you the best bang for the buck. It does 2 cars out of the box and you can own more bullets than you can keep up with for pretty cheap. It offers access to everything you need to tune for bolt-ons and support for other things is available.

rich1 · 08-25-2008, 07:32 PM

Maybe start here...on the MIL.
P2270 Heated oxygen sensor (hos2)2 bank 1- signal struck lean.
oxygen sensor (o2s) 2 bank 1-signal struck lean.
Likely Causes :
Wiring ,hos2 or o2s sensors bad,Fuel pressure,Injectors ,or Intake leak !

Fix code before going to Tuner if possiable.

WIKD · 08-25-2008, 08:14 PM

Yes I am going to start with the code before going to the tuner. The read out I received form Autozone does not have a bank or sensor attached to it. The code says P2270
lack of HO2S-12 Switches-Sensor indicates lean
ECM forces the fuel system rich and lean-test fails when sensor does not react as expected.

Unless the "12" after the HO2S is bank one sensor two which would be the rear drivers side. However the exhaust leak is right next to/in front of the drivers front o2 sensor.

rich1 · 08-25-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIKD

Yes I am going to start with the code before going to the tuner. The read out I received form Autozone does not have a bank or sensor attached to it. The code says P2270
lack of HO2S-12 Switches-Sensor indicates lean
ECM forces the fuel system rich and lean-test fails when sensor does not react as expected.

Unless the "12" after the HO2S is bank one sensor two which would be the rear drivers side. However the exhaust leak is right next to/in front of the drivers front o2 sensor.

I believe bank 1 ...is the pass side... which would be also be sensor 2 ...the rear o2 sensor.

I hate to say this but a prof scanner will show the Sensors being bad or good .

WIKD · 08-27-2008, 06:09 PM

Success!!! Fixed the exhaust leak easy enough but that had nothing to do with the light. It was a bad MIL eliminator. Replaced one side and the light is gone, car's running great.

rich1 · 08-27-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1

MIL eliminators are a band -aid...

,some work ,some dont .Really your best bet is to get a tune to make the car run better with your mods now and future.I have a SCT switch chip that has 3 other tunes plus the stock tune .I had to switch to the stock tune to get it inspected the other day .I forgot and drove the car home it ran poor compaired to the other tunes .The other thing is my tuner has the rear o2 sensors off and the EGR off too.That said... I will say that people should think about using catted H/X pipes again.The emissions tests are getting more strick every day. I still have my stock pipe just in case.. btw a new one from Ford with 4 cats is $1,500.

Told ya!

WIKD · 08-27-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1

Told ya!

Yup. Should have figured it, my luck always goes that way.

08-24-2008, 04:47 PM	#1
WIKD Mach 1 newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Also help with code please. Seems like an easy question but apparently not. I was always under the impression that 2004 was the cut off. 2005 and above needed a tuner to tune. Why I ask is I have installed Roy's 3/8 spacer and a MAC o/r H pipe and exhaust. Even with MIL eliminators I am getting a SES light. I just wanted a tune to get everything working together and possibly turn the rear o2 sensors off. However I have been told by two local shops now that to tune an 04 you have to buy a tuner. What gives? Last edited by WIKD; 08-25-2008 at 08:16 PM.

08-24-2008, 04:49 PM	#2
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Find out what code you are getting before you make any decisions. __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

08-24-2008, 05:05 PM	#3
TOWGUNNER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Va Posts: 276	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Disconnect your battery for a couple of hours then connect it again. I had to do that after I had my off road h pipe with mil eliminators installed. It was still on the check engin light. That took care of the problem to reset it.

08-24-2008, 05:40 PM	#4
rich1 AUTOMACHTIC Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: RTP/ N.C. Posts: 4,813	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? MIL eliminators are a band -aid... ,some work ,some dont .Really your best bet is to get a tune to make the car run better with your mods now and future.I have a SCT switch chip that has 3 other tunes plus the stock tune .I had to switch to the stock tune to get it inspected the other day .I forgot and drove the car home it ran poor compaired to the other tunes .The other thing is my tuner has the rear o2 sensors off and the EGR off too.That said... I will say that people should think about using catted H/X pipes again.The emissions tests are getting more strick every day. I still have my stock pipe just in case.. btw a new one from Ford with 4 cats is $1,500. __________________ UPGRADES...Tokico Illuminas Borla SS Catback , Steeda Underdrives , Strut Brace , HPM Lower K Brace , L /C Arms , U /C Arms , HPM PanHard Bar, K&N FRPK 2, GOODYEAR GT1 , MRT- H-Pipe , JLT VaporTraps , SLP-12'" Tips! , FRPP Shorty 1 5/8 Headers , Brembo D/S & PBR D/S Rotors ,FRPP Alum.DS ,Roys 3/8 Spacer , SVT Focus 255 pump SCTsw Chip PRO-DYNOjet NA 300.01hp /315tq (Auto) ,Innovate W/B ,Compucar Wet Kit (90jet) + Heater and E Gauge * 360 hp/385tq 12.5 -1/4 @112 Last edited by rich1; 08-25-2008 at 07:20 PM.

08-24-2008, 07:56 PM	#5
WIKD Mach 1 newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Well Florida does not have inspections so that's not a problem. But just in case the old catted H pipe is hanging in the garage. Already tried the disconnect the battery fix and the SES light came back on after the second cycle. Will be taking it to Autozone Monday to get the codes. Still don't know if you have to have a tuner to set the tune for these cars though. Anyone know?

08-24-2008, 08:32 PM	#7
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Yes you will need to buy a tuner. Xcal 2 is what I have for the project car. __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

08-25-2008, 08:31 AM	#8
jaimoe Speed addict Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 648	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Yes you will have to buy a handheld tuner. The reason is that EVERYTHING in the car is controlled by the computer. The tuner is the only way to access the computer. __________________ Best time 1/8th mi--7.65@90MPH 2003 DSG Mach 1 99/01 Cobra front bumper Darrin-Matic w/3500 stall converter 100 Shot 4.10 Gears Stock Springs KYB AGX adjustable shocks/struts tubular LCAs UPR dbl adj UCAs Custom SCT Tune 255/40/18 front 295/35/18 rear FR500 Wheels Custom RAI UPR O/R X-Pipe Roy spacer Flowmaster 40's I may not be as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was." "Just an old man having fun"

08-25-2008, 08:55 AM	#9
305HP Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Penn. Posts: 390	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Every Computer based car requires a tuner, don't remember the 80's then people were tunning Grand Nations with laptops? This has been going on for over 25yrs now, even Escorts, Civics and Neons need a tuner. __________________ Mach1 - manual 90MM LMAF, PHP intake spacer, BBK catted X, Borla Stinger cat-back, March crank pulley, CobraR PS/alt/WP pulleys, FRPP 4.10, JLT RAI, SCT

08-25-2008, 03:12 PM	#10
WIKD Mach 1 newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? I've already talked to Justin on Sunday and thats where I planned on taking it. Got a code I wasn't expecting though. Code P2270. After climbing back under the car I did find a small exhaust leak on the left side where the H pipe and manifold come together. I'm guessing thats close enough to the front o2 sensor to be the air leak. Tried moving the pipe and tightening but it's still there. I guess I'm going to take it back to the muffler shop and see what they can do. Since it didn't state which bank/sensor that's where I'll have to start. Last edited by WIKD; 08-25-2008 at 03:32 PM.

08-25-2008, 06:11 PM	#11
G Undocumented Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Enterprise, AL Posts: 15,828	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? I'm a little confused on the answers you're getting about the tuner???? You don't need to own a tuner to have your car tuned!!! If a shop is equipped they can burn you a chip. You can even switch between several tunes if need be, all without owning a handheld tuner. I highly recommend the Sniper Special Forces it will give you the best bang for the buck. It does 2 cars out of the box and you can own more bullets than you can keep up with for pretty cheap. It offers access to everything you need to tune for bolt-ons and support for other things is available. __________________ _____________________________________________ 2003 Mach1 AB 5spd 2004 Mach1 TR 5spd (sold) 1933 Ford 3W Coupe (4.6 dohc Stack Injection) 2003 Cobra TR (sold) 2014 Mustang GT (Track Pack) in Black

08-25-2008, 07:32 PM	#12
rich1 AUTOMACHTIC Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: RTP/ N.C. Posts: 4,813	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Maybe start here...on the MIL. P2270 Heated oxygen sensor (hos2)2 bank 1- signal struck lean. oxygen sensor (o2s) 2 bank 1-signal struck lean. Likely Causes : Wiring ,hos2 or o2s sensors bad,Fuel pressure,Injectors ,or Intake leak ! Fix code before going to Tuner if possiable. __________________ UPGRADES...Tokico Illuminas Borla SS Catback , Steeda Underdrives , Strut Brace , HPM Lower K Brace , L /C Arms , U /C Arms , HPM PanHard Bar, K&N FRPK 2, GOODYEAR GT1 , MRT- H-Pipe , JLT VaporTraps , SLP-12'" Tips! , FRPP Shorty 1 5/8 Headers , Brembo D/S & PBR D/S Rotors ,FRPP Alum.DS ,Roys 3/8 Spacer , SVT Focus 255 pump SCTsw Chip PRO-DYNOjet NA 300.01hp /315tq (Auto) ,Innovate W/B ,Compucar Wet Kit (90jet) + Heater and E Gauge * 360 hp/385tq 12.5 -1/4 @112

08-25-2008, 08:14 PM	#13
WIKD Mach 1 newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Yes I am going to start with the code before going to the tuner. The read out I received form Autozone does not have a bank or sensor attached to it. The code says P2270 lack of HO2S-12 Switches-Sensor indicates lean ECM forces the fuel system rich and lean-test fails when sensor does not react as expected. Unless the "12" after the HO2S is bank one sensor two which would be the rear drivers side. However the exhaust leak is right next to/in front of the drivers front o2 sensor.

08-27-2008, 06:09 PM	#15
WIKD Mach 1 newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 109	Re: Can you tune a Mach 1 without a tuner? Success!!! Fixed the exhaust leak easy enough but that had nothing to do with the light. It was a bad MIL eliminator. Replaced one side and the light is gone, car's running great.

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