aldive
Elite In Memoriam
- Joined
- January 17, 2001
- Messages
- 24,667
- Reaction score
- 28
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1999 XLT
I have loved my Apten chip since I first installed it ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62783&highlight=apten+chip+install ), however, with the current lofty price of gas it is time for a change, I need an 87 as well as want a 92 octane program.
I pondered going with a multi program chip or with the new Flasher. After discussions with Gene Fine at Apten ( http://www.apten-us.com/ ) I decided to go with a custom programmed dual program Flasher. Gene is a very nice and knowledgeable guy, much like Brian was. I can still only say positive things about this company.
I ordered an 87 octane program that will exploit gas mileage with my current mods using 87 gas and a 92 octane program that is similar to what I have/had now that gets 30 MPG on the road. The programs were “created†based on my input as to the modifications I have made and my goals.
The Flasher arrived in 6 days ( including a weekend ) after the order was placed. The price of the dual program flasher was $410.00 delivered to my door. Along with the Flasher a connection cable as well as instructions were packed in the box.
The Flasher can only be used for one truck; one can’t use it to program a “friend’s†truck. You provide your ECC computer’s code to Apten at the time of order. Like a chip, Apten can reprogram the Flasher for another vehicle if you sell your truck or the Flasher.
I actually removed the “old†Apten chip from the ECC ( see http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=966993#post966993 ) in reverse of the install outlined at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62783&highlight=apten+chip+install last week and sold the old chip to rydinhigh. It sure sucks driving w/o a chip.
A few preparatory steps are required prior to installing a program from the Flasher. First, all power consuming devices must be turned off, and then the fuel pump relay 20 A fuse ( in the under hood fuse/relay box # 9 ) has to be removed. Next, with the ignition “offâ€, the Flasher is plugged into the OBD port under the steering column ( same port that is used with an OBD II scan tool ), The downloading of the stock program as well as the uploading of either “custom†program is performed by following instructions on the Flasher.
It takes about 15 minutes to program the ECC.
Time to fire it up. Hold breath, turn the key and “we have ignitionâ€. All is well.
Now its time for a test ride. Initial impressions of the 92 octane program ( I couldn’t resist, plus I had 92 gas in the tank ) are great, the acceleration is crisp as are the shifts. Life is good again…..
The only negative thing I can think of about the procedure is the rather poorly written instructions, but this is of no consequence since the programming is menu driven.
Next week I shall be doing a test of gas mileage with each of the (3) programs. I have to make a run over to Ft Lauderdale and will drive approximately 100 miles on one program, then refill the truck and do another 100 and so on. We shall see some results then.
I pondered going with a multi program chip or with the new Flasher. After discussions with Gene Fine at Apten ( http://www.apten-us.com/ ) I decided to go with a custom programmed dual program Flasher. Gene is a very nice and knowledgeable guy, much like Brian was. I can still only say positive things about this company.
I ordered an 87 octane program that will exploit gas mileage with my current mods using 87 gas and a 92 octane program that is similar to what I have/had now that gets 30 MPG on the road. The programs were “created†based on my input as to the modifications I have made and my goals.
The Flasher arrived in 6 days ( including a weekend ) after the order was placed. The price of the dual program flasher was $410.00 delivered to my door. Along with the Flasher a connection cable as well as instructions were packed in the box.
The Flasher can only be used for one truck; one can’t use it to program a “friend’s†truck. You provide your ECC computer’s code to Apten at the time of order. Like a chip, Apten can reprogram the Flasher for another vehicle if you sell your truck or the Flasher.
I actually removed the “old†Apten chip from the ECC ( see http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=966993#post966993 ) in reverse of the install outlined at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62783&highlight=apten+chip+install last week and sold the old chip to rydinhigh. It sure sucks driving w/o a chip.
A few preparatory steps are required prior to installing a program from the Flasher. First, all power consuming devices must be turned off, and then the fuel pump relay 20 A fuse ( in the under hood fuse/relay box # 9 ) has to be removed. Next, with the ignition “offâ€, the Flasher is plugged into the OBD port under the steering column ( same port that is used with an OBD II scan tool ), The downloading of the stock program as well as the uploading of either “custom†program is performed by following instructions on the Flasher.
It takes about 15 minutes to program the ECC.
Time to fire it up. Hold breath, turn the key and “we have ignitionâ€. All is well.
Now its time for a test ride. Initial impressions of the 92 octane program ( I couldn’t resist, plus I had 92 gas in the tank ) are great, the acceleration is crisp as are the shifts. Life is good again…..
The only negative thing I can think of about the procedure is the rather poorly written instructions, but this is of no consequence since the programming is menu driven.
Next week I shall be doing a test of gas mileage with each of the (3) programs. I have to make a run over to Ft Lauderdale and will drive approximately 100 miles on one program, then refill the truck and do another 100 and so on. We shall see some results then.