What does it mean when I here pinging at WOT when using the hypertech programer at WOT. I do not here it when I have the stock program in the computer. I use 93 octane gas. The motor is stock other than a custom exhaust system.

 

Hi INSINER8,

It means trouble, but it should be able to be fixed. That sound you are hearing is detonation, and needs to be quelled immediately! Until it is, do *not* drive with heavy throttle, do not drive it in any manner that causes that pinging to begin!

You need to immediately contact your vendor (whoever you bought it from), and tell them the problem you are having. Unless this is an issue of fuel quality, which I'll cover more below, you will need to either have the manufacturer adjust the program, or return it.

This is a problem we hear about from time to time with that device. One of the problems with Hypertech's programming is that they are "generic," meaning there is only 1 performance program for all similar vehicles, instead of making a different program for each differetn factory software revision in the powertrain computer, and these F-150's have *hundreds* of different computer codes each model year. For example, Hypertech only offers 1 basic performance program for use on all 1998 4.6 F-150's, instead of how we do it in the Superchip, a different performance program for each of the hundreds of different factory coputer codes each model year.

The other issue is that Hypertech only changes engine tuning during open-loop operation, basically at full-throttle; the rest of the time, it does nothing to increase engine power. And since you hare having detonation as soon as it actually changes engine tuning, you're not able to get any added power from it as you immediately go into detonation.

One other possible issue here is your actual fuel *quality*, as not all 93 octane fuels are created equally, not by a long shot. Many times people will try to use cheap, and sometimes even the cheapest premium gas they can find, to try and save money when using a performance program, and that is a mistake. There are even some top name brands that are poor quality due to low energy content, Exxon is a good example. Exxon is a clean fuel, but low in energy, as it is reformulated year-round everywhere in the country.

I don't know what brand of gasoline you are using, or where you are since you do not list that in your profile, but both brand and geographic location can make a big difference in fuel quality.

If you are using something like say, a Texaco or Amoco, and still getting that detonation, then it's time for program changes. If you are using any kind of off-brand, or any name-brand fuel that has a low energy content, then that can cause detonation, and you should switch over to something like a Texaco or Amoco, or if you are out West, Chevron works well out there.

These are all issues that your vendor should be able to go over with you, to get this taken care of for you.

Good luck!

 

Hey thanks mike,

It does this in my wifes F150 I asked her where she bought gas from the last time and she said 7-11 citgo gas. wWe live in central Florida.

When I heard it I let off the gas and went home and put the stock program back in. I bought the unit used (now I know why the guy got rid of it) I am not happy at all with it.at all. I have one of your chips in my truck and have used your chips before with much success but liked the idea of being able to change things myself (why I don't know) at will with the programer. WASTE OF MONEY. My programer will be up on Ebay very soon when that happens a flip chip it will be. I was just trying to give her little 4.6 a little more pep and keep her out my truck. Thanks for the help Mike

 

You're more than welcome, anytime!

OK, since you got it used, then you really don't have any recourse, you're right. I'm sorry that happened to you.

It's more than understandable to want that truck to have a bit more get up and go.