S197 My Boss Build Thread Profile - S197 Mustangs

[dcpatters]

This is the Build Thread for Boss 302 introduction. Reply below.

 

[Champale]

My favorite color on the Bosses! Congratulations and I am sure you will love it!

 

[Dave_W]

Regarding the TracKey, I believe there are 3 independent but related things you need - 1) use the Red key (which should be the one "linked" to the TracKey enablement), 2) TracKey to be enabled in the PCM/ECU - I think this is still only done by a Ford dealer, 3) PCM loaded / "flashed" with TracKey programming - a few years ago, Ford switched this from dealer-only work to customer-applied using the Pro-Cal tool.

The TracKey programming code was always something that needed to be purchased from Ford (or vendor); initially you got a certificate that you took to the dealer, and they used the certificate code to download & program your PCM. Later, Ford came out with the "Track Cal" item for programming non-Boss cars, and I think that's when TracKey changed from purchasing a certificate to actually getting the Pro-Cal programming with TracKey program.

Instructions for programming TracKey (note Part 2) -

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF

TracKey progamming with Pro-Cal (if you need, this I recommend you check it's on-hand, as Summit shows as unavailable)

https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-performance-trackey-calibration-with-k-n-air-filter-procal-tuner-mustang-boss-302-2012-2013/p/M9603MBTKA/

Ford Performance Mustang TracKey Calibration M-9603-MBTKA (12-13 Mustang BOSS 302) - Free Shipping

FREE SHIPPING! Race Ready Performance. Adjust your Mustang’s key parameters to make it truly race-ready with the Ford Performance TracKey Calibration kit. An up

www.americanmuscle.com

 

[dcpatters]

Regarding the TracKey, I believe there are 3 independent but related things you need - 1) use the Red key (which should be the one "linked" to the TracKey enablement), 2) TracKey to be enabled in the PCM/ECU - I think this is still only done by a Ford dealer, 3) PCM loaded / "flashed" with TracKey programming - a few years ago, Ford switched this from dealer-only work to customer-applied using the Pro-Cal tool.

The TracKey programming code was always something that needed to be purchased from Ford (or vendor); initially you got a certificate that you took to the dealer, and they used the certificate code to download & program your PCM. Later, Ford came out with the "Track Cal" item for programming non-Boss cars, and I think that's when TracKey changed from purchasing a certificate to actually getting the Pro-Cal programming with TracKey program.

Instructions for programming TracKey (note Part 2) -

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF

TracKey progamming with Pro-Cal (if you need, this I recommend you check it's on-hand, as Summit shows as unavailable)

https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-performance-trackey-calibration-with-k-n-air-filter-procal-tuner-mustang-boss-302-2012-2013/p/M9603MBTKA/

Ford Performance Mustang TracKey Calibration M-9603-MBTKA (12-13 Mustang BOSS 302) - Free Shipping

FREE SHIPPING! Race Ready Performance. Adjust your Mustang’s key parameters to make it truly race-ready with the Ford Performance TracKey Calibration kit. An up

www.americanmuscle.com

Got it all sorted out. Took the above instructions back to the dealer and they properly programmed the Trackey.
Now on to suspension and brake mods. More to come.

 

[rdstevenson]

Got it all sorted out. Took the above instructions back to the dealer and they properly programmed the Trackey.
Now on to suspension and brake mods. More to come.

I am in a similar situation, currently in process of purchasing a 2012 with 7,500 miles that the owner has apparently lost the trackey. I think this is one of the coolest features and is making me question moving forward! I think it's still an awesome car that I've been looking forward to for years but having that option for an occasional Trackey vs an aftermarket tune all of the time is really appealing. Everything I found was from several years ago and Ford Performance basically said it's not supported anymore so... I am hoping you could help answer a couple questions if you don't mind!

1. Is that dealership you used a performance dealer or just a regular Ford Dealership?
2. Where did you purchase your Trackey from? I am nervous there might fakes that just have red color on them
3. Did the dealership have issues finding the software to load in the to PCM? I've printed the user and install instruction sheets as posted above but since it's not supported anymore going to a shop that's not familiar I feel like could cause issues.
4. Did you experience any negative side effects or unexpected hickups?
5. Any additional information you think necessary to share?

Thank You for your time and any information you're willing to share!

 

[dcpatters]

I am in a similar situation, currently in process of purchasing a 2012 with 7,500 miles that the owner has apparently lost the trackey. I think this is one of the coolest features and is making me question moving forward! I think it's still an awesome car that I've been looking forward to for years but having that option for an occasional Trackey vs an aftermarket tune all of the time is really appealing. Everything I found was from several years ago and Ford Performance basically said it's not supported anymore so... I am hoping you could help answer a couple questions if you don't mind!

1. Is that dealership you used a performance dealer or just a regular Ford Dealership?
2. Where did you purchase your Trackey from? I am nervous there might fakes that just have red color on them
3. Did the dealership have issues finding the software to load in the to PCM? I've printed the user and install instruction sheets as posted above but since it's not supported anymore going to a shop that's not familiar I feel like could cause issues.
4. Did you experience any negative side effects or unexpected hickups?
5. Any additional information you think necessary to share?

Thank You for your time and any information you're willing to share!

I ordered the Track key (Red Boss logo) from a local Ford Dealership in Sarasota, FL (Auto Nation Ford). They ordered, cut and programmed the key. Total the cost was $300. The programming was straight forward.

Search around; some online vendors may have the key in stock as well.

You mentioned the previous owner "lost the trackey". If so, then the PCM should have the applicable calibration, so all you need is the key. If not, this is the part number you'll need to get, separate of the Track Key, for the calibration.

M-9603-MBTKA​

One note, the calibration for Track Key is quite aggressive with timing and AFR. I found with 93 octane; I was getting some Knock, and even worse with 91 octane. I would recommend setting the "Octane Adjust" for pump gas in the Track Key calibration.

Hope this helps. Let me know,

 

[rdstevenson]

I ordered the Track key (Red Boss logo) from a local Ford Dealership in Sarasota, FL (Auto Nation Ford). They ordered, cut and programmed the key. Total the cost was $300. The programming was straight forward.

Search around; some online vendors may have the key in stock as well.

You mentioned the previous owner "lost the trackey". If so, then the PCM should have the applicable calibration, so all you need is the key. If not, this is the part number you'll need to get, separate of the Track Key, for the calibration.

M-9603-MBTKA​

One note, the calibration for Track Key is quite aggressive with timing and AFR. I found with 93 octane; I was getting some Knock, and even worse with 91 octane. I would recommend setting the "Octane Adjust" for pump gas in the Track Key calibration.

Hope this helps. Let me know,

Awesome, Thanks for the information!

 

[BackInBlack]

@rdstevenson You can order online here:

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/164-r8021.html

FYI, I'm pretty sure it's just a regular key with a red sticker on it, so if you don't care about that, I think a regular key will work if you want to save money.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF

What you need is on page 6: What if a customer loses the TracKey after programming?

I found with 93 octane; I was getting some Knock

That's interesting. I've been going back and forth whether I want to get the trackey for my car. I think time is running out to get one as I don't see many kits left online for sale. But the fact that my local dealer has no clue what it is, I might do a custom tune in the future ... and I've heard of other people running into issues when using trackey ... makes me put it very low on the priority list... I'll probably end up missing out eventually...

 

[dcpatters]

@rdstevenson You can order online here:

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/164-r8021.html

FYI, I'm pretty sure it's just a regular key with a red sticker on it, so if you don't care about that, I think a regular key will work if you want to save money.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF

What you need is on page 6: What if a customer loses the TracKey after programming?



That's interesting. I've been going back and forth whether I want to get the trackey for my car. I think time is running out to get one as I don't see many kits left online for sale. But the fact that my local dealer has no clue what it is, I might do a custom tune in the future ... and I've heard of other people running into issues when using trackey ... makes me put it very low on the priority list... I'll probably end up missing out eventually...

I went with a custom tune form AED. Added the “lope idle” option as well. If I go back to stock, the track key functionality is returned. In my experience, the track key calibration just had too much knock retard in my car.

 

[BackInBlack]

I went with a custom tune form AED

Yeah I was thinking that'd be the way to go also. I have heard of some specialized tuners that can get trackey to work with custom tunes but I don't know who they are or where to get them.

How's it drive compared to the stock tune? Could you tell the difference? Did you dyno it?

 

[rdstevenson]

@rdstevenson You can order online here:

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/164-r8021.html

FYI, I'm pretty sure it's just a regular key with a red sticker on it, so if you don't care about that, I think a regular key will work if you want to save money.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF

What you need is on page 6: What if a customer loses the TracKey after programming?



That's interesting. I've been going back and forth whether I want to get the trackey for my car. I think time is running out to get one as I don't see many kits left online for sale. But the fact that my local dealer has no clue what it is, I might do a custom tune in the future ... and I've heard of other people running into issues when using trackey ... makes me put it very low on the priority list... I'll probably end up missing out eventually...

I did find that levitown

@rdstevenson You can order online here:

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/164-r8021.html

FYI, I'm pretty sure it's just a regular key with a red sticker on it, so if you don't care about that, I think a regular key will work if you want to save money.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF

What you need is on page 6: What if a customer loses the TracKey after programming?



That's interesting. I've been going back and forth whether I want to get the trackey for my car. I think time is running out to get one as I don't see many kits left online for sale. But the fact that my local dealer has no clue what it is, I might do a custom tune in the future ... and I've heard of other people running into issues when using trackey ... makes me put it very low on the priority list... I'll probably end up missing out eventually...

I did find that Levittown resource online as well, thanks for the input and pointing to page 6. This thread even just today is answering basically all of the questions

 

[rdstevenson]

@rdstevenson You can order online here:

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/164-r8021.html

FYI, I'm pretty sure it's just a regular key with a red sticker on it, so if you don't care about that, I think a regular key will work if you want to save money.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/instructionsheets/FORDINSTSHTM-9603-MBTKA.PDF

What you need is on page 6: What if a customer loses the TracKey after programming?



That's interesting. I've been going back and forth whether I want to get the trackey for my car. I think time is running out to get one as I don't see many kits left online for sale. But the fact that my local dealer has no clue what it is, I might do a custom tune in the future ... and I've heard of other people running into issues when using trackey ... makes me put it very low on the priority list... I'll probably end up missing out eventually..

 

[dcpatters]

Yeah I was thinking that'd be the way to go also. I have heard of some specialized tuners that can get trackey to work with custom tunes but I don't know who they are or where to get them.

How's it drive compared to the stock tune? Could you tell the difference? Did you dyno it?

Dyno on 91 octane.