I just installed the Superchip in my 1998 V-6 auto. The shifts are definetly better, but the engine has a "skip" in it on idle. Has anyone else had this? I read somewhere that the chip has to be used in the vehicle for a certain period and things like this will go away. It has been 600 miles and the "skip" on idle is still there. I use 93 octane gas. Other than that, the chip is doing fine. Any thoughts?

 

I would try unplugging the battery, and turning on your headlights to drain all residual power, then after its dead put it all back together, to erase all memory. If its still broken I'd call Mike T.

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Things to come:4.10 gears, Grill
ilmagill@aol.com For Pictures :
www.geocities.com/ilmagill

 

Thanks for the info ilmagill, I'll try that tomorrow and let you know. I have not had the truck very long, but I am pleased with it. I plan in the next few days to get Flomaster with dual tips out the back. I'm not looking drag anyone, I just enjoy after-market applications. I had an '88 Firbird with virtually every mod you can think of but had to sell it and get the newer truck because of a job change.

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1998 4.2 V-6 Superchip,Auto, K&N filter

 

which flowmaster are you going with? I went with the delta...and its a bit quiet for me....can't really hear it inside, and even less so when the music is up. Has a nice sound outside...i wish i had asked to check out a flowmaster 40 series regular and maybe test it out to see if it was loud enough outside but quiet enough inside.

 

Hi blueflare4.2,

The Superchip is generally not going to cause a "skip" at idle. If it's not installed properly, you could possibly have a no-start (easily fixed of course), but you will generally not get a "skip" in your idle from the Superchip, that is not a "normal" symptom or result.

The first thing I would do would be to do the battery disconnect as was mentioned, and then turn on your headlights for 5 minutes with the battery still disconnected. After 5 minutes, turn the headlights back off (they won't come on with the battery disconnected, you're just doing this to drain all residual voltage from the system & thus fully clear the computer's memory and also begin the adaptive strategy adjustment anew) and re-connect the battery, and then start the engine and drive it as normal, and see if that takes care of the problem.

If it doesn't, then it's time to remove the Superchip, and see if that makes any difference in this "skip". If it does, then that Superchip should be tested, blanked & reloaded & tried again. If it doesn't make any difference, then it's usually time for you to get it into your dealer for a checkup, it could be the IAC valve (Idle Air Control)

It's possible, though extremely rare, for a small part of the file inside the Superchip to become corrupted, usually due to a static electricity event, and for it to just need a new program load. Rare, but it's possible.

Give that a try, and let us know what happens!

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 04-19-2001).]

 

Thanks to all the info from everybody. I did what everyone said to do. I disconnected the battery, turned on the lights and let the truck sit for more than 5 minutes. Got everything hooked back up and still had the skip on idle, not bad mind you, but anyone could tell it. I then took the chip out to see if it would skip without it. I also went with the same procedure taking the chip out. Well, I cranked the vehicle up and could tell there was a small skip at idle but not as bad as when the chip was installed. In fact it was so small that I probably never knew it was there until I installed my chip. Could this still be the IAC valve?(idle air control) Where is this valve located? Is this something I could change myself?

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1998 4.2 V-6
Regular cab
Flare side
3.08 axle
Superchip
K&N air filter
Flowmaster 40 with duel chrome ports out back
255/70/16 tires

 

your idle air control is on top of your throttle body, is your check engine light on??? have you changed your spark wires or plugs lately? how many miles are on the vehicle?

 

My truck has a little over 60,000 on it and as far as I know, the original plugs. But guess what happened today? The idle is smooth now and it is running great! The last tank of gas I did put some STP fuel injector cleaner in it, and also quit using Exxon gas. I put Citgo 93 octane in it. I do not know if the gas was bad or there may have been some trash in the fuel injectors. Just in case, I am going to have the fuel system cleaned out tomorrow. What do you other guys think......are these so-called fuel system cleaners or injectors cleaners any good? If they are which is the best? Or are alot of them the same things just wrapped in differant packages? Maybe disconnecting the battery and letting the power drain did help. Well ,it seems to be running fine now. I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it ! Keep the advice comming, thanks to all !