Question 1

What maintenance should I follow after getting tuned?

Accepted Answer

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your vehicle runs safely, reliably, and performs at its best with your custom tune.
We recommend staying on top of the following items, specifically:
Engine oil: Check regularly and run ~0.5 quart over (especially if launching or driving aggressively)
Service intervals: Shorten intervals and stay ahead of routine maintenance
Fluids: Check levels consistently and adjust as needed (engine, trans, etc.)

Remember:
• Tuning can’t fix mechanical issues
• Mechanical issues won’t always show in logs
• Overall vehicle condition directly impacts performance

For full details, please refer to our Maintenance & Fill Recommendations guide. Your tune file notes and any direct guidance from our team always take precedence.
 
Additional Considerations: 
Spark Plugs & Ignition Health
Maintain properly gapped, quality spark plugs and ensure ignition components are in good condition—this becomes increasingly important on higher-power setups. 
We recommend the NGK 95605: 
 
Overall Vehicle Health
Address any underlying issues promptly, as the tune is designed around a properly functioning vehicle

Hardware Changes
If you plan to modify or install additional parts, we recommend reaching out before aggressive driving so we can confirm compatibility with your current calibration

For additional detail, we provide a Maintenance & Fill Recommendations guide as a reference.

Please note: Your tune file notes and any direct guidance from our team will always take precedence.

Question 2

What should I do before making hardware changes?

Accepted Answer

Before making any hardware changes, we recommend reaching out so we can review your setup and confirm compatibility with your current tune.
Your calibration is built around your existing configuration, and even small changes can impact performance, drivability, or reliability. Getting ahead of this ensures your vehicle continues to operate as intended.
If updates are needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps before you push the vehicle.

Question 3

What if something feels off?

Accepted Answer

If something doesn’t feel quite right, stop driving aggressively and reach out to our team so we can take a closer look.

📋 Letting us know what you’re experiencing—along with any recent changes or conditions—helps us determine next steps quickly.

📈 In many cases, we may request a data log to review what’s happening. 
⚠️ Including full DTC reports or relevant screenshots, photos or videos with your request is helpful to us and can reduce the time required for troubleshooting.

⚙️ For transmission-related concerns (e.g., harsh or inconsistent shifting), please see this FAQ: Why is my transmission shifting harsh after tuning?

📌 Please keep in mind: 
• Tuning can’t resolve underlying mechanical issues
• Not all mechanical issues will show clearly in data logs
• Overall vehicle condition plays a direct role in performance

We’re here to help—reach out and we’ll work with you to get things sorted.

Question 4

Why is my transmission shifting harsh after tuning?

Accepted Answer

Harsh or inconsistent shifting immediately after a tune is not uncommon and is typically not a concern.
Modern Ford transmissions use adaptive learning, meaning the transmission adjusts shift behavior based on driving habits over time.
What to expect:
Adaptive learning is reset any time the ECU is flashed
Initial driving may feel inconsistent or harsh while the system re-learns
Heavy throttle / WOT-focused driving early on can delay smooth behavior
Adaptation is drive-mode specific, so behavior may vary between modes
This relearning process can take several drive cycles depending on driving conditions
In most cases, normal mixed driving will resolve shifting behavior as the transmission relearns.
 
⚠️ When to take action
If concerns persist after adequate driving/adaptation, or if you have immediate concerns, follow this process:
✅ Check transmission fluid level
✅ Perform a re-learn cycle
✅ Capture a data log of the concern
✅ Flash back to stock to isolate behavior (if needed)

📎 Transmission Guide (PDF) includes full step-by-step instructions:
Fluid level verification
Re-learn procedure
Logging + next steps

🧠 Important reminders
Tuning cannot fix mechanical issues
Some mechanical issues may not appear in logs
Transmission behavior is heavily influenced by adaptive learning

Question 5

What fuel should I run with my tune?

Accepted Answer

To ensure your vehicle performs as intended, it’s important to consistently run the specific fuel type your tune was designed for. The fuel type of your tune is in the file name and can be reviewed in the TDN App at any time.

Using lower-octane or inconsistent fuel can impact performance, drivability, and overall reliability.
If you’re considering changing fuel types (e.g., switching octanes or moving to an ethanol blend), you can purchase an Additional Tune to cover it.

Don't hesitate to reach out first so we can confirm compatibility or advise on next steps.

💡 For more information on Fuel and Ethanol Blends, please see the Fuel & Gains section of our FAQ.

2020-2025 Explorer ST aFe BladeRunner Aluminum Charge Pipes (Hot/Cold/Kit)

Vehicle Fitment

What should I expect after purchasing?

What should I do to prepare for tuning?

What mechanical checks do you recommend?

How should I prepare for data logging & tune revisions?

What maintenance should I follow after getting tuned?

What should I do before making hardware changes?

What if something feels off?

Why is my transmission shifting harsh after tuning?

What fuel should I run with my tune?

Related Products

Subscribe for updates & promotions

Preferred Contact Method:
email sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com

2020-2025 Explorer ST aFe BladeRunner Aluminum Charge Pipes (Hot/Cold/Kit)

Vehicle Fitment

What should I expect after purchasing?

What should I do to prepare for tuning?

What mechanical checks do you recommend?

How should I prepare for data logging & tune revisions?

What maintenance should I follow after getting tuned?

What should I do before making hardware changes?

What if something feels off?

Why is my transmission shifting harsh after tuning?

What fuel should I run with my tune?

Related Products

Subscribe for updates & promotions

Preferred Contact Method: email sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com

Preferred Contact Method:
email sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com