SCT X3 - LMS - Error Code 1018

[Husker02GT]

Hey guys- I'm new to the forum and received the LMS tune and SCT Tuner Friday. I went to install the tune last night and ran into some issues. The SCT went all the way through the upload process before asking to turn off my car (I ignored the first one as directed). Waiting 10 seconds I turned the car back on, then my Collision Notice and Blindspot lights turned on (and stayed on), the dash said blindspot error, collison error, and then SCT then said upload failed press cancel to exit.

I followed the directions, unplugged the unit and turned the car back off. I then tried to install the tune again, this time I got a Code 1018: Strategy Error. The tuner is no longer recognizing the car, it won't pull vehicle information, etc.

I have e-mailed LMS, to their credit, they are trying to be as helpful as possible, but have not ran into this issue before and can not help. Their advice is to get in touch with SCT to get this figured out. SCT is not open until Monday and I would really like to get this fixed today. The car is starting and running, but is running very rough and the engine is noticeably louder and rougher at idle.

My laptop is now recognizing the unit, but it is still not working with the car. Keeping my fingers crossed that my stock parameters aren't royally F'd.

Any ideas? Immediate help or advice is appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

First... What year is your EB vehicle?

Did you have all accessories turned off? Did you open a door, turn on anything, open a window etc. while the tune was being installed?

What I would try to do is have the SCT tuner re-install the stock tune. If that works then your vehicle will run. Then you can try to re-install the new LMS tune.

I had a failed tune a couple years ago because I turned off the lights during the install. The system after a failure needs to go back to stock, so that's why you have to first re-install stock tune before you go forward with a new custom tune.

Let us know if this works.

 

[Husker02GT]

I didn't touch anything during the install and turned all of the accessories off I could, including the touch screen.

I think I have the car back to stock, the SCT is still throwing the code when I try to put in the new tune.

I'm pretty confident I will get this all sorted out tomorrow when SCT is open.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

At least it's drivable if you got it back to stock.

It sounds to me like somehow the strategy code you have for your custom LMS tune(s) is not correct. I would re-check your strategy code in the stock position, and then verify(e-mail the newly checked strategy code) with Rick that the custom tune you have from LMS is using the same strategy code. It is really easy for him to re-send the custom tunes with the new one you provide. It's always possible that there was a mix up and you got the wrong strategy code tune (s) sent to you by mistake.

FOR ANYONE WITH CUSTOM TUNES - Whenever one goes to the dealer for work, it is possible the dealer will install a new (updated) Ford strategy code in your vehicle. Your tuner, like LMS or Unleashed Tuning etc, will have to update your tunes with that code replacing the old code, or your custom tunes won't work.

 

[Husker02GT]

I think the problem is with the tuner, I'm not even able to check VIN or Strategy Code right now with the SCT

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

Sounds like it...

Good Luck!

 

[Husker02GT]

Well I tried to load again this evening and the tune took. I'm not sure what the issue was, but went flawless...

Can't say enough about the tune, loaded stage 4, and I can definitely feel the difference.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

I accidentally opened a door one time at the strip, while changing tunes. Install failed and I had to go back to stock and then re-enter tune. Even putting your foot accidentally on the brake, or opening a window etc. can cause voltage changes that make a tune install fail. I have also found that if accessories are on in very limited amounts, that if nothing changes during install, that install will be successful.

Anyway... glad it worked, and that you are giddy over the difference!