Mike,

I got the superchip and installed it today. The truck runs terrible with it. It coughs and backfires. I can barely get over 40 mph and if I press down on the gas just the littlest bit it chokes out and dies. If I pull the chip off, the truck runs great again. I followed the instructions very carefully. I was sure to reset the computer. OK, nuff said. Now what? I had to take it out of course. Is this service-able on my end or does the chip have to go back? It was labeled as the right chip for my computer code. Could this be due to a poor connection at the contact points? I'll pull the computer again if need be, but it's kind of a pain. On mine I have to remove the battery & battery box, as well as, a switch box under the dash to get the brain out, so I'm waiting to see what you think??

p.s. It was shifting hard - although maybe that's what it's supposed to do, but it seemed a lot harder than it should be. Feel free to call me at 414-358-8114 (evening) or 414-349-0273 (days). Thanks.



[This message has been edited by AndyU (edited 07-17-2000).]

 

Hi Andy!

Sorry to hear you're having a problem! F-150 Online was down for some time today, so we just now saw your post at about 3:30 Eastern today. We also just left you a voicemail at your daytime number.

Obviously with it running like that, there is something that isn't right. Could it be a poor connection? Yes, it sure could, and over 95% of the time, that's exactly what's going on. We suggest looking at it in strong light under some magnification (the contacts on the connector, I mean) and see if you can scrape any more of that clear-colored conformal coating off. Just one small bit can cause those symptoms. If when you scrape each contact again, you see any white-ish flakes, that is more of that conformal coating, as we describe in our tips sheet that gives you the info on locating the computer, etc.

It could also be due to your computer having been reflashed to a different code at some point during the vehicle's life, and this can sometimes even happen prior to new vehicle delivery. They are supposed to place a sticker under the hood when they do this, it's a rather large sticker that tells you of the modification. Unfortunately, they only put that sticker on maybe half the time.

And last, it could be a failed Superchip module, although the likelihood of this is very small, the failure rate runs about 0.4% in service.

I think the best thing to do is just give us a call, and let's go over this in some detail, as we suggest in the instructions. Whenever something like this comes up, it's almost always a very simple and easy solution.

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-18-2000).]

 

Hi Andy,

OK, we've spoken over the phone, and your computer has apparently been reflashed by your dealership. It was good to hear that they did put the Notice of Modification sticker on under the hood like they were supposed to, now let's see if they included the info on the new calibration code, so we can cross-reference it to see what your new computer code actually is. Then we simply reflash your Superchip to the correct code, and you're in business.

Most of the time when the incorrect code is used, the vehicle won't even start with the Superchip installed. On those few occasions when it will start, it won't have much power, it wil generally run very rich, and you'll know immediately that something isn't right.

This is very easy to take care of.

UPDATE: Ok, they did put the required info on your sticker, and we have cross-referenced it to your new code, which is GFQ0. So now all we need to do is to get your Superchip reflashed to your correct code, and you should be all set!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-18-2000).]

 

Hi Mike, I enjoyed speaking with you today and I thank you for your excellent customer service!

For those who may be interested, I spoke to Mike T. today and he quickly and accurately diagnosed my problem. My dealer had flashed my computer with a different program (I remember now, it was a couple of years ago when they replaced a bad sensor and ??). A sticker under the hood gave the necessary details to determine the modifications made. I have shipped the chip to Mike and he's going to reprogram it at no charge. Thanks again Mike, now I'm excited all over again!


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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, auto, towing package, 12,000lb hitch, Load Range E tires, Air Lift, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 limited slip, K&N FIPK, superchip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (my very lovely & talented wife), anti-intruder system (our two dogs), real horsepower (Red & Topper, our horses)

 

Hi Andy,

You're very welcome!

I'm still a little bit surprised that it even started at all, as they usually don't with the wrong code!

Whenever something like this happens, there is almost always a simple reason and an easy solution, as was the case here.

We'll get you reflashed to the right code, then you can enjoy your Superchip like everyone else!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-19-2000).]

 

Hey Mike!

I have the newly reprogramed chip in and the Truck is running great. The shift improvement is very apparent. The HP/Torque performance improvement remains to be determined, but it's definately working. Thanks!

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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, auto, towing package, 12,000lb hitch, Load Range E tires, Air Lift, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 limited slip, K&N FIPK, superchip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (my very lovely & talented wife), anti-intruder system (our two dogs), real horsepower (Red & Topper, our horses)

 

Hi Andy,

Yes, I knew it would fire right up and run like it's supposed to, all we needed was the correct computer code.

Thanks for letting us know, & have fun!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html