Botched tuner install
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Botched tuner install
So I just purchased an '01 F350 that came with part of a DP F6 tuner. The digital switch & harness is there but the chip is gone. The guy I bought the truck from said he had a guy try to install it but they pulled it back out afterwards & threw it because the truck wouldn't run right & would shut down on him. Now I want to get another chip & install but I'm worried they might of fudged something up in the ECM doing the install before like scraping the pins too much or something. Is there anything that can be done to fix it that was the case?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Mcdonough, GA
Have you looked at the contacts yet? If you pull the PCM to look at it take a picture and share it here. Unless they scraped the tin off down to the copper you you should be ok. We love pics
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I haven't pulled the PCM and really looked yet but I did poke my head under the dash & check it out & it looks like u can see bare copper which makes me think they might of scraped on the pins too much causing the original chip to malfunction. From what I've read that bad. I will definately post some pics when I get around to digging into it.
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. I've been out of the 7.3 powerstroke game for a while now & just got back in by getting this truck so I have a lot of catching up & refreshing to do lol. Haven't heard of the hydra setup before but I'll definately check it out. DP used to be the best when I had my last truck so I just naturally focused on that.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Mcdonough, GA
I think you'll find the Hydra has many advantages over the older stuff. You can install the chip in the truck and then you can upload new Tunes to it without sending it to somebody. Like Jason said many different tuners can write Tunes that you can install on the Hydra, it's not proprietary in that way.
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I think you'll find the Hydra has many advantages over the older stuff. You can install the chip in the truck and then you can upload new Tunes to it without sending it to somebody. Like Jason said many different tuners can write Tunes that you can install on the Hydra, it's not proprietary in that way.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Los Angeles/Ventura, CA
So I just purchased an '01 F350 that came with part of a DP F6 tuner. The digital switch & harness is there but the chip is gone. The guy I bought the truck from said he had a guy try to install it but they pulled it back out afterwards & threw it because the truck wouldn't run right & would shut down on him.
For what it’s worth, I have mixed feelings about the DP5 I purchased and installed. The tunes met my needs for increased power and towing. The shifts are still hard - even after sending the chip back for reprogramming.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: WV
do you guys use the hydra chip?
Yes
Is it true u get free access to the whole library of tunes?
Yes, you get access to PHP’s library of standard tunes. There’s really not much (if any) “custom” aspect to the tuning with light mods. So for most folks a tune off the standard library will work fine. My PCM code has various levels between fuel sipper to extreme, about 5 tow tunes, Whisper mode, and some high idle options.
Do they charge for custom tunes if u have mods?
PHP no longer sells directly to the public and has gotten out of the tuning business. Meaning they do not customize tunes any more. They own the Hydra hardware that is sold through dealers. They give you access to their library of previously created tunes.
If you want something custom you can contact a number of many different tuners and they will send you their tune. You load it on the Hydra yourself, don’t even have to remove from the PCM if you buy an extension cable. If you need a revision the tuner can tweak the tune and send you an update. The days of sending your chip back and forth are over.
DP can also do this but again you are stuck with their tuning if you get their hardware.
As mentioned above, most people will not need anything special unless you want specific transmission shifting points or adjustment to pedal feel etc. Usually custom tunes are only required when running different injectors.
PHP does offer a Titan unlock for a fee which will give you access to their expanded library of modified injector tunes. I do not have experience with it.
I think I really like that option, DP was charging $25 a piece for their tunes.
Custom tuners will charge for their services. Rates will vary. Most support the Hydra platform.
Yes
Is it true u get free access to the whole library of tunes?
Yes, you get access to PHP’s library of standard tunes. There’s really not much (if any) “custom” aspect to the tuning with light mods. So for most folks a tune off the standard library will work fine. My PCM code has various levels between fuel sipper to extreme, about 5 tow tunes, Whisper mode, and some high idle options.
Do they charge for custom tunes if u have mods?
PHP no longer sells directly to the public and has gotten out of the tuning business. Meaning they do not customize tunes any more. They own the Hydra hardware that is sold through dealers. They give you access to their library of previously created tunes.
If you want something custom you can contact a number of many different tuners and they will send you their tune. You load it on the Hydra yourself, don’t even have to remove from the PCM if you buy an extension cable. If you need a revision the tuner can tweak the tune and send you an update. The days of sending your chip back and forth are over.
DP can also do this but again you are stuck with their tuning if you get their hardware.
As mentioned above, most people will not need anything special unless you want specific transmission shifting points or adjustment to pedal feel etc. Usually custom tunes are only required when running different injectors.
PHP does offer a Titan unlock for a fee which will give you access to their expanded library of modified injector tunes. I do not have experience with it.
I think I really like that option, DP was charging $25 a piece for their tunes.
Custom tuners will charge for their services. Rates will vary. Most support the Hydra platform.
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Thanks for all the help guys. One last question though.......is there any way to tell if I have a built transmission? It has a MAG-HYTEC 4r100 pan on it but the guy I bought the truck from knew nothing about it as it was like that when he bought it. Curious how it will effect tunes if it is built but I say its stock or vice versa
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If you are interested in selling the wire and switcher, I’d be interested in purchasing them. When my truck was recently stolen, it came back without the wire and switch.
For what it’s worth, I have mixed feelings about the DP5 I purchased and installed. The tunes met my needs for increased power and towing. The shifts are still hard - even after sending the chip back for reprogramming.
For what it’s worth, I have mixed feelings about the DP5 I purchased and installed. The tunes met my needs for increased power and towing. The shifts are still hard - even after sending the chip back for reprogramming.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Albuquerque
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