I'm not sure if my chip is making good contact anymore as it has gradually gotten weaker and weaker and the shifts feel more and more "stock-like". Struckby99 suggested I tried to rebuild my PCM contact with solder to give a little better contact, but I'm not sure what I'm doing and I don't want to screw up my PCM as those contact are awful thin width wise.

I need some advice on what soldering tip to use and the technique to do it cleanly. And what to do if I screw up and put too much on.

Thanks!

(Hardly an electrician) Jim

 

I'm not an electrician, but I've done some IC work before... You'll need a low-wattage fine tip iron, something that runs in the 200-220 degree range.

Also make sure you have a good solder... You should use 60/40 solder which is an alloy of Tin and Lead with a flux core in the centre. This is the optimum solder type which has a very narrow temperature window for the "plastic" state. Other solder alloy combinations are available, but these will require a little more care.

Be very careful! Heating to long in one spot will cause the leads to peel up off the board! Do one, let it cool, then move on to the next.

Before you even try that, do consider that PCB contacts will oxidize over time, try just taking a good No2 pencil eraser (the RED ones!!), and cleaning the contacts (aka, erasing) on both sides. This may be all you need to do.

Daniel

 

Before I would go thru something like that, I would investigate a better fitting chip.

I got a blue chip from JDM and it barely and I mean barely gets ahold of the circuit board. I just sent a chip in for reburn and I sent a silver one that I got from some where else. The silver superchip has a longer recepticle that grips the contacts in the computer much better.
Dale

 

wait... Wait... WAIT... you're thinking a slow loss of power and weaker shifting is because of a loose chip?!!

The chip is either making contact or it's not... It's not going to slowly retard timing or reduce fuel or reduce tranny line pressure if it's loose... whenever most peoples chips aren't making proper contact... the truck wont even start.

I'd suspect everything else first.... fried/worn-out clutches in the tranny, dirty fuel filter, bad plugs, anything...

 

I would absolutely agree w/DreaminAboutL on this one guys. There is NO WAY a loose chip would cause your problems. Electricity does not work like that. It either has a good connection or it does not.
You can remove your chip and reset your computer and see if that helps, but DO NOT BEGIN SOLDERING YOUR PCM
Unless your dying to buy a new one.

 

Too add, disconnect your battery for a while, plug the chip back in and see if the PCM acts fresh due to being cleared of learning. Worth a try.

 

I would pull the pcm, and put the chip in and out about 8 times, then I would check to see if all 30 contacts have a "mark" from the chip. If the chip is loosing contact, the truck will not start, or the gauges will do a full sweep. hope this helps some.

 

First, reach into your wallet and remove about $320 for the new PCM and a few more for Jethro to install it. Then begin soldering. Dispose of when complete. Retrieve the $320+ and head down to the dealer.

The chip is either making contact or it isn't like stated so it will either run or it won't with only a partial contact. It doesn't weaken or tire with age, that is a biological phenomenon. Look elsewhere.

 

The more solder the more power right?

 

I agree do not solder the contacts unless you really know what you are doing. The thermal shock can fry your computer. If you have to do it send it to a profesional, and let them do it

I had a friend who tried to solder his contacts and fried his computer, he got lucky it would run for a minute and die. He limped it into a Ford dealer and the covered it under warranty. He got luck, and I wouldn't count on to many dealers covering something like that.

 

Dealer cost on a pcm is $220.00. Throw in $15.00 to do the P.A.T.S. and your on the road. I think that all of the chipped people should not touch the pcm that comes with there L's, and buy a different pcm to do the dirty work. Cheap insurance

 

I've soldered the board on my PCM.

It was easy for me 'cause I've done lots and lots of soldering.

If you look in any Superchips box they offer this(building of solder) as an option if you suspect the chip isn't making good enough contact.

If a chip isnt making good contact, it can work but it more than likely will "act up". Just ask ANY of the chip guys.

Its not as scary as some of you make it out to be.

Jason

 

My contacts were getting worn down. I was scared, so Baby Jake did it for me.
That was 4000 miles ago. Works GOOD.

If your contacts are wearing down, you will know it.

Red 2K,
Try changing your fuel filter and check your plugs.

Jim