for the couple of you that know what I'm talking about, my little chip change we tried to do last Wed. is going to cost me about $750 when it's all said and done. They seem to believe what happened, was that the chip I tried to put in was for a '99 or '01, and fried the computer. Hopefully, it should be done and running this Thursday again though. Just in time for the Ford event at Mid Michigan Motorplex, where I can try to put another chip in!! :-)

 

That can not be right, You tried Gregs computer out of his 2000 and it still did not work. I put a 99 chip in my truck after it was updated to a 2000, It did not fry my computer. What ford dealer did you take it to? If it had anyting to do with your computer Gregs would have worked???
I would wait for Gregs or Matts post when they see this. They know alot about the Lightnings.

 

Lightning Jeff
I may be wrong
But
I don't think you can just switch computers from one truck to anouther. I think it ahs something to do with the Pats key. When you put a new computer you have to program it to the truck

Daryl I hope you are up and running soon

 

Daryl,what we need is sal to answer this one.

[This message has been edited by ib fast (edited 06-26-2001).]

 

daryl,
The chip that you got from Jeff and myself are for a 00,even if they were not for a 00 it cannot fry your computer!!The only thing that will happen is the truck will not start,i have tried this on my 99 and 01 with different year chips and it just would not start but it never fried the computer!I am still wondering about the ignition key position because that can fry a computer if not in the proper position.
Don C I heard the same thing about switching computers that it will not work by just hooking it up it has to be programed first!

Matt

 

You cannot "fry" a computer by having the wrong chip in it. The truck simply will not start. You can fry the computer is you try installing the chip with the key on. However if you are using a Superchips brand chip module, the chip itself can fry the computer because of it's design. If you look at the pulg on an Autologic or Diablo chip, you will notice that two of the plug prongs are missing. That is because that is the only place where the chip contacts the computer where a voltage exchange can take place. These terminals are left out purposely, to eliminate the chance of the chip frying the computer. However, Superchips modules do not omit these prongs, and I do know many people who have fried computers because of it.

As for the PCM swap, you cannot just swap PCMs. Everytime you put a new PCM in, the truck must be configured to the module. And if you took one PCM out of truck A and put it in truck B and tried to start truck B, the HEC module in truck B will not recognize the different PCM and it will set a P1260 theft code, and will not start no matter what after that unless the dealer does a parameter reset. Hope this helps.

------------------
SAL - TEAM PSP
web- www.powersurgeperformance.net
E-mail sales@powersurgeperformance.net
tech@powersurgeperformance.net
F-150 Online Supporting Vendor

 

Thanks for the info Sal, I learned something new today. Daryl, give me a call.
Jeff

 

I heard puting a chip in upside down would fry the computer. Possible?

 

Intresting. So if my battery cable is unplugged I still have nothing to worry about, right? I'v literally changed chips (all brands) in my truck at least 25 or 30 times.I would like to see what Superchips has to say about this. Any comments Mike Troyer? Technical posts please, not trying to fan coals here.

 

I do no that the original terminal prep and installation of the computer and chip were done with the battery unhooked till the very last thing,so could the key in the ignition still be the cause, even though the battery was unhooked?

 

Like Sal said, you have to readjust the parameters and in order for it to work you have to readjust the theft coding system. That is your problem I feel, not a new computer. Don't let Ford whack you over.

BfB

 

A new PCM costs like $300.
Re-doing the PATS codes: $90.

Yer gettin screwed!

 

bfb, what are you talking about? the original installation,with the ORIGINAL computer was done completely with the battery unhooked till the very last thing,so like i said how can key position have an affect if there is no juice?

 

i recently installed a JL diablo chip. there was a 'tag' or note(i forget exactly) that said " put your vehicle key/remote in your pocket while installing the chip or your warranty will not be honored"(paraphrased). i took them at their word and then couldn't find/remember my keys when it came time to start it up.

been meaning to call Johnny and ask him about this--maybe he'll respond to these posts--if he's not busy busting into the "11's"?

------------------
2001 Lightning, silver, JL chip(street), air intake, & drive shaft loop, escort 8500, ranger 2950dx dual band radio, wilson 2000 ant., bot/picked up on 05/08/01, cherry wet waxed--1997 f150 xlt 4.6L 4x2 with: a/f one fipk, superchip, optima battery, bbk 75mm throttle body, edelbrock ias shocks--2001 lightning to come(she came--see above)

"I ride with Forrest."

"I don't take s**t from guys who drive Lightnings," the cop said. "You're speedin' when you're sittin' on the parkin' ramp."

"some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you."

 

first things first, I don't believe the key was ever in the on position during any of this, but you never know. I was told that we wouldn't have been able to just swap PCM's and have it start as well. I know both chips that I got from Jeff and Matt were for an '00, so I'm wondering if by some chance I did leave the key on once?? it's hard to say now.
Dreamin,
I have no idea what any of these parts cost, but I'm also being charged for the tow bill to the dealership included in that bill. Thats $150 of it. The dealership said that my warrany will not cover towing if I call the towing company. They only cover it if I call Ford, and Ford calls the towing company. My guess is, Ford would just call a local towing company (probably the one I called) and have them handle it.
Jeff,
the truck is in St. Johns. Pete also has your $60 if you forgot.
It's suppose to be done this Thursday, so I'll hopefully be back next Wed. and next weekend for the July 7th event.
maybe I should just trade it in for a new Focus while it's at the dealership?? :-)

[This message has been edited by daryl (edited 06-27-2001).]