Having owned the SuperChip, I know it has to be removed prior to going to the dealer because if they scan the PCM they will get an error due to the chip disabling the on-board ROM in the PCM.

My questions are: Is the Microtuner's custom programs detectable if the dealer does a PCM scan? In other words, do you have to return the PCM to the stock program prior to having the vehicle serviced by the dealership? If so why? Is it because the dealer could tell there is a custom program installed, and give me a rations of $h!+ over it? Or is it more of a precaution in case the dealer has to re-flash the PCM as part of some required service? And, if it's not returned to stock, and the dealer does re-flash the ROM, does that render the Microtuner useless? If that happens can the Microtuner be reset?

Whew, that sure was a lot of questions, but then again, I know you all have lots of answers! Thanks!

 

Hi Paul,

Good to see you again, it's been quite a while!

The main reasons why we say to remove a performance chip/tune prior to service (whether the vehicle is under warranty or not) are not only in case the dealer reflashes the PCM, which is indeed a potential concern for Micro Tuner owners that they can avoid by flashing back to stock prior to service, but also so that there is no potential for problems presented in diagnosis that would cause a technician additional time and/or trouble making a correct diagnosis due to having a performance chip or tune in the vehicle.

Now with the Micro Tuner's programming installed, they can still connect their diagnostic equipment & do anything they need to, so it's a lot different from a traditional Superchip module or any other performance "chip" - for Micro Tuner owners, we generally say to leave the program in place (not bother returning to stock) if the vehicle is just going in for an oil change, tire rotation, etc. - but if the vehicle has any real problem, especially a problem that appears to be in the powertrain (an engine or transmission-related problem), then I'd always advise flashing it back to stock before service - again, whether the vehicle is under warranty or not.

No, they cannot tell a performance tune is in there by and large, unless maybe they drive the vehicle and log the data while driving, and then look at engine timing at heavy throttle with the premium gas tuning installed, for example - a sharp technician that knows the stock timing spec in open loop @ WOT for example might be able to see there is more timing being used in the premium gas tuning. But it's not like they can just tell you've flashed the PCM, there is no flash counter in the EEC PCM's.

If you'd like to go over this in more detail, feel free to give us a call, OK?

Have fun,

 

Thanks Mike! That's kind of what I suspected. You will let my know when the Micro Tuner is available for the 2003 Explorer won't you? Thanks again!

 

Hi Paul,

Sure, we'll be happy to let you know when it's available for the 2003 Explorer - and it's been a while, so I don't know if you've already done this or not, but just in case, make sure that you've sent us an email to sales@troyerperformance.com saying you need the MT for the 2003 Explorer (and which engine), as that's how we notify everyone of new applications - via email. So we simply ask that the customer shoot us a quick email so we can store it and then automatically notify them as soon as the application is ready. You may have already done this, but if not, please do shoot us an email at that new email address - I think that's different from the email address you had for us previously, if memory serves.

 

Mike,

E-mail's been sent! When I spoke with Anita a few weeks back, she mentioned the MT for the 03 Explorer should be out by mid-year 04. What timing, my birthday's in June! I guess I know what I'm going to ask momma for this year! Thanks Mike!
Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me!

 

Hi Paul,

OK, so you've sent us an email to the new address, great! We'll let you know as soon as it's actually shipping.

Happy birthday indeed!

 

I thought I'd excavate this dinosaur just to see if there's been any word on a tuner for my vehicle.

I know this is an F-150 Forum, but after doing exaustive searches of all the Explorer forums, those people don't seem to know that Super Chips even exist! There is talk about an Apten Chip, which I know nothing about, so I thought I'd come back here to the good ole F-150 on-line, where I know the experts hang out! Besides, being a former owner of a Super Chip, I trust the quality and workmanship put into these chips, and have much convidence in Mike Troyer and his team!

So, is there any type of tuner available yet for the 2003 Explorer with the 4.0L V6 and 5 speed automatic transmission?

I'd love nothing more than to educate other Ford vehicle owners (especially Explorer Owners) on the benefits of the Super Chip, and there sure does seem to be a need for one on the Explorer forums!

Thanks for your help!

 

Hi Paul,

This is still pretty new in terms of us getting good databases for a lot of the different computer cods in those 2003 Explorers - we're just in the past week or two starting to work on them, so we have not sent out any email notification yet.

Depending on the computer code of your particular 2003 Explorer, we may be able to do it for you at this time. You might want to give us a call or just shoot us a quick email with your Explorer's computer code (you know, the same 3 letters & 1 number format), so we can take a good look at that code to see if we can do that individual vehicle for you right now or not.

 

Thanks Mike,

I'll check the code when I get home tonight and drop you an e-mail. I'm assuming we're talking about a 9100 Tuner being as you need the code. Is this correct?

 

No, that would need to be done in the new XCalibrator, due to the different PCM that's in your Explorer - the 9100 cannot be used on vehicles with Power PC-based PCM's. The XCalibrator is a similar unit, but with no keys, screen or code reader, it has just 2 buttons so it's smaller & easier to use - holds 3 custom tunes + the stock program as always. And the best thing is that it also has the ability to work on the 2004 & 2005 models as well, so if you trade it in on a 2004 or 2005 FoMoCo vehicle (and it may well work on 2006 & beyond models too, we won't know until those vehicles are built), we can reprogram it for the next vehicle.

We haven't even listed the XCalibrator on our web site yet, as we made that announcement here first - it's the same hand-held flash unit we use on the 2004 & 2005 F-150's.

 

Mike,

Well, I guess you can disregard the majority of the questions I put in my e-mail to you! I was under the impression we were talking about the 9100! I'll give you a call later today or tomorrow to talk with you in more detail. I'd like you opinion of what programs are available and which will best suit my needs. Thanks again for your help!

 

Mike,

I got the e-mail from Anita, thanks for looking this up for me. I guess I'm on hold till I hear back from her. In the mean time, have a great Thanksgiving, and I hope to hear from you soon!