Questions about Programmers?
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Questions about Programmers?
I have a '01 F-250 Crew Cab, 4x4, PSD, and six speed tranny. I see everyone talking about programmers, i.e. Superchips. I have looked into buying one and have talked with friends that have them in their trucks. Most if not all say that their MPG increases. What I have asked and no one seems to know, will reprogramming void the factory warranty? I have read that the original programming can be re set by the tuner. If the factory programming is reset, will the truck's computer record that it was reset by the tuner? I'm not really interested in a power gain but the MPG increase everyone talks about is attractive.
These questions have probably already been answered but I am new to this forum. Thanks to anyone who provides answers.
These questions have probably already been answered but I am new to this forum. Thanks to anyone who provides answers.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,244
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From: Morgantown WV
Yes a chip or programmer can void your warranty if you get cought. Only the 2005's have the ability to record changes. If you have to go in for service remove your chip, or reprogram back to stock. Then they can not tell. Make sure to check your computer for stored codes. If it has an over boost code or similar they will become suspicious. If you decide to buy a chip or programmer do your self a favor and buy gauges first. A motor replacement is not cheep.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 26
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From: SE Minnesota
I had the opertunity to use a Super Chips 1705. The local vender told me I would be so impressed with the power and fuel economy that I would want it upon returning from my crosscountry trip. He was right about the power gains and more importantly the tranny characteristics. BUT, I actually droped fuel ecomomy on average from 1 to 3 miles per gal. I tried SAFE TOW and PERF TOW modes (lowest and middle) settings, drove all interstate with cruze, and varried speeds between fills from 65 to 80 mph. I had also just installed new fuel, oil, and air filters, changed oil, (Schaffer's synth. blend 15W40) and ran the tire pressure up hard. (75psi) Using the tuner, the best milage I got was 16.4mpg. The stock program was the best @17.25mpg. Does this sound normal?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,054
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From: The Great Plains
Originally Posted by mech2161
Yes a chip or programmer can void your warranty if you get cought. Only the 2005's have the ability to record changes. If you have to go in for service remove your chip, or reprogram back to stock. Then they can not tell. Make sure to check your computer for stored codes. If it has an over boost code or similar they will become suspicious. If you decide to buy a chip or programmer do your self a favor and buy gauges first. A motor replacement is not cheep.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 737
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From: LAKE FORK TEXAS
I have heard the dealer can tell if you use a tuner, However My local dealer is Mod Friendly and just says return it to stock before you bring it in. A while back My Cam Sensor died and after they replaced it we got to talking about tuners and such. Finally decided for me to leave it programmed back to stock and drive it for a couple days and then leave it with them for a day to see what they could find. They never found a thing, even the Kam error code was gone after a couple days. They did say that if you had a major issue that required a new engine that Ford could request that the dealer send them the ECM and they thought there was probably someway they could tell but was not sure. With the tools the dealer has they say they could never find it if you return it to stock. My fuel mileage really never changed much with my tuner,, Went down a llittle at first mostly cause of me playing with it, Makes a huge difference in Power and responsiveness for sure..!! Do the 05's really record everything?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 270
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From: Scranton, PA
Most programmers are only good for about 1-2 mpg, in my case I did not see any increase in mileage. Some people do see higher increase but usually they have aftermarket intakes and exhausts. I would not buy the programmer just for the purpose of increasing your mileage, but with the added power you won't be dissappointed. I would definitely purchase gauges also. You just can't chance blowing a motor.
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Iuka, MS
I have used the Superchip 1705 in my last 2 PSD's. The power gain is the best feature. I did not see much gain in MPG even if driven right which I rarely did until diesel prices got so high. I like the HP gain when I need it. According to Superchip the use of the programmer does not void the warranty. I had my program in when my Cam shaft sensor went out and told the dealer because when you restore it stock before taking it in, or in the case of the cam shaft sensor failure, tow it in you erase the stored codes. My dealer is geared toward performance enhancements and says Ford will honor reprogramming or a chip up to 100hp. But on the other hand I will not chance it and take his word for it if something goes wrong. I will take the program out before taking it in.
