Yeah, that could be your problem. I believe there is a reference table in the software or online that shows the PCM code and the correct calibration code to go with it.

I recall there was an FTE member that had the incorrect hex code and loaded the wrong tunes. Ran and idle rough along with other shifting problems.

I'll havevto look when I get home, can't access it on my phone.

 

Recommending VQAA7S2 for your VQAA6S2 box is perfectly fine. It's exactly the same concept as using VRAA6S3 (PMT1) for just about every 99.5-01 automatic pickup being in this case you're substituting VLB2 for VLB1.

The stalling when switching MAY have been a one-time deal because it has been known to happen with each type of chip hardware out there from time to time provided you used the same .hex code (which you said you did) with each position. Stalling when switching on a regular basis is a sure sign of mixed calibration codes. The intermittent stall while switching is usually experienced when the ROM fetch commands from the processor are interrupted during the switch. The PCM throws its hands in the air and says, "WTF?!?" It happens. Most times, though, the data being requested isn't interrupted mid-byte.

As for the idle speed variations, there are a couple differences between the mapping of van calibrations and the pickup calibrations that can cause this issue and it's been going on since the beginning of time with them. It's fixable, but it requires just a little more effort than just changing the mapping for making power and shifting......which is not something usually done with tuning for the masses.

 

Thank you Cody for chiming in.......I'm not sure 1/2 of what you said. But I pretty much reached my knowledge capacity on the subject........especially when it comes to the vans.....

 

One thing that I forgot to mention is that there is NO WAY that poor J3 contact can cause a stall when "switching tunes". The same exact data lines are used between the PCM and the chip no matter what "position" you might select save for "00" and "Ns". If the data transfer through the J3 contacts is good enough for position 4, it's good enough for the rest of them.

 

Thanks man, that's good info. I feel better already. My 97 stalled switching tunes one time long ago and it was an isolated incident. I was hoping someone would tell me that it is one of those things that just happens sometimes. As for the idle.. Time will tell, I'm gonna run it a bit more before I do anything drastic. I'm also trying to get ahold of tony wildman but have had no luck, perhaps his tunes may idle better? Either way the PHP tunes run pretty good overall.

 

Did you get this figured out?? I installed my hydra last night and my truck dies or stumbles when I change tunes....Was tuned by Tony Wildman

 

Nothing new on my end, though it doesn't die anymore.. Apparently I must have overwhelmed the computer. Does your truck run ok other than while switching? I'm in the middle of a trek across the state and have been over some incredible grades and I'm averaging 13.5-14.6 mpg with an average speed about 60, loaded weight about 7700lbs. So I'm pretty happy, previously I'd get about 10.5. Idle anomaly still present but I've already acclimated to it.

 

yeah runs fine just dies when I switch tunes.....just downloaded some PHP tunes and will see what that does.....could it be that Tony loaded tunes for VDH5 and my PCM is a VDH2 unit??????

 

Have you tried moving the tune locations around? Something different between those two tunes is causing the PCM to give up.

Hopefully Cody will chime in about the VDH_5 & VDH_2 compatibility.

 

Loaded PHP tunes and it changes between tunes fine....thinking it has something to do with the tunes from Tony not being for the right hex code, going to e-mail him again in the morning and see what he says.

 

Again, in this case, there are no compatibility issues with using calibrations listed as TNAA7S3 (VDH5) on a TNAA4S2 (VDH2) PCM. Something's going on with the calibrations Tony sent your way (likely a possible mixed bag of calibration hex codes).

 

Since you have 17 positions on the Hydra, Have you tried loading a combination of PHP & Tony's tunes and attempt to isolate the tune(s) that are causing the stalling?

 

Have Tonys tunes set from 01 to 07....PHP from 08 to 15, stumbles or dies between 01-07 and 07-08 from 08-15 changes tunes without any problems, only way I am sure it changes is the change in idle and the way it runs....

 

If it dies when switching between any of the tunes that you got from Tony then I would get in touch with Tony, it shouldn't do that. Make sure you send him your Hydra serial number..........

 

he should have it since he shipped me the hydra monday...and I have e-mailed him just waiting to hear back from him