Let’s Talk PCM Tuning!

Hello everyone! Today we will be talking about PCM tuning for the Ford Explorer ST. Enjoy!

What does a tune do?

On modern vehicles, all powertrain functions are controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM is programmed with a set variables. Looking specifically at the engine part of what the PCM controls, without getting too complex, the PCM aims for a specific amount of power (400 HP in this case), and if conditions are absolutely perfect, it will hit that power goal. It will never go past that variable. That is why no matter what bolt on part you install it will not make a difference in peak power (things like intercoolers help retain that peak power but won’t change peak power). To take advantage of whatever aftermarket parts, you need to change those parameters, or the tuning of the PCM. Those parameters include, but or not limited to: amount of timing, boost, air/fuel ratio, and more.

Tuner vs a Tune vs A Tuner Device

Commonly confused is a tuner versus a tuner device and the tune. The tuner is the person who writes a new tune for the vehicle. A tuner device is a device that installs the tune into the PCM. A tune is the parameters the PCM runs on.

Tune Devices

Like mentioned, a tuner device is what installs the tune on the vehicle. The most popular devices for this platform come from HPTuners, Cobb and SCT. I’m not going to get into how they compare to each other, but I personally think they all do their job and the tuner (the person) is what matters.

Tuning and Warranty

To go back to warranty, some people say they can hide a tune by resetting it to stock. This is not true. When you reset the car back to stock , the key cycles are resetted. A dealer will see if you have or had a tune on the car by seeing the key cycles. Some people have dealers that don’t care, others have gotten lucky because dealers don’t look at it. If you’re just going in for simple oil change, they won’t care, but any major repair they put everything under a microscope. Not saying it’s something I’d do, but unplugging the battery and letting the car sit for around 20 minutes also resets the key cycles. Not saying you should use that as an excuse, but something to note 🙂

Tune and Tuner

Just an PCM tuning can bring the quarter mile times down to Low 12’s. There are quite a few options when it comes to tuning so I will just recommend the best for each purpose.

Ford Performance tune: Honorable Mention

The Ford Performance tune needs to be mentioned because of it’s OE roots. Let’s start with warranty, where it seems like it becomes cloudy. It retains only the 3 year/36k mile warranty (which starts from the in-service date). After the 3/36 warranty, it’s considered an aftermarket part, and could void warranty if it is found to be caused the problem. It’s advertised HP is 430 HP and 467 LB.FT.TQ.. It is a bit expensive at $825, which doesn’t help it’s case. Throttle response and shifts points become noticeably better compared to stock, bit will never be as good as a custom tune. I honestly don’t think it is a good option, if you’re concerned about warranty, just wait until warranty is up and spend the same amount of money on a proper custom tune.

ZFG Tune: My recommended tuner

The ZFG tune is a great tune as recommended by many of those that have purchased it and the numbers that the tune achieves. Adam at ZFG knows how to tune these 10r60s and 3.0L perfectly. He owns all the records for these vehicles. That doesn’t mean his tunes aren’t safe though. These cars are just so awesome they can be safely, and easily put in the 11-second quarter mile, and driven to drop the kids off at soccer practice reliably. Another fun feature that ZFG offers is DMS (Drive mode specific) tuning. This is when each drive mode features a specific custom tune.

TunePlus and Goosetuned: Best tunes if you already have an Cobb AccessPort

If you already have an Cobb AccessPort, a great option is TunePlus. Although newer to the game, Adam Brunson at TunePlus is a great tuner, his custom single turbo car was crazy! He is a very experienced tuner and does great work with these cars.

Gearhead Tuning: Best tuner if you already have an SCT Tuner

If you have an SCT tuner already, Gearhead Tuning is solid option. Not available for 2025+ Explorers due to lack of support from SCT.

There are a couple other tuners that do good work, but these are going to be your top choices.

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