A chip programs the computer through the port on the computer box.
A tuner programs the computer through the ALDL port (bottom of dash, under steering column).

Both do the same thing. Only difference is the tuner allows you to make changes via a menu while the chip always stays in place. You can use one or the other, but not both at the same time. So, buy a tuner or a chip --- don't buy both.

 

so the microtuner "reprograms" the ECU, but is then disconnected?

 

Correct.

 

Ken

Would you please tell me whether the microchip tuner 1715 is "vehicle specific", or would I be able to use it on both of my 1997 explorers ( one a 4.0 and the other a 5.0 Ltr)as well as my 1996 F-150 with 5.0 Ltr?

I am having the usual obnoxious hard upshifts with my F-150 and an occasional rougher-than-expected downshift from gears 2-1 (3 speed with overdrive automatic) on the 4.0 Explorer. In addition, it would be nice to add a little torque to all three of the vehicles.

Thank you for your time.

John

 

It will only work on one vehicle at a time (otherwise you could buy one and tune all your friends trucks or a garage could buy one and tune hundreds of customers).

 

>PLUS!!!!!!!!!
>
>The "1715" can also be used as a
>
>Vehicle Diagnostic Tool!!!!!!!
>
>The 1715 can be plugged into any late model Ford, car or
>truck, to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). This
>feature helps the user to diagnose today's complex vehicle
>electronic systems and can not only display the trouble
>codes, but also clear the codes too. A complete list of Ford
>Diagnostic Trouble Codes will be provided in the user manual
>for each 1715 Micro Tuner.
>
>

Ken:

I picked up my truck from the dealer Saturday (36k service) and plugged in the SCMT as soon as I arrived home. I tried to pull diagnosis codes from the stock program, all I saw was "1000 - vehicle not driven enough". Apparently, the dealer cleared the codes when the truck was serviced.

Q: how many miles do I need to drive before the 1000 code clears? I want a baseline before I burn the SC program in.
Q: How many miles should I drive to allow the truck to 'learn' after burning the SC program in?
Q: Does the SCMT pull diag codes from both factory and SC programs?

Thx
GD

2001 F251 SRW Lariat CC 156 4x4 OffRoad, Camper Pkg., V10, Auto, 3.73LS, Snuglid, 265x75R Geolandar AT II+, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Volant intake, Gibson stainless cat-back exhaust.
Born, KTP: 07-26-00, Delivered: 8-29-00

 

>>PLUS!!!!!!!!!
>>
>>The "1715" can also be used as a
>>
>>Vehicle Diagnostic Tool!!!!!!!
>>
>>The 1715 can be plugged into any late model Ford, car or
>>truck, to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). This
>>feature helps the user to diagnose today's complex vehicle
>>electronic systems and can not only display the trouble
>>codes, but also clear the codes too. A complete list of Ford
>>Diagnostic Trouble Codes will be provided in the user manual
>>for each 1715 Micro Tuner.
>>
>>
>
>Ken:
>
>I picked up my truck from the dealer Saturday (36k service)
>and plugged in the SCMT as soon as I arrived home. I tried
>to pull diagnosis codes from the stock program, all I saw
>was "1000 - vehicle not driven enough". Apparently, the
>dealer cleared the codes when the truck was serviced.
>
>Q: how many miles do I need to drive before the 1000 code
>clears? I want a baseline before I burn the SC program in.

Quite honestly, I don't know. I have the code reference, but it does not specify.


>Q: How many miles should I drive to allow the truck to
>'learn' after burning the SC program in?

It should be immediate and get better will miles.

>Q: Does the SCMT pull diag codes from both factory and SC
>programs?

Yes.

 

Just for clarity, then, the Micro Tuner must be left plugged into the computer while the vehicle is in use: i.e., the program in the computer's chip is not modified; it is actually over-ridden by the program in the Micro Tuner. As soon as the Micro Tuner is unplugged, everything reverts to stock configuration. Is that correct?

Thanks

 

No. Here are the steps to using it:

1. Plug it in the ALDL port.

2. It saves an image of your stock computer program into itself.

3. It asks you a few simple questions.

4. It reprograms your computer.

To return your computer back to stock, you must plug the tuner back in and let it download the stock program back into your computer.

 

What is the usual reprogram time? One minute? Five? Would it be practical to switch settings back and forth when going from regular to high octane fuel? Basically, what is the "hassle factor" on a scale of 1 to 10?

Thanks

 

It takes about 5 minutes. I have a feeling once you tune it you'll never want to go back to regular octane fuel. :-)

 

I have a 2001 Mountaineer w/the 5.0 V8 & AWD.

Any suggestions as to whether to go with the Superchips or the Dibablo ?.

Does Diablo offer anything similar to the Microtuner ?.

Not that I would have objected to getting my hands dirty ...

But the idea & ease of being able to just hook up the handheld tool/programmer & press a few buttons ... seems like the better way to go ... especially when you have a vehicle still under warranty.

I know that chips are not supposed to void warranties & such ... & are perfectly safe ...

But sometimes when you have some sort of driveability issue ... the dealers may try & use the chip/reprograming tool ... as an excuse or a reason for your issues ... rather than their inability to correctly diagnose the problem.

I like the idea of being able to just "re-program" quickly & easily back to stock ... if an issue arrises & you need to take the vehicle in for service.

Saves you the hassle of having to argue with someone clueless ... that will persist in telling you it was the chip/reprogramming.

"Been there & done that" ... over exhaust & tire size mods once ... when the true culprit to my issue was addressed in a TSB they were too dumb & lazy to research.

Thanks.

Eric

 

>Does Diablo offer anything similar to the Microtuner ?.

It has more horsepower.

>But the idea & ease of being able to just hook up the
>handheld tool/programmer & press a few buttons ... seems
>like the better way to go ... especially when you have a
>vehicle still under warranty.

Yes. Its nice. Cost is a consideration for some because its over $100 more than a chip.

>I know that chips are not supposed to void warranties & such
>... & are perfectly safe ...
>
>But sometimes when you have some sort of driveability issue
>... the dealers may try & use the chip/reprograming tool ...
>as an excuse or a reason for your issues ... rather than
>their inability to correctly diagnose the problem.
>
>I like the idea of being able to just "re-program" quickly &
>easily back to stock ... if an issue arrises & you need to
>take the vehicle in for service.

The same can also be accomplished but pulling the chip. The Mountaineer/Explorer/Ranger are EXTREMELY easy installs. Taking the module out would be a 2 minute job.

Its all a matter of what you're looking for. For someone, the bottom line numbers are most important. For others, the ease of use and the custom user features are the deciding factors. Either product is great in its own right.

 

Hey Ken,

Will the 1715 provide correct tuning with intake and exhaust mods. (Banks Powerpack) on a Ford V10?

I believe I read somewhere that these would require custom programming on the chip.

Thanks

 

Only if you have the Otto Mind.