AREAS WE ADDRESS

Fuel tables are modified for either better economy or all-out performance. Depending on your needs is how most tables are set up. We have noticed on the 2020+ Explorer ST 3.0L that the fueling tables are a little rich in their strategies in stock condition and have moderate delay timers set before allowing additional fuel at WOT. However, some fueling delays are ok as they help with the economy.

The 2020+ Explorer suffers from poor throttle response down low. A custom calibration will have enhanced improvements in better throttle response, step on go pedal, the vehicle will respond quicker…this DBW system is a torque driven system, it works by taking a certain amount of torque via engine and wheel and applies it to what the driver’s foot say it needs; a better way to explain it is its a torque limiter. It only allows so much torque at a given pedal position. Stock tables are conservative and numb at best and that’s why one would feel sometimes a lag or a goofy pedal with DBW systems. For a 3.0L EB V6 this is one of the most critical areas that must be addressed and modified to generate more torque /hp and throttle response. By reworking the OEM strategies make your 3.0L EB V6 come to life!

There are normally 3 types of limiters on most vehicles that can be adjusted safely and the 2020+ Explorer 3.0L EB is no different. RPM, MPH (112) and transmission. MPH limiter is raised to 186 MPH. Output shaft limiters are slightly increased to a safe limit in our calibrations. We also leave the Fail Safe factory limiters enabled and in place that Ford has set from the factory. So in all temperature conditions if your vehicle needs to dial back some power on its own it can. This ensures a safe calibration for the life of your vehicle.

Can be increased in most RPM areas for improved Torque and HP. Running a higher octane fuel will net more power and economy from some timing/spark advancement. However, with a 3.0L EB v6 even running 87 Octane fuel can yield some respectable gains in power and torque over stock with the use of no additional timing advance (aka factory tables). The knock sensors and strategy we leave in place just like factory on the 3.0L EB v6 are very good in that they can advance and retard timing while you drive. For best-delivered timing to achieve best power and torque a good quality fuel is needed like 90-94 octane.

In all 2020+ Explorer vehicles the Torque Converter strategies can be reworked to lock up sooner and stay locked longer at light cruising speeds to also help with economy…A locked converter is power to the ground. The new 10 speed brings new meaning to locking a converter, part of the clunk in and out of gears is Ford trying to lock all gears starting with 2nd gear. The converter strategies in our calibrations will have great emphasis on quick converter lock ups at the right mph in the right gears (key word) and rpm as to take advantage of the low torque that is available from the 3.0L EB V6 engine. End result will be smooth transition from gear to gear with no goofy clunking.

The 10 speed transmission that comes standard with the Explorer ST is a big improvement in driver controls over prior 6 speed transmissions. However, there are still some significant benefits to be had re-calibrating normal daily shift strategies. With the Raptor having many modes, we will just talk about the 2 most used modes here.

DAILY MODE We have noticed that while in normal everyday mode that the transmission will move into 8th,9th, 10th gears really quickly around town with speeds as low as 42 mph this really lugs the engine and when trying to accelerate there is a pretty good delay to build boost and either downshift or accelerate. Also Ford is skip shifting in normal mode as well. We can correct this by moving some shift strategies patterns around in all gears. Our calibrations will have emphasis on shifting at the right mph and rpm as to take advantage of the low torque that is available from the 3.0L EB V6 engine, while maintaining great fuel economy and power to accelerate when needed.

SPORT Mode is a fun mode in factory form but does not have much use in a daily drive except wide open throttle. We have an enhance shift pattern that allows you to take advantage of this sport mode to make use of it during your daily drive when you want both sport and fun with keeping some of your drive ability in mind. Upper gears 8th, 9th, 10th are much more driver friendly after tuning being able to get into these gears at an except-able MPH is key.

Shift pressures can be increased and slip timers can be decreased to help keep trans temperatures down and give the truck or any vehicle a better overall feel. In an Explorer ST, shifts are quick and slightly firmer most of the delay between shifts are eliminated when using custom tunes.

At the time of your order if your ECU strategy code is known, we will send your tuner loaded with tunes on your selected tuner. If this information is not known at the time your order is placed you will be provided a blank tuner to acquire the needed vehicle information.

Where do I find my ECU Strategy Code?

If using an SCT or Bully Dog Device: On your device under vehicle information, you will find your ECU Strategy Code. An example of an ECU Strategy Code is PKRK0R2.

Note: If your vehicle is a 2015+ we will also need your ECU SWPN (HL3A-14C204-BPH). For diesel applications we will also need your TCU Strategy (TPCL0HH) and TCU SWPN (HL3A-14C337-HH) in addition to your ECU Strategy and ECU SWPN

If using an HP nGauge: Plug your nGauge into the OBD2 port the vehicle you intend to tune. Use the menu on your device to select TUNING, then proceed to select the PCM type and choose READ VEHICLE. Upon selecting “read” you will see a variety of vehicle options. Select your application vehicle such as: “2017 F150 Ecoboost 3.5L GTDI V6: PCM + TCM” “TC-277A 4M+TCM.”

Custom calibrations allow for many choices when it comes to tuning your vehicle. 5 Star Tuning will be offering these popular choices for the new Explorer ST.

These enhanced calibrations can increase economy and are completely safe to tow/haul your vehicles manufactured recommend weight rating in any mode.

Enhanced Safe Power – Great Drive Ability – Good Economy is our goals with all of our custom maps.

Calibrations will enhance some if not all of these areas depending on Map/Tune developed.

● fuel
● boost
● drive by wire
● grill shutters
● cold/hot start idle
● idle drive
● variable cam
● shifting sport mode
● converter sport mode
● shifting normal mode
● converter normal mode
● shifting Tow/Haul mode
● converter Tow/Haul mode
● timing
● cruise/speed control
● variable speed fan
● speed limiters
● tire size
● axle ratio

CALIBRATIONS that are available for the 2020+ Explorer ST are:

85 Daily Street-Tow
86 Daily Street-Tow
87 Daily Street-Tow
88 Daily Street-Tow
89 Daily Street-Tow
90 Daily Street-Tow
91 Daily Street-Tow
92 Daily Street-Tow
93 Daily Street-Tow
94 Daily Street-Tow

85 Performance
86 Performance
87 Performance
88 Performance
89 Performance
90 Performance
91 Performance
92 Performance
93 Performance
94 Performance
e30 Performance
e50 Performance

Note: Performance/Tow you can tow Fords recommended weight rating.

Performance Tunes are not recommended for towing.

We off 2 styles of tuning for the 2020+ Ford Explorer ST. Daily Street tunes and Performance only tunes. Each style you can get 85-94 octane. The main difference between the Daily/Street and Performance/Offroad tunes is mainly in the transmission tuning. The Daily Street is set up for more the in town less aggressive driving. The Performance only tunes have more aggressive shifting and centers around good torque to accelerate in any gear.

Normal: For everyday on-road driving duties, normal mode is a perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience.

Sport: Mountain passes are no longer just for Mustang, thanks to sport mode. For spirited on-road driving, sport mode increases throttle response and provides a sportier steering feel – along with quicker shifting. The transmission holds gears longer to keep you in the power band.

Snow / Wet: When road conditions are less than ideal, weather mode inspires confidence without compromising driving pleasure. Snow/wet mode automatically engages 4 Auto. AdvanceTrac, throttle response and the shift schedule are optimized for greater confidence in slippery conditions.

Tow / Haul: For towing or hauling recommended weight rating from Ford. Holds up shifts and gives you some engine braking on the down grade.

ECO: This setting is for intense economy. This reduces throttle input and helps improve efficiency.