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I have a Hydra Chip in my hot hands. Just came in today. The instructions say I have to program the chip for the tunes I want. Do I have to download and program the chip or does it have pre-loaded tunes already on the chip or is the chip blank except for 00 and NS. I am a little confused because I thought it came with about 12 tunes already on the chip.
Nevermind...I went back and re-read the instructions. I miss read...I thought it said tunes were pre-loaded...but...any advice from anybody as I will be installing tomorrow.
Thanks
Last edited by pete500; May 8, 2020 at 06:24 PM.
Reason: More Info
Where did you buy the chip from? Sometimes if it is purchased from Gear Head or SDK, they will come with tunes loaded to them.
If not, you will need to download the HydraFlash software. Once you do that, you can connect the Hydra chip to the PC via the USB cable and load the tunes you want from the PHP library. Alternatively, other tuners will send you new tunes as an email attachment.
You will need the code off your PCM in order to know which code of tunes to load. You can get that by removing the PCM and looking at the sticker or by using Forscan and viewing the vehicle information. Another FTE'r recently used a cell phone and got a picture of the OCM code without removing it.
You will need to remove the PCM to install the chip anyway. When installing the chip, be very delicate with the pins and removing the protective coating on them. There is at least one video out there on how to clean the pins. After I removed the majority of the coating, I used a magnifying glass and a toothpick to remove the remaining residue.
Do not rush this, take your time and proceed with confidence.
I purchased the Hydra from Riff Raff and their website says I will need to use the hydraflash software to load the tunes for my PCM code. I get that... so apparently I will need to download and flash the chip. I can do that. I think I was thinking about one of the websites you mentioned where the chip was already flashed its just that I purchased from Riff Raff. Also I think it is a good idea to use a magnifying glass and toothpick as well and make sure I don't go down to brass on the contacts.
I will look for the video...should be one one U tube.
When installing the chip, I would highly recommend installing a 90 degree USB cable to the chip and leave it plugged in. This will allow quick and easy access to the tunes/programming on the chip without having to remove it. I used a 3 or 4ft one and just coil it up under the dash when I am not using it. I have only used the USB cable a handful of times, but that was a handful of times I didn't have to remove the PCM and chip to change the tunes.
I bought mine from Amazon at the time, but they are somewhat available at local places as well.
When installing the chip, I would highly recommend installing a 90 degree USB cable to the chip and leave it plugged in. This will allow quick and easy access to the tunes/programming on the chip without having to remove it. I used a 3 or 4ft one and just coil it up under the dash when I am not using it. I have only used the USB cable a handful of times, but that was a handful of times I didn't have to remove the PCM and chip to change the tunes.
I bought mine from Amazon at the time, but they are somewhat available at local places as well.
We actually include that 90º wire so you don't have to go buy it and just install it all when you get the Hydra.
That's good to know. I just received the chip today but haven't really looked at everything in the box. Just took out instructions to read and left everything else alone as I will install tomorrow using the usb that came with it instead of using my old one.
If you get creative with a Dremel, you can modify the PCM plastic case so you continue to use it to hold the PCM secure. Once I cut an opening for the Hydra, I added foam to repel dust from the chip and PCM port. To keep things neat I secured the program USB with the provided bracket to the plastic PCM case. Not sure if you were supplied the mounting bracket.
Thanks for all the great info everyone...I was watching the many U Tube videos on installation as well. After digesting all the good info and U Tube videos I am sure it will be fairly easy to accomplish, but I think I will take my sweet time during installation to think about each step, etc...etc... to make sure I get the Hydra installed correctly the first time without any problems.
I won't forget Wes444...I was going to do that even tho they say you can install as long as ignition key is not in the ignition, but to be safe those battery cables are coming off.
If you get creative with a Dremel, you can modify the PCM plastic case so you continue to use it to hold the PCM secure. Once I cut an opening for the Hydra, I added foam to repel dust from the chip and PCM port. To keep things neat I secured the program USB with the provided bracket to the plastic PCM case. Not sure if you were supplied the mounting bracket.
O1 Excursion, I like what you did with the foam installation over the open port on the ecm. This would definitely keep out any debris and or dust. I only have one concern if I may, and this is strictly from a safety stand point. Double check this for yourself, but after driving your truck on a road trip for example reach down and touch the ecm and you'll see how hot it gets. My concern would be that the foam could get hot enough that it could cause you some sort of problems, either to your ecm and or igniting and causing a fire. This is much more apparent in the summer months when it's hot out.
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