OK, I got my superchip a little while ago, and it came without the sponge to remove that glue/gel/source of anger. I checked here and in the tech article, or something close to that, they said you could use a jewelers screwdriver, which I have. So I said good, and I marked off what seemed to be all of the glue, plugged the computer and all back in, and it wouldn't start up. I did it all over again, and it still wouldn't start. I also grabbed a sponge for that time. I then opened it up, with a screwdriver and sponge, cleaned like a madman, plugged everything back in, and yet again it wouldn't start. Everything else works fine, I can pull the chip out and it works fine. I tried agian, with a magnifying glass, a tougher sponge, and a good lamp. I got what seemed to be everything, so much I've reacher a little bit of copper, but I beleive it is still fine. Plugged it back in, and it still isn't working. I was wondering what the odds are I got the wrong computer code, or it doesn't work, because I don't know what else to do. I have reset the computer through the battery, so thats not the problem. I was also never asked my computer code by the website, I just have them my make, model, year, and engine size. So I wanted to know if there is more than 1 computer for the 1999 Ford F-150 5.4l v8's? I'm going to try this only once more, then I'm going to bring it into a napa auto car place, with my head held low. For I have failed after trying it myself. But please help me with whatever you can. I could really use any input at all.

 

Do you have a Superchip or a Superchips? There is a difference.

 

I have a 'superchips'. I didn't know there was a difference. Its the shiney blue metallic one that says 'superchips' on it.

 

sporkdevil

Sounds like you've done a good job of cleaning. Make sure you look reaaaallly good at both side of that connector to make sure there's no more of that clear coating - but like I said, sounds like you've done a good job of cleaning.

I don't know where you got your chip from, but when I got mine from Mike T it had a little white label with my computer code on it. Look through all the documentation that came with your chip and try to find the code for the chip they sent. It will be a four character code - three letters and one number for me (and I think that's common). For late model trucks, you can find the code on a label near the passenger side door hinges. If not there, look on the computer itself. BUT! If you suspect your computer has been reprogrammed for any reason by your service department, you should look under the hood for a label with the new code - this label will tip off any techs who plug into your computer to read diagnostic codes. Sounds like you got the same Superchips we all know and love, and I would think you should have been asked your ECU code when ordering.

One other thing is to make sure there is nothing pushing against the chip after you install your computer. I had to bend the bracket holding my computer to keep the bracket from pushing up on the chip. Others have had this cause problems.

There is an issue with jumpers on the ECU board that will cause a no-start, but I can't remember the years affected. Someone will come along shortly with that info.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but I'd like to see you get your chip working, and I really don't think those guys at the Napa center will be able to do anything for you as you've just about covered all bases.

 

Let me see. I've looked at the door jamb (half door on drivers side) and I can't find my computer number. Atleast it's not clearly labeled, but I can't find the number on my superchip. My superchip says 'DJJ3', but the email said to look for '7-46D'. I don't think I saw any of those. Can I atleast get this thing reprogrammed somewhere? I'm out of ideas.

 

Also, I was under the impression that the computer id was in the vin number, and f150online.com had something to decode it, but I've searched and I have had no luck.

 

Some of the '99s had a jumper misconfiguration that would cause a no-start situation. Go to the Superchips web-site and/or call your vendor who sold you your chip. I had the same problem w/ my old '99.
Doc

 

OK, doc_f150 has confirmed the '99 models were affected by the jumper misconfiguration.

Sounds like this may be your problem.

You should still check for your computer code, too. DJJ3 looks more like a valid code than 7-46D, but [disclaimer] I could be wrong [/disclaimer].

I probably wasn't clear enough in my last message (sorry!)- the code is usually found on the frame near the front passenger door hinges. Your computer code should be posted clearly on the ECU case itself, if not anywhere else.

If you're still at a loss, I think I read somewhere on here that your service dept can plug in and read your code for you.

Mike T will be along shortly to fill in anything we may have missed.

 

Hey, thanks everyone for the help. I checked out the door jamb, and sure enough, my computer code is 'DAH4', and for those of you not paying close attention, the code on my superchips is 'DJJ3'. I already sent the website an e-mail, but I'd prefer to not have to mess with them, I already had some problems with them. I hope Mike reads this, he's been very helpful on this board, and I'm sorry I didn't buy my chip from him, but if he does, I want to know if I could get this reprogrammed. But thanks again to everyone for the help, I've gotten abunch of responses in just a couple of hours.

 

Glad we could be of help.

You'll find Mike T is *very* helpful to F150 Online members.

And, you'll be happy to hear you can get your chip reprogrammed. People have Mike do it all the time for various reasons.

Good luck!

 

Gee I'm surprised that Mike hasn't come along by now...

 

i emailed superchips and they said that I can get it reprogrammed for 120 bucks, plus shipping. Well damn, but I guess I can't do anything better. thanks for your help. and it's only been a couple of days, I'm sure Mike will be by sooner or later.

 

sporkdevil

Surely if you bought the chip from a Superchip dealer, they would have confirmed your computer code. If not, you should contact them for the right chip. If they did, well, it's up to them to work with you on shipping a new one or not.

If you got the thing for free from someone, $120 isn't bad to get the thing reprogramed. You'll pay about 2 times that much for a new chip (and it's worth it)

Good luck.

 

Hi Sporkdevil,

OK Guys, relax, Mike's back!

Sorry I was gone for a day longer than anticipated, but I got caught up in some of the traffic snarls & other mess resulting from the WTC terrorist attack. I was actually in New Jersy, but it was fairly close to the impact site, we could see the smoke from where we were, and all the ambulances going to some of the local hospitals, etc. Needless to say it was a nightmare. My apologies for the delay in getting your answers as needed!

OK, on to getting Sporkdevil the help he needs!

First, you have the wrong code in your Superchip, but you already know that by now, of course.

Yes, we can reprogram it to the correct code for you, so don't worry, just hang in there, this is easily fixed.

What I would suggest is to give us a quick call, or shoot us an email, & we'll be happy to go over those details & make the arrengements with you, so you can start enjoying your Superchip.

Just to give you an idea Sporkdevil, the F-150 is the biggest sellign vehicle of any kind in the world, for the 19th year in a row, Ford builds 750,000 of them every year. Consequently, they tend to have more different codes than most other types of vehicles, just due to the sheer numbers. Each model year along there are anywhere from 140 to well over 200 different factory software revisions (codes), and we always have to match that code exactly, or you'll usually get a no-start, as happened in your case.

This is easily taken care of, so don't worry, just give us a shout when you can & we'll help you get this taken care of, so you can enjoy your Superchip!