Computer Chip Problems

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Nov 18, 2000 | 09:35 PM

nbell

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Computer Chip Problems

I own a 97 Ford F-350 7.3 diesel Powerstroke with a US Gear Performance Power Chip installed in August 1999. I have put approximately 30,000 miles on the truck since installation. Currently I have a problem that Ford says may be the computer chip. While driving on the freeway at 65 mph, the engine completely shut off (twice) in a 15 minute period, then restarted itself. The Ford garage looking at the problem finds no codes in the computer explaining this, and suggests that the power chip may be causing this shut down. Have you heard of the power chip causing shutdown while driving? Is there anyway to check the powerchip electronically to see if there is failure? Would appreciate any information that you or others have had with a similar problem. As the powerchip gives me a significant boost in power as well as an increase in mileage, I'm not willing to just pull it out on a "this may be the answer" statement. Help! nbell

Nov 19, 2000 | 08:46 AM

FTE Ken

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Computer Chip Problems

What type of horse-power increase does this chip give? On diesels, chips raise exhaust temps. The more HP you attempt to get with a chip, the higher the exhaust temp.

Ken Payne

Nov 19, 2000 | 10:26 AM

nbell

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Computer Chip Problems

Ken..I believe the chip added an additional 70 hp and I installed an after-market turbo down pipe at the same time. You can definately tell the increase horse power when taking off from a stand-still, passing, and pulling the 10,000 lb 5th wheel up mountains. I would suggest if you have any interest in increased hp or pulling ability, the chip would be a must! Also, the mileage improved 1-2 mpg after the chip installation. That's hard for me to believe, but it's true. nbell

Nov 19, 2000 | 12:21 PM

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Computer Chip Problems

One fo two things is occuring. One or more contacts is losing contact while driving, or the chip has a short in the circuit board. If one contact happens to lose contact, either through vibration or improper cleaning of your computer surface connector, the engine will die immediately. It will restart after the contact retouches the connector on your computer.
We have seen . After warmup, the circuit with the short in it will lose contact and the engine will die.
P.S.
It is not ununual for most Powerstrokes to gain 2-4 mpg after chip installation. The Superchip and Diablo will also help the Feel free to call for further info 1-877-399-6417.
Thanks
Danny

Nov 19, 2000 | 12:24 PM

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Computer Chip Problems

I did not answer all of your questions, sorry. Yes, I can check Superchip and DiabloSport chips for failure, or a short in the circuitry. I am not familiar with the brand you own, so I cannot test it on my readers. I am not sure if your dealer has the equipment to test their chips.
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Danny

Nov 19, 2000 | 12:30 PM

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Computer Chip Problems

After consultation with the GURUs', we are 95% positive that your chip has developed a short in the circuitry. If you have had 30,000 troublefree miles, it is very unlikely that the contacts are not properly cleaned. It is however very likely that you have developed a short due to thermal expansion and retraction of the chip circuitry over the course of 30,000 miles. This is not a common problem, but it is also not unheard of. Check with your chip dealer about product warranty and see if they will replace the product. I am not familiar with the brand you own, but, most supply a lifetime product warranty with their products.
Later
Danny