A buddy bought a FORD TRI-TUNE MAX MICROTUNER (Part No. 1705) for his '99 F350 PSD. He ran a previous model with the 60/80hp & 110/130lbs torque settings, with no problems.
The new tuner, when the engine was cold, would hiccup/burp/rattle occasionally. When warmed up it pulled like a frieght train. It did stumble occasionally when warmed up also. He sent the tuner back and recieved a replacement, but now he's heasitant to try it again.
Has anyone else had this problem with the new "insanity tuner?"
Thanks in advance.

 

Hi hoseclamp,

We don't see any "inherent" problems with the 1705 Micro Tuners for the 7.3L PSD's, and they've been around for some time now with literally tens of thousands of people using them - we have no such problems reported by our customers, for example, and we're the oldest distributor of the product line. The 3 program units aren't "new" for the PSD's any more, the 1705 was the first Micro Tuner to get 3 different levels of tuning - and that was changed some time back.

The only time we generally see a problem with the 110 HP program is if there is a problem with the *vehicle* itself - one that shows up only when it's really pushed with the highest power levels, where it may seem OK at stock power levels. The 2.3 turbo SVO Mustangs & TBirds used to do that, where their air vane meter would wear over time, acting fine at stock power levels but when pushed to higher power levels would start acting up.

Where we can can sometimes see a problem is when people try using the 110 HP program on a *stock* truck with it's extremely restrictive air intake tract and stock exhaust - both need to be upgraded to use that program, that's always we've always recommended that. If they are not, you can get check engine lights, surging, etc., as the motor can't breathe properly. The 110 HP program should be used with a good intake kit (not just a drop-in filter) and a good turbo-back exhaust system including larger downpipe - and an EGT gauge.

Year ago, the highest power program (back then it was + 90 HP)used to be referred to as the "EXTREME" program - it's always been for use only on vehicles with proper additional modifications - meaning a good intake kit and a turbo-back exhaust with larger downtube, as well as an EGT gauge. Trying to run it on a stock intake or exhaust can cause problems with surging, for example - or a check engine light from an airflow out of range condition, etc.

Then we'll also sometimes see people trying to tow on that 110 HP program, which is an obvious no-no. But basically that's it, we really don't see any inherent problems with any of those programs in the 1705 units - in our experience problems are usually the result of improper use (using the wrong program) or lack of vehicle maint., etc.

Now of course it is possible to have a problem with a particular unit - maybe a particular Micro Tuner actually had some type of problem, or perhaps part of the program got corrupted during the upload, or whatever - and that is taken care of by having the unit serviced or replaced - just as your friend did.

There is no inherent reason why he shouldn't be able to use it as long as his vehicle is in good condition and had the proper mods to support the 110 HP tune, he should be fine.