Ok...so we have a sort of concencus that if you're going in for warranty work, it is probably a GREAT idea to remove your chips, and reset your computer to avoid complications...but here is my question:

Is it necessary to remove them if you're going in for regular services/oil changes? Do they even hook up diagnostic computers when they are doing a scheduled service? I really would rather not have to unhook my chip every time I go in for an oil change if I could help it. Especially if I have the flip switch wired in and mounted somewhere.

How is the switch wired to the chip? How do you remove the chip once the switch is mounted? Will the wires unplug at the chip end of things? Thanks everyone.

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AtomHeart
2000 Silver Lightnin' on order...
1969 Ford Fairlane Cobra R code w/ 3.91 dragpack
atomhart@cyberhighway.net

 

Hey Atomheart,

I also would like to know some of the same answers. I do know that Ford has a common database so if someone did check they could report it to all of the dealers?

But would they even trouble to do this?

I did turn in my Lightning for a bunch of work and nothing was said to me directly about any of my mods, but the service manager also has a Lightning so maybe I was just lucky.

Anyway for things like oil changes I aways go to a pit so I can keep my eye on the guys and away from the prying eyes of the big blue oval.

Hope this helps some.

 

Do your own maint. or take to a Jiffy lube kinda place. Beware of the dealership, they don't want to take any chances on anything getting kicked back at em.
Tom

 

On my chip there is no "quick disconnect" for the wires leading from it to the switch. They are soldered to the board.

I do know that dealers will often "flash" the computers when you take the vehicle in for service (probably not an oil change, but for a more lengthy service visit).

I know my service advisor well. He has a Mustang he races, and I've known him away from his work as a friend for awhile now. I just request that they not flash the computer at all...no matter what.

He knows there's a chip and an air filter on there...he's ridden in the truck. :-) For me, none of this will be an issue, but I would just advise people to politely request to the service advisor that the techs do NOT reflash the computer during the service visit.

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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)
97 SHO
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fsT/index.html

 

STOP! Don't panic. As an ex-Ford service advisor, I can tell you that nobody is going to hook up any computer to your ride for routine maintenance! You would have to complain of a driveability problem for a tech to hook it up to the computer. Believe me, if a tech isn't going to get paid for it, he won't hook it up. In other words, leave the chip IN!!

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Glad to hear this.

I just have one question then. Why, oh why, was the computer "flashed" in my Taurus SHO when it was brought in for routine service?

They even put a sticker on the radiator cover. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

I've heard through several people who work in local Ford service dept's that this does happen, but I'm glad to hear maybe its not as common of a practice as I thought.

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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)
97 SHO
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fsT/index.html

 

It is my understanding thatinstalling a chip will not effect the warranty at all. They state this from the place you buy the chip. the only way it can affect the warranty is if the cause of the problem is the chip. In this case the supplyer of the chip should be responsible if the chip is still under warrranty.So in all you should not have to remove the chip at all.

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Fordmister
2000 F-150 XLT Ext. Cab.4.2L V6 5 speed manual,3.08 gear 4X2 Toreado Red,Tinted windows,Flowmaster Dual Exaust. Two 10'' Kickers w/4 channel Kowlher amp under back seat.