Ok I haven't posted or asked anything for awhile, guess I've been busy under the EX, just put on the hellwig rear bar, new rancho's, both of the front ball joints, and now I was wondering I had a superchip plugged into my truck 7.3 and it was unlocked, downloaded a program fine and then the truck wouldn't start, went back to stock and still wouldn't turn over, ran the test and it said anti theft device, cleared the code and started fine. Is this a common problem or if downloaded properly will it not happen? Kinda confused about getting one now. Thanks.

 

I never had a problem with my Superchip programmer... is your Ex equipped with the PATS system?


copied from thread found on another site:
From time to time, a programmer will trigger the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) on an Excursion, Lightning, Mustang, or other PATS equipped vehicles. This is caused by a loss of communication between the PCM and the PATS module which triggers the PATS module to go into "THEFT" mode and disable the PCM for a period of time. Some vehicles are more sensitive than others in regards to what triggers the PATS system with some vehicles triggering it during some sessions and not in others.

In the event that this does occur and the "THEFT" light is flashing, use the following procedure to restore vehicle functionality.
Turn the key to the "ON" position, but do not attempt to start the vehicle.
The "THEFT" light will begin flashing rapidly (twice a second). After about 60 seconds, the "THEFT" light will stop flashing rapidly and begin a sequence of slow flashes (usually 1 blink, followed by 6 blinks).
Turn the key to the "OFF" position and completely remove the key from the ignition and hold at least two feet away from the steering column for 30 seconds.
Insert the key and turn to the "ON" position. Wait for the normal engine checking procedure to take place. The "THEFT" light should no longer be flashing. At this point you should be able to start the vehicle.
If, after completing the above reset procedure, your vehicle still won’t start and the theft light is blinking rapidly, check to ensure that the PCM is not disabled by going to the Diagnostic Menu of your programmer and then checking for any DTCs.

If the PCM is not disabled, it should respond with a P1260 DTC (Theft Detected / Vehicle Immobilized) along with any other possible DTCs that may be stored. If this is the case, turn the key to the "OFF" position and remove the ground (-) battery cable (from both batteries if your vehicle is equipped with two) for a period of ONE HOUR to allow the theft codes to clear. Re-attach the cables and attempt to start the vehicle.

If the PCM is disabled and the programmer is not able to ready any DTCs or other data from the PCM, you may try restoring the vehicle back to the original stock calibration. If this still doesn't work, you'll need to contact your programmer vendor for further assistance in troubleshooting the reason for the no-start.

 

Yep thats exactly what happened, and explains it, still not sure if I should buy one of those now, sounds like a lot to go through sometimes and not others.

Thanks Vegas.

 

Sounds like a PITA to have to deal with that every time you reprogram... Start off like most of us here, get some gauges up and running, do exhaust and intake and then start saving for a DP tuner or TS switch. You will be much happier anyway, it was like night and day when I ditched my Superchips for a DP.