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Weird problem while exiting vehicle..Help!

Old Apr 4, 2012 | 09:52 AM
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Weird problem while exiting vehicle..Help!

This is an interesting problem that keeps happening. It's on the 02' F250 in my sig. I come to a stop, put the truck in Park (engine still running) and while I go to exit the truck....it tries to stall, catches itself ( puff of smoke) then all is normal. No other driveability/running issues whatsoever. This did seem to start occurring shortly after the install of the DP Tuner chip but I cannot rationally connect the two together other then coincidental timing. ANy ideas would be appreciated, this is a weird one!
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by 4EXTRDR
This is an interesting problem that keeps happening. It's on the 02' F250 in my sig. I come to a stop, put the truck in Park (engine still running) and while I go to exit the truck....it tries to stall, catches itself ( puff of smoke) then all is normal. No other driveability/running issues whatsoever. This did seem to start occurring shortly after the install of the DP Tuner chip but I cannot rationally connect the two together other then coincidental timing. ANy ideas would be appreciated, this is a weird one!
Do up flip the the tilt wheel up before you get out?
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 01:35 PM
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No, I do not tilt the wheel when exiting.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 05:21 PM
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Does it happen every time you exit?

What happens if you put it in park and just wait, leaving the door closed?

What happens if you put it in park, open the door, and don't exit?

Chris
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by landmobile
Does it happen every time you exit?

What happens if you put it in park and just wait, leaving the door closed?

What happens if you put it in park, open the door, and don't exit?

Chris
Are you thinking the chip may be a little loose, and the vibration from closing the door is causing it?
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 05:42 PM
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My first thought was that there was an intermittent electrical problem that coincided with stopping and/or exiting. Since it doesn't look like the tilt wheel, I thought maybe just putting it park might be doing it. If it isn't related to shifting into park, then perhaps the dome light circuit or maybe some mechanical motion related to getting out of the truck is the trigger. Once we isolate what triggers it, then hopefully it can be narrowed down to a specific part, such as a loose chip (as you suggested), a loose connector, etc.

Chris
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 05:58 PM
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It doesnt do it if I don't open the door...I jump out alot for a quick minute so I throw it in Park & leave engine running. It's WEIRD! My gut is something in the column, as for the DP chip...I've installed 4 of these now and never had an issue & my thought is if it were a loose chip it would cause problems more often versus being completely stopped, throwing it in Park & opening the door. This one has me stumped!
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 06:15 PM
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From: Jenkintown, PA
Originally Posted by 4EXTRDR
... my thought is if it were a loose chip it would cause problems more often versus being completely stopped, throwing it in Park & opening the door...
You're right, it probably would.

There's a lot going on in and around the steering column. Have you tried putting it in park, opening the door and just sitting there? That might determine whether someone physically getting in or out of the truck is triggering it.

Also, does it happen reliably every time you put it in park, open the door, and jump out?

Chris
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 4EXTRDR
It doesnt do it if I don't open the door...I jump out alot for a quick minute so I throw it in Park & leave engine running. It's WEIRD! My gut is something in the column, as for the DP chip...I've installed 4 of these now and never had an issue & my thought is if it were a loose chip it would cause problems more often versus being completely stopped, throwing it in Park & opening the door. This one has me stumped!
RF interference with the chip?

If you want to test...remove the chip and see if the symptom remains.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 07:03 PM
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RF interference with the chip?

If you want to test...remove the chip and see if the symptom remains.
I know, but I'm very mechanical & logical & it just doesn't add-up to be the chip...if it did it once, even slightly when I drove down a rough road I would instantly be sold but what does coming to a calm stop & putting the truck in Park while opening the door possibly do to interfere w/ the chip!!! Guess I'm being thick-headed and I should probably do that to take it out of the equation.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Shake-N-Bake
RF interference with the chip?

If you want to test...remove the chip and see if the symptom remains.
Removing the chip would be a quick and easy first step, especially since it seemed to coincide with installing it in the first place.

Chris
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 07:23 PM
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I wouldn't rule out a flakey signal through the chip that only occurs under just-right conditions. With installing a chip and having an electrical gremlin show up, something is likely hinky with one of the connections (chip or PCM). It can be a coincidence as well. Like landmobile suggested, double-checking everything to do with the chip install is a safe place to start.

Do you set the park brake? I ask because this is a lever behind the dash (close to wires) that wouldn't otherwise be used.

Do you have any electrical modifications at all? In particular, ones that tie in with the overhead lamp or the door locks?
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 07:31 PM
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I wouldn't rule out a flakey signal through the chip that only occurs under just-right conditions. With installing a chip and having an electrical gremlin show up, something is likely hinky with one of the connections (chip or PCM).
Gonna re-install the chip tomorrow...if it fixes the problem i am going to be mad at myself for a bad install because thats not my style!

Do you set the park brake? I ask because this is a lever behind the dash (close to wires) that wouldn't otherwise be used.
I do not set the parking brake.



.....I still think it's in the column
Will post results for learning experience for the most helpful car/truck forum on the planet
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Tugly
Do you set the park brake?
Good call, I forgot about the parking brake. Putting the vehicle in park, setting the brake, opening doors all send data to the PCM. Why one or more of these inputs might cause an intermittent problem is anyone's guess. I still can't understand how windshield wipers can mess up an aftermarket CPS, but I've read that it happens quite a lot.


Chris
 
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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 05:34 AM
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Originally Posted by landmobile
Good call, I forgot about the parking brake. Putting the vehicle in park, setting the brake, opening doors all send data to the PCM. Why one or more of these inputs might cause an intermittent problem is anyone's guess. I still can't understand how windshield wipers can mess up an aftermarket CPS, but I've read that it happens quite a lot.


Chris
The one about installing LED tail lights messing something up (forgot what) got my attention.

4EXTRDR Don't beat yourself up if the chip install has an issue. Unless you look at the PCM edge with a stereo microscope with good lighting, it's real easy to miss something on the contacts. I know this. I cleaned that goop off and decided to tin just as a measure to make sure the goop was gone. Good thing I did the tinning, because some goop was still there. I don't recommend this to everybody unless they have silver solder and really know how to solder properly.
 
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