Here's a new one to me. On my way home from work yesterday, the engine just stopped, quit, ceased to run. All the dash warning lights came on, the odometer read: ------ and I coasted over to the side of the road.

The only way I could restart was to shut off the ignition, completely remove the key and then replace the key and start up again, which it did with no problem.

This has happened twice now, once about a month ago and then again yesterday. Both times I was in fairly heavy traffic on a straight road running at 35-40 mph with the A/C on. There is no advance warning of impending shutdown, just driving along when it just quits. I have a Superchip but it's been in over 10 months now. My gut feeling is that it's something electrical/computer related but what? I dunno.

I'm really stumped here. Any info, suggestions and help is really appreciated. Thanks very much folks!

-R

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2000 F-150 Lariat SB Supercab 4x4 Off-Road Pkg, Tow Pkg. 5.4L, 3.55 LS rear, Bright Red over Silver, Med. Graphite Guts, Rear Slider, K&N Filter, Cabin Filtration System, Superchip, Lund Interceptor Deflector, Mobil 1.

 

Well, I'm no Superchip expert, in fact, I don't even have one mylself, but it sounds to me like you may have a loose connection between your chip, and the computer. Since your odo. even reads "------", it does in fact sound like the computer.

-AR

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- 2001 F-150 XLT 4X4 Off-Road, S/C, FS, Black
- 4.6L Triton V8 (20 H.P. Increase)
- 5 Speed / 3:55 Reg. Axle
- Keyless
- Premium Audio CD
- Mods.
- K&N Cold Air mod.
- Flowmaster 40 (Stock Setup with 3 1/2" Gibson Tip)
- Bugshield
- Bedliner
- Ventshades

 

Thanks Loser- Yup, that does sound like the same behavior. My chip is duct-taped in solid too so I really don't suspect the chip and, again it's been in for over 10 months without any trouble at all. I may copy and paste this question over in the computer thread and see if anybody else has an answer. Lemme know if you find anything else out. Take care.

-R

 

I too had the same problem with the chip as well... Four times it happened to me, and simply turning the truck off, removing the key and re-inserting it worked.. One of the times it happened I was stopped at a light!!

My personal feeling on the Superchip, which is contrary to the beliefs of many here is to stay away from it! I'm not going to claim that it doesn't work, because in fact it does. My problem with is is that I feel it makes the computer run flaky.

Here's what I think causes the problem we are experiencing:

It doesn't take a genius to look at the card-edge type connector that the chip connects to determine that it was never Fords intention that the service port be used for an extended period. Card edge type connectors are historically unreliable. Consider that early printer cables used a card-edge type connector. Look at Intel, the Pentium II uses a form of card-edge connector, but they found it unreliable and now on the latest coppermine chips, they're back to a pin/socket style. Anyone here that has been into computers for a few years may have had an occurance where they've had to "re-seat a board".

In the case of our trucks, I feel the reliability problem is caused by the movement of the chip within the socket itself. When it is recommended that duct tape be used to hold the chip in place, I have to wonder. Even with duct tape in place the chip can vibrate, and such vibration creates noise on the data lines through the movement of the contacts in the chip against the circuit board in the ECU.

A perfect example would be a bad telephone cord causing static when you move it. The worse the connection gets, the worse the noise is. While in that example the noise inteferes with your ability to clearly hear the conversation, in the case of our trucks, it inteferes with the ECU's ability to communicate with the Superchip.

Mike is incorrect when he says the chip is either an on of off thing. If that were 100% true, then improperly cleaning the contacts prior to installing the Superchip wouldn't cause the nostart condition, it would simply cause the chip not to function. What may be happening is noise is partially disrupting the communcation between the ECU and Superchip.

Now with my explanation given, it might be prudent for you go back and check your contacts to make sure the clear coating is completely off. Then I would check the chip for excessive movement, if it appears to be loose, try building up the contact pads on the circuit board. The tighter the contacts, the more reliable the connection will be.

I hope that has been of some use to you.

------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, Reg Cab/Long Box, Styleside, Oxford White, Dark Graphite Int., 4x4, 4.6L, 3.55 L/S, Off-Road pkg (Skid Plates, Cab Steps, Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers, LT265/70R17SL), Class III Towing pkg with Heavy Duty Cooling pkg, 4 wheel disk ABS, Overhead Console, Factory In-Dash CD, Remote Keyless Entry, and Sliding Rear Window, Cabin Air Filtration, Ventvisors, Ford Bug Deflector, Ford Bedliner.

Currently Forsale: K&N FIPK, Superchip Code: XJB1

2000 Polaris Sportsman 500, Camo Green, 4x4, 499cc 4-stroke, independent suspension, shaft drive, 4 wheel disc brakes, etc.


[This message has been edited by Y2K OffRoad (edited 09-13-2000).]

 

Thanks Y2K Offroad- It is very helpful. I hope it is just a 'sloppy' connection because I do like the way the chip changes the performance of my truck. I'll recheck it tonight.

-R

 

I agree 100% Y2K. I'm a network admin., and the Pentium II & Celeron processors can be a pain, as sometimes they DO need a re-seat. Not many, probably 1 in 25 over a year or two, but it does happen.

-AR

------------------
- 2001 F-150 XLT 4X4 Off-Road, S/C, FS, Black
- 4.6L Triton V8 (20 H.P. Increase)
- 5 Speed / 3:55 Reg. Axle
- Keyless
- Premium Audio CD
- Mods.
- K&N Cold Air mod.
- Flowmaster 40 (Stock Setup with 3 1/2" Gibson Tip)
- Bugshield
- Bedliner
- Ventshades

 

Have any of you who had this problem tried using the other ignition key? The keys contain a chip which is read by the computer. I don't know if the circuit runs through it with the engine operating or not, but the anti-theft function causes the computer to kill everything if it can't read the chip on the key. Just something you might try. Good luck!

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2000 F-150 Lariat SC Flareside ORP, Chestnut w/gold trim; Window tint; Ford Duraliner; Retrax Roll-top Cover; Flowmaster 70 Series Muffler

 

Gentlemen,

I am of the same conclusion, SuperChip worked its way loose as I had the same problem some time ago. No matter how well you secure it, with the expansion and contraction during seasonal conditions it can work its way loose.

A reseating of the chip solved my problem.

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, HD electrical and cooling, power seat, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)

 

Very good point beerman...many Expy owners (with the PATS system) that I know now carry a spare key because they have experienced the same thing. The vehicle just quit for no reason and in some cases would not restart. This happened to a good friend of mine..his Expy quit a few times on him over about a years time..then the last time it would not start. He called his wife and she brought a spare PATS key to the rescue..and he was back up and running. I also carry a spare key just incase.

When I first installed a Superchip in my last F-150 (2000), I drove it around that day..no problem at all. The next morning, I went to crank the truck and it would not start. It tried, but would not fire. So I knew it was either the new Superchip or the PATS system. I pushed on the chip(with duct tape still attached)..and it started right up. So I re-cleaned the terminal port and reinstalled the chip. No problems from then on. So far no problems at all with this truck.

My non-PATS system 1998 F-150, 5.4L completely died one time without warning after I stopped at a railroad crossing, NO SUPERCHIP..and it also cranked right back up and ran just fine. No idea at all what happened. (approx 16,000 miles on it)

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Superchip, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55 rear, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, Heavy duty shocks, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, factory leather wrapped steering wheel, FORD bedliner, FORD black tubular cab steps, K&N air filter, mar-hyde rubberized undercoating, Modine climate filtration system, Bugflector II, Mobil 1 oil and filter, Build date 7/00




[This message has been edited by Dustoff (edited 09-13-2000).]

 

Reavis,

I have had the same problem!!! It happened to me twice (2 different days). The first day I was in traffic aprox 20mph. The truck just stalled, the odo read -----, all my warning lights turned on. The weird thing about it was, the engine didn't even sputter. It just shut off. I then waiten a bit, and it turned over and I was on my way. It stalled a couple more times that day.

The second situation, it stalled 5 times on the way home. I pulled my chip and took it in to the dealer. The computer didn't show any error codes.

I contacted Mike Troyer after the first stalls and he too seemed puzzled. He explained that the chip is an "on or off" switch. If the chip isn't functioning than the truck wouldn't even start. He asked me to check if the chip was secure. The chip wouldn't even giggle due to the amount of duct tape holding it in.

The chip has since been pulled and the truck hasn't stalled since. I now need to contact Mike a second time to see if he has any more suggestions or insight.

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99 4x4 XLT supercab 5.4L Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Med. Graphite w/Captain Chairs, Pioneer DEP-4000, Tint, K&N,75mm BBK TB, Bedliner, 3" Catback w/3 Chamber Flowmaster, Superchip, 285/75/16 BFG A/T on American Racing Python wheels, Stull Billet Grill, Clear Corner Lenses.

'00 Expedition XLT, Silver w/Dark graphite interior, 5.4L, Stull Billet Grill, clear corners and some other stuff. All in all she'll stay stock. Ok, maybe a Flowmaster 50 series soon.

 

Lots of good, sound, unbiased advice here. That's always been one of the things I really appreciate about this site.

I popped the chip out last night and recleaned the contacts then re-installed with new tape. Hopefully this fixes the problem.

-R

 

Hi Reavis,

In response to some of the comments in this thread, edge connectors are in fact extremely reliable, which is why most expansion cards in most types of computers use them, so I completely disagree with the comment/contention that edge connectors are not reliable, not designed to be used for extended periods, or that the edge connector on the back of the Ford computer is unreliable or not meant to be used long-term, that simply is not the case at all.

What can happen, and we've seen this before in a few of these vehicles, is that the actual thickness of these edge connectors can sometimes vary a bit, though it's fairly rare, that *can* happen. We first started seeing this in a few if the 1999 Lightnings, and since then, a few other Fords, where the edge connector is just a little bit thinner than the manufacturing specification calls for. That has absolutely nothing to do with the Superchip being faulty, but people sure like to blame it when they don't have knowledge of these things, and what really happens. The idea that edge connectors are not designed to be used for extended periods or are somehow unreliable is incorrect. Even in the space shuttle, edge connectors are routinely used.

The design of that circuit, which terminates in the J3 male edge connector, is literally like an on/off switch. This is Fords own design, and what happens when you connect anything with the proper pin-out sequence to that J3 connector is the computer instantly turns off it's internal eprom chip, and seeks it's instructions externally. Conversely, when you disconnect from that circuit, it instantly disengages the external override data path, and turns back on the factory eprom chip. Plain and simple.

Over 98% of the time when something like this happens, it's a connection-related problem, and in 95% of those cases, it's due to not getting all of the conformal coating of those contacts. However, there can be other reasons, such as an impact that is enough to jar the Superchip loose, or a too-thin edge connector, etc., and that is why I recommend pulling the Superchip and then re-seating it firmly, just to make sure. It's been working just fine for 10 months, and you're going to find that this is a connection-related problem, rather than any defect in the Superchip itself.

Even though this issue of variances in the thickness of the edge connector are rare, Superchips did a re-design earlier this year to accommodate even for those rare situations, and has changed the design of the contact patch inside the slot, so that even if the thickness varies from spec either way, the Superchip will still have a good connection.

Reavis, I also responded in the Computer Chips section to your post there, and you should also read that response as well, as it gives you some info on other things to look at that can contribute to this as well.

Last, this issue of taping the Superchip in place is something we advise in any pickup truck, SUV, or anything with 4WD, simply because they tend to see rougher use, and to help it stay on even in rough off-roading situations, not because it has to be done to make the Superchip work. We do not tape them in passegner cars, Rangers, and other vehicles that either are not subject to this kind of use, or by virtue of how their computers are mounted it can't be an issue.

Reavis, if you would like to go over this in more detail, please feel free to give us a call at our number below, & good luck!

------------------
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

 

I just thaught i would let u guys know that ford has special service messasges about reading pcm rom error codes, these are cause by the installation of perfromance chips and if ford finds one it can void your power train warrenty, they also do not like oil impregnated filters as they can contaminate the maf sensor, that is also a nono, and a $400 maf is not cheap.

 

Ok, then tell me why if Ford doesn't like K&N Filters you can buy them over the counter @ your local Ford Dealer (just a different color) & i've heard Rumour that certain FORD Mustang models come standard with these type of "oil Impregnated Air Filters"(Again ..a different color)
I myself have been using K&N air filters since the late 70's & yes i've learned to not only NOT to over-oil the Filter but to let it air dry before installing it which is what the directions on the can of K&N oil specically mentions. Other than that i've had no problem with any of my K&N filters.

------------------[list=a][*]All Black 2K F-150 XLT[*]5.4 Auto, 3.55[*]Super Cab, BedLiner[*]Class III Tow Package, Rear Slider[*]Keyless Remote, Cruise, A/C, CD Player[*]Tinted Windows[*]Bug Guard[*]Black Step bars[*]Billet Custom Grill[*]K&N Filter,Air Box Modified & inlet increased to 3" from Fender[*]Flow Master Force II Exaust with Single in, Dual out Behind rear Wheels[*]Stainless Hide-a-Hook Tie downs[*]HellWig LP 25 Overloads[*]Front & Rear Color Matched Light covers[*]Dash Cover[*]Still on to do list: SuperChip,Electric Fan(s) Rancho 9000's,
American Racing 16 X 8 Baja's, Snug Top or Tonneau[/list=a]

 

Thanks Mike for another of your genuinely thoughtful and insightful responses. Like I mentioned, I've already removed and replaced the chip and solidly re-taped it so that should do the trick.

Reavis