ROM chip problem...
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 291
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ROM chip problem...
Hello all,
My mom's '97 4.0 Aerostar has had a repetative problem since the day she bought it. After a while, the van will begin to surge and idle rough. The oil pressure gauge will fluxuate and the engine seems to "miss". We have taken the van to the dealer numerous times for the same reason and the just reprogram the ROM chip every time. Although this does solve the problem, it always comes back eventually and has to be re-burned again, and the dealer refuses to replace it.
So, to my question: Where is this chip? We want to just buy a new one and replace it ourselves. Is this a logical alternative? Would replacing it with a performance chip work too? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
My mom's '97 4.0 Aerostar has had a repetative problem since the day she bought it. After a while, the van will begin to surge and idle rough. The oil pressure gauge will fluxuate and the engine seems to "miss". We have taken the van to the dealer numerous times for the same reason and the just reprogram the ROM chip every time. Although this does solve the problem, it always comes back eventually and has to be re-burned again, and the dealer refuses to replace it.
So, to my question: Where is this chip? We want to just buy a new one and replace it ourselves. Is this a logical alternative? Would replacing it with a performance chip work too? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
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They are likely replacing the "chip" or electronic engine (powertrain) control module EEC because no error codes are being stored for resolution. Instead of buying a new EEC, try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 10 minutes. This causes the EEC to purge to current program code and go to a default setting. You may have a faulty sensor somewhere. Try this first and see what happens.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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I tried that, so we'll see what happens. SO far so good. I'm just worried that it will eventually come back like always. It ususally takes a couple months, which is why it is so odd. Regardless, does anyone know wher it is located just in case? Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
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If the newer versions are like the older one I drive, the EEC is located in the engine compartment, passenger side, midway along the inner fender panel. About the size of deck of playing cards with lots of wires on a single connector strip.
Just replacing the EEC is not solving the problem. Something else is generating the error codes that cause the engine to act up. Lots of components like the oxygen sensor, MAF and IAC can cause erratic engine problems like this. Do a search on this forum for these terms and see if anyone else's problems are similar to yours.
Just replacing the EEC is not solving the problem. Something else is generating the error codes that cause the engine to act up. Lots of components like the oxygen sensor, MAF and IAC can cause erratic engine problems like this. Do a search on this forum for these terms and see if anyone else's problems are similar to yours.
