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Track Key Question.

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13
2
Exp. Level
20+ Years
Houston
I just purchased 2012 Boss 302 Kona Blue MP0011 . 26k miles, all stock including restrictor plates.
It does have the Red Key and the EO sticker on the shock tower.
My issue is I get zero messages about a track activation no matter which key is used. I presume the car had a track key activation due to the EO sticker at one time. What is my best recourse to solve this situation?
 
I don't know the answer but someone with a 12 Boss should. I have a 13 and it has track apps etc. And it alerts you the track key is in on the screen between the tack and speedometer.

If I'm not mistaken the 12' Bosses didn't have that screen, maybe they did, but if not how are you alerted?
 
Looks like your vehicle, if it is VIN 1ZVBP8CU0C5199931, was used by Ford as part of their Boss 302 journalist review program (hence the Manufacturer Prototype 'MP' number and the door sticker having a build date of 12/2010, which would be a 2011 MY normally).
4:15 in the video for the confirmation.

From the review, it sounds like Trackey was enabled at that time. It's very possible that Ford had to bring the vehicle back to a stock configuration prior to selling it and flashed the PCM since it may not be legal for them to pass it along with that modification (like how performance Mustangs usually have extra goodies in the trunk on delivery, since the manufacturer technically cannot legally install them). It could also be that Wagner Cadillac through Ford had it flashed when they put it up for sale, due to the assumption that a lot of Mustangs run aftermarket tunes and they didn't want to be responsible for any funkiness.
 

TMSBOSS

Spending my pension on car parts and track fees.
7,529
5,243
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
10-20 Years
Illinois
The MY 2012 Boss had to wait on CARB for the Track Key. We received the car new with the key but did not receive the software until after approval later in the year. The MP cars did have track key when they were displayed at the car shows early 2011. Without CARB approval they would have had to pull the software to sell the car. At the time, there was discussion that Ford could not get approval for the original version of the software and sold a “Watered Down” version which was approved.
 
Did Track Key ever enhance anybody's track experience???.....It should have come stock on the Boss, not an after market adventure IMHO......never bothered with the hassle......Me and the Boss do just fine without it, thank you......................
 

TMSBOSS

Spending my pension on car parts and track fees.
7,529
5,243
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
10-20 Years
Illinois
OP did say he had the EO sticker on the shock tower, though, which means that it complied with CARB
Agree. This would mean the car was likely flashed at least twice with red key programs, once when built and then again when the when the updated version with the sticker was released.
 
@Fmc When you bought the car, did it come with the Ford Procal II tool?
1651407201034.png
Original Trackey instructions are attached below, but it sounds like you'd need a new voucher number if it has been flashed back to stock.
1651407289375.png
Maybe the key needs to be paired again, since you do have to designate a specific key as the 'Trackey'.
1651407468410.png
I'd suggest calling the Ford Performance hotline and see what they have to say.
 

Attachments

  • FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF
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13
2
Exp. Level
20+ Years
Houston
Looks like your vehicle, if it is VIN 1ZVBP8CU0C5199931, was used by Ford as part of their Boss 302 journalist review program (hence the Manufacturer Prototype 'MP' number and the door sticker having a build date of 12/2010, which would be a 2011 MY normally).
4:15 in the video for the confirmation.

From the review, it sounds like Trackey was enabled at that time. It's very possible that Ford had to bring the vehicle back to a stock configuration prior to selling it and flashed the PCM since it may not be legal for them to pass it along with that modification (like how performance Mustangs usually have extra goodies in the trunk on delivery, since the manufacturer technically cannot legally install them). It could also be that Wagner Cadillac through Ford had it flashed when they put it up for sale, due to the assumption that a lot of Mustangs run aftermarket tunes and they didn't want to be responsible for any funkiness.
It is the very same one. I noticed it before purchasing while scouring this very site. 😎.
Even back then it had the EO sticker. You can clearly see it in some of the footage.

My wife ran a carfax on it for me before purchase (she works for Lincoln) and it had ~ 6,700 miles on it before Ford departed with it

It is possible that is Wagner Cadillac’s standard operating procedure. I’m hoping I can take it a local Ford dealer and they can help me out.
 
13
2
Exp. Level
20+ Years
Houston
@Fmc When you bought the car, did it come with the Ford Procal II tool?
View attachment 75429
Original Trackey instructions are attached below, but it sounds like you'd need a new voucher number if it has been flashed back to @Fmc When you bought the car, did it come with the Ford Procal II tool?
View attachment 75429
Original Trackey instructions are attached below, but it sounds like you'd need a new voucher number if it has been flashed back to stock.
View attachment 75431
Maybe the key needs to be paired again, since you do have to designate a specific key as the 'Trackey'.
View attachment 75432
I'd suggest calling the Ford Performance hotline and see what they have to say.
No, no Ford Procal II tool.
 
@Fmc I'd suggest reviewing the installation instructions I attached in the previous post for familiarity on the process and then call the Ford Performance hotline. The person who picks up that line will have more knowledge on the Trackey than the average dealership Joe and will be more likely to have accurate next-step information.
 
13
2
Exp. Level
20+ Years
Houston
@Fmc I'd suggest reviewing the installation instructions I attached in the previous post for familiarity on the process and then call the Ford Performance hotline. The person who picks up that line will have more knowledge on the Trackey than the average dealership Joe and will be more likely to have accurate next-step information.
Thank you.
 
4
1
Exp. Type
Circle Track
Exp. Level
Under 3 Years
Cleveland, Ohio
The MY 2012 Boss had to wait on CARB for the Track Key. We received the car new with the key but did not receive the software until after approval later in the year. The MP cars did have track key when they were displayed at the car shows early 2011. Without CARB approval they would have had to pull the software to sell the car. At the time, there was discussion that Ford could not get approval for the original version of the software and sold a “Watered Down” version which was approved.
I like your cars. I am the original owner of 2013 Boss 302 #3230 and 2018 GT350R #342. My '13 Boss won't stay in Track Mode. Investigating.
 

xr7

TMO Addict?
706
821
Exp. Type
Autocross
Exp. Level
10-20 Years
Minnesota
Did Track Key ever enhance anybody's track experience???.....It should have come stock on the Boss, not an after market adventure IMHO......never bothered with the hassle......Me and the Boss do just fine without it, thank you......................
Throttle reactions are not "delayed" when running the Red Key. You can definitely tell the difference when autocrossing.
My understanding was the Red Key programming had to be installed after the sale for some regulations reason.
 
277
161
If you do end up running the track Key tune I would suggest running a higher octane fuel in it. Not 91 octane left coast shiznit gas. Just my .02 worth.
 

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