Chip or new ECU?
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Chandler
Chip or new ECU?
Just finished giving $2500 to tranny shop for an overhaul and transfer case reseal/checkout
The shop says I have an early computer that has some less-than-optimal shift programming. It locks up after shifting into 2nd, and is still locked when shifting into 3rd, causing a bit of a hard shift. They said that a new computer would have better programming. My question is, would one of the aftermarket chips fix this? I have a Hypertech now and didn't really see any change. Truck is a '91 F-150 4x4 5.8L, I have a TransGo shift kit installed and new exhaust including a high-flow cat.
The shop says I have an early computer that has some less-than-optimal shift programming. It locks up after shifting into 2nd, and is still locked when shifting into 3rd, causing a bit of a hard shift. They said that a new computer would have better programming. My question is, would one of the aftermarket chips fix this? I have a Hypertech now and didn't really see any change. Truck is a '91 F-150 4x4 5.8L, I have a TransGo shift kit installed and new exhaust including a high-flow cat.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
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From: Enjoying the real world.
Chip or new ECU?
First thing to do is visit your nearest Ford dealer. Ask them if they have any updates for your ECU code (Ford is CONSTANTLY updating codes and has hundreds of them).
Also, shift kits don't always work well with performance chips (including the Hypertech) unless you can dial the shift down or get the chip with a soft shift.
Question..... what transmission do you have? If its not electronic, there isn't anything a chip can do for the shift pattern...
Also, shift kits don't always work well with performance chips (including the Hypertech) unless you can dial the shift down or get the chip with a soft shift.
Question..... what transmission do you have? If its not electronic, there isn't anything a chip can do for the shift pattern...
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Chandler
Chip or new ECU?
It's a '91 E40D. From the descriptions I have seen, I can't tell if the chips alter transmission function. If I go to the dealer, do they just change some programming or replace the ECU? Is this expensive?
:-X12
:-X12
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
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From: Enjoying the real world.
Chip or new ECU?
The chip will alter the transmission shifting sinces its an electronic controlled transmission.
Getting your current computer upgraded by Ford shouldn't be expensive. They aren't changing anything out, merely "reflashing" with updated code. Only takes them a couple of minutes to do this...
Getting your current computer upgraded by Ford shouldn't be expensive. They aren't changing anything out, merely "reflashing" with updated code. Only takes them a couple of minutes to do this...
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Joined: Jul 2001
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Chip or new ECU?
I was told the EEC-IV (OBD-I) used in the 1991 F150 had a ROM not an EEPROM and was not flashable. They told me the newer EEC-V (OBD-II) computers used after about 1995 were the flashable variety.
If there is a way to flash EEC-IV ECMs I would be *extremely* interested. There is a small eec tuner industry building electronic plugin PCM cards to reprogram these computers. See:
www.eec-tuner.com
Just my two cents.
John
If there is a way to flash EEC-IV ECMs I would be *extremely* interested. There is a small eec tuner industry building electronic plugin PCM cards to reprogram these computers. See:
www.eec-tuner.com
Just my two cents.
John
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
Chip or new ECU?
Let me rephrase that :-) .... as them to replace the PROM with an update, if available. PROM chips themselves are cheap (a couple of bucks). How much Ford charges for the code in the PROM, however, isn't something I know but it must be significantly less than a whole new computer.
Another route would be to see if you can obtain a new or used computer from another source, that tuner you mentioned is a way to experiment if you're comfortable changing settings yourself. Just be careful, you CAN damage your engine if you lean it out too much, among other things.
wookie1, what is your current code? Let me know and I'll see about digging up a list of alternative EEC codes and/or computers so at least you'll know what to ask for if you want to check with Ford or another source for updates...
Another route would be to see if you can obtain a new or used computer from another source, that tuner you mentioned is a way to experiment if you're comfortable changing settings yourself. Just be careful, you CAN damage your engine if you lean it out too much, among other things.
wookie1, what is your current code? Let me know and I'll see about digging up a list of alternative EEC codes and/or computers so at least you'll know what to ask for if you want to check with Ford or another source for updates...
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