I hear it does. Is this true?

 

nope....the 'chip' will just plug into the computer module and then over-ride the factory program....If you take it off, the Factory program is there just like it was previous to the chip install.

The F150 tuner will download the factory program and store it, then upload a program that is the same as installing an actual chip. If you ever need the factory program back, just plug the tuner back in and upload the factory settings...whoilla - back to normal.

I just purchased the F150 tuner and it's a breeze to use. Very nice product.

 

Hi Gen2,

In general, when you remove a performance chip and properly clear the PCM, there is no direct tell-tale, the PCM simply reverts back to it's original factory program; the J3 connector circuit basically acts as an external override data path, so when it's engaged, the PCM runs off it's external data source, and when disengaged, the PCM uses it's original factory instructions. Some newer PCM's will store a parameter like the highest output shaft speed (driveshaft), for example, but that can vary as a result of tire size & gear ratio changes as well, so it's not a direct tell-tale either.

If a technician wanted to disassemble the PCM and closely examine the connector, he (or she) might be able to detect where the conformal coating had been cleaned from the connector. Something like that is extremely rare, however, and even that is avoided by using the new Superchips Micro Tuner, which allows you to upload the performance program via the OBD-II port, without ever even touching the PCM. The Micro Tuner can be used even on the Lightnings & supercharged Harleys, as long as the boost has not been raised significantly.

If you want to go over any of this in more detail, please feel free to give us a call.

 

I just went through this issue. I had a diagnostic with my IMP4 Superchip installed on my 97 4.6L.

With the Key on, engine off, (KOEO), the computer will flash a code P0605 code, which indicates an "inernal control module ROM error". This is because the Superchip overrides the PCM ROM, indicating a failure. This does not mean a problem, in fact it shows the chip is properly working. If you do a diagnostic with a chip, let the mechanic know!

When you remove the chip, the code will dissapear with the next KOEO cycle. It does not leave a memory code.

 

Thanks for your post, JimW, well said.

The P0605 code will always show up while any performance chip is installed on any EEC-IV or EEC-V PCM. Once the performance chip is removed, no mroe P0605 code.

This is just one of a number of reasons why we talk so much about not having diagnostics done with any chip attached. You can have anything from a technician who doesn't know about that P0605 code being temporary, and thinking the PCM must be replaced when in fact there is *nothing* wrong with it, to any number of other problems. With the WDS system, Ford techs can't even *communicate* with the PCM, the WDS system won't pull up any correct paramters, it will display a 3.0 V-6 Ranger, for example, when connected to any F-150 with the Superchip installed.

The older (and much preferred by technicians) SBDS system would still pull up all the standard codes with a performance chip installed, they'd just get the P0605 code.

There are some lower-end code scanners that won't even show the P0605 code at all with the chip present, but those are not used by Ford dealership service departments, those are usually the low-end personal types of code scanners, for the most part.

The bottom line is, when you go in for service, remove any performance chip and clear the PCM after removing the chip unless your modifications are such that they *require* the presence of the chip to correctly tune the engine, like a supercharger, etc.