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- Thread starterdcpatters
- Start date
Yellow Blaze Boss 302
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My favorite color on the Bosses! Congratulations and I am sure you will love it!
Dave_W
Cones - not just for ice cream
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) -
TracKey progamming with Pro-Cal (if you need, this I recommend you check it's on-hand, as Summit shows as unavailable)
www.americanmuscle.com
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) -
TracKey progamming with Pro-Cal (if you need, this I recommend you check it's on-hand, as Summit shows as unavailable)
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
- Thread starter
- #4
Got it all sorted out. Took the above instructions back to the dealer and they properly programmed the Trackey.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) -
TracKey progamming with Pro-Cal (if you need, this I recommend you check it's on-hand, as Summit shows as unavailable)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
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!
- Thread starter
- #6
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!
@rdstevenson You can order online here:
www.levittownfordparts.com
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.
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...
Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - 164-R8021 | Levittown Ford
Buy Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - PN: 164-R8021. Shop affordable parts & accessories & save up to $28.71. Fitment, price & details available.
www.levittownfordparts.comFYI, 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.
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...
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- Thread starter
- #9
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.@rdstevenson You can order online here:Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - 164-R8021 | Levittown Ford
Buy Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - PN: 164-R8021. Shop affordable parts & accessories & save up to $28.71. Fitment, price & details available.
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.
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...
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?
I did find that levitown@rdstevenson You can order online here:Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - 164-R8021 | Levittown Ford
Buy Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - PN: 164-R8021. Shop affordable parts & accessories & save up to $28.71. Fitment, price & details available.
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.
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 You can order online here:Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - 164-R8021 | Levittown Ford
Buy Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - PN: 164-R8021. Shop affordable parts & accessories & save up to $28.71. Fitment, price & details available.
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.
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...
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@rdstevenson You can order online here:Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - 164-R8021 | Levittown Ford
Buy Ford Racing Boss 302 Trackey Replacement Key - PN: 164-R8021. Shop affordable parts & accessories & save up to $28.71. Fitment, price & details available.
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.
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..
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- Thread starter
- #13
Question for you how long ago did you order the track key kit and have it installed? I ask because I purchased my second 12’ Boss 302 about 7 months ago and was told by the original owner they had the track key (red) but never had it programmed to the car. It does in fact drive just as the regular black key with no changes in the car. For reference back in 2013 I purchased my first 12’ Boss with 600 miles on it and the track key was already programmed and provided for me when I bought the car. Anyways I since sold that car as of 2016. I’m aware of all the different calibrations it changed and my favorite were the throttle response, engine braking and lopey idle whether on track (Sebring) or street it was the only key I used. I know there are aftermarket routes but I put over 25,000 trouble free miles on my first Boss with strictly the factory track key tune and never had any issues (99% stock) so if possible I would like to keep my new Boss on the factory track key tune as well. I called several local dealers (I’m near Orlando) and they said no problem it would be about $300. I unfortunately did not do anymore research until after purchasing the vehicle as the same dealers were now asking for a track key kit with a voucher code to calibrate the car and then activate the track key program. They could not help. I called ford performance a few times and they said they discontinued the kit but if I found a kit I could buy it and they would help get the car calibrated before I took it to the dealer to have the ecu flashed. I found a trackey kit (with pro scan tool) on American Muscle and I placed the order (7/2024) with the sales guy guaranteeing me it was available. A few months later after many delivery date changes I’m told they have to cancel the order because the kit is discontinued. I was told a few companies like Livernois in Michigan were working on a go around to get it installed and to contact them. I tried and spoke to them but never got any responses or follow up from them. This has been a huge let down and a wild goose chase. I love the car but if you have driven the car with the track key and then without it’s almost night and day difference. So those that never had it programmed have no idea what they are missing. I do plan to track the car atleast in HPDE events. Believe it or not I've contemplated selling the car because of it. I really hope it does not come to that because it is a competition orange just like my first. So long story long my question is did you purchase a track key voucher from Sarasota Autonation recently and if so can I get your contact there? Is it a Ford Performance dealership? Some dealers I’ve called are clueless to what I’m even asking when I say track key. Thanks I appreciate it a ton!
302BOB
Epic Contributor
Unfortunately you may be out of luck getting Trackey installed on your latest Boss............Ford has moved away from that side of the street.............even from day one most dealers didn't have a clue about Trackey or installing it..............That's why I never got it for my Boss.............Hindsight says maybe I should have tried to get it.................whatever...so be it....You had it and want it back....I never had it so how could I miss it????????????................Good luck on your mission to get it back.................
If you like to gamble:
I hope this is not the case. Yes it’s pretty amazing and a big difference. Im sure a really good tuner should be able to tune and unlock these capabilities. I’m just really paranoid about taking my cars to shops. I’ve always tried to fix things myself within my capabilities of course. YouTube/forum mechanic at heart lol. Anyone recommend a shop near Central FL that they trust? Worst case I may have to go this route. I appreciate any and all advice/ suggestions or tips. Thanks again for the replies so far.
I appreciate the link. That’s actually the same kit (intake filter and pro cal 2) I tried purchasing from American Muscle after I got the car that they later canceled on me saying it was discontinued. I paid $430. I’ll reach out to Jegs and try to confirm before ordering it. Thanks for the heads up! I will let everyone know the outcome in case someone else finds themselves in this predicament.
302BOB
Epic Contributor
Back in the day the trackey option(voucher) was available for $302 from Ford...............you could get it for under $200 if you shopped around ...A trusted/reliable tuner may be your best bet at this stage of the game..............
I heard about that. Pretty cool the price was set at 302 but less is better considering the overall price of the car already. Thank you sir. I’m going to reach out to Jegs and see what they say about the kit. I will report back. If it works maybe you’ll change your mind lol
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