WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW THE ECU CODE WHEN YOU ORDER A SUPERCHIPS

[ERIC]

Now that i know the answer, it seems so obvious I feel pretty stupid I didn't figure it out on my own.

Anyhow, Chris at SmartyParts sent me the answer to the question "Why do i have to give you the code off my ECU when I order a Superchips? Why isn't the year/model/engine enough?" (Apparently you have to do this for Hyperchip, too.) So, for those who want to know, here's Chris' response:

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Even though a 4.0L Explorer has the same mechanical components no matter what state it is sold in, the auto makers custom code calibrations dependant on vehicle options, climate, altitude, state emissions standards,
etc. This is why there are so many different box codes. Ford changes the ECU calibration depending on where the vehicle is sold and what options are added to the vehicle. Vehicles sold with a "towing package" might have different shift points. In states that aren't as tough on emissions testing, the auto makers can get a little more aggressive on fuel curves. High altitude dealerships, like in Denver, get altitude calibrations. Sea level and Sun-Belt states get calibrations that are unique to their climates also. You can see that the variations in ECU codes start to really add up. That is
why getting the correct ECU code off of your vehicle is so important to us.

 

[-=DaemoN=-]

hmmmm... I didn't have to give my ECU code to get a HYPERTECH module. All I had to give was the model/year/engine type.

 

[ERIC]

Could be my mistake, DaemoN...I thought for sure someone posted here this past week that they had to give their code for a Hypertech. Sure could be i screwed that up. I've read and written so many posts about the chips...and then trying to get info and ordering it...i may justa stumbled over myself on this one.

BTW, did you do any 0-60 tests before and after installing the Hypertech? Or any other kind of benchmark tests?

 

[-=DaemoN=-]

ERIC-not yet, I will get back to you when I do. I don't have time to do it right now. One thing I noticed is my car shifts smoother.

 

[2mrchio]

?

Here's something else to consider. What good is the ECU code when the Explorer is sold new in one state (New Jersey, like mine was), and moved to another (Illinois, like mine was)? I'm certain I'm not the only one who has done that...

 

[ERIC]

I was wondering about that, too, Brian. I bought mine used but I know it came from Illinois, so no big deal since I'm in Iowa. But if it had come from CA or CO, then i suspect it would be. I wonder if a person did take there truck from CO to, say, FL if there is any factory "fix" that can be done. In the "old" days, you'd just had some carb changes done and that woulda been it. Now, maybe you could buy a new ECU?

I don't think there would be too much a difference if any between NJ and IL, tho. I think the big programming differences would be for altitude or state emission standards. Just guessing here, of course.

 

[Fredness]

Can the chip manufacturer change the factory mods? I've moved from FL to El Paso TX, and altitude difference of 3,600ft! I know there's a difference because my Ranger doesn't take to driving in the mountains well!

 

[ERIC]

Fredness, you could contact your local Ford dealer.

Or you might want to put the question to Chris at SmartyParts <chris@smartyparts.com> or some other place like CarParts, or even call Superchips (407-260-0838.)

 

[Fredness]

I've e-mailed everyone except smartparts, no replies. I guess they are just looking for the "quick sale". (Oh no! Not another informed consumer!)

 

[Rick]

For the record, I'm the one who had to send the computer code # to Hypertech.

 

[2mrchio]

Eric, I agree that something like NJ -> IL may seem marginal to an Explorer, and you also realized that there are some examples where you could, based on SmartyParts' answer, give your Ex culture shock...

 

[Tom Wilk]

This is pure speculation, but I imagine that Ford uses more than one supplier for certain parts such as sensors and cats. Furthermore, each supplier may make minor changes or improvements to these parts at any time. Presuming that these parts can be slightly different from one another, they may program the computer to accomodate these minor differences so that they will still meet emissions standards and maintain acceptable performance.

For example, suppose that they buy MAF sensors from two different sources. Now, a MAF sensor's characteristics may be that it electrical resistance changes based on air flow. Now suppose the ones Ford gets from company A tend to change at, say, 10 ohms per 50 cubic feet per minute of airflow, while the ones from company B change 10.5 ohms per 50 cubic feet of air flow. You can see that the computer needs to be set up for the different calibrations, otherwise the fuel/air mixture would not be correct.

Now, aftermarket chips tend to alter the fuel/air mixture along with the timing to optimize performance, but without knowing how the computer initially sets that mixture, they cannot accurately optimize it. So, that might be another reason why they want the code from your computer.

 

[ERIC]

Originally posted by Rick
For the record, I'm the one who had to send the computer code # to Hypertech.

Thanks, Rick. Thought the brain was goin' hinky there for a while!

Now the question is: "Why did Rick have to give up the computer code to get his Hypertech, but Daemon didn't?" Conspiracy? Potential X-File? Whim of the sales department?

Or is it possible in '92 Ford was only installing one version?

 

[-=DaemoN=-]

I was wondering the same too...or do I have the generic kind?
Also, do I have to bring it in for an upgrade when I put some mods in...like an exhaust, headers, etc?

 

[ERIC]

I don't know. But Hypertech does sell a "Power Programmer III" which is supposed to allow you to alter a whole bunch of stuff like speed limiter, shift points,speedo/odo correction for tires, and do a power tune...sells for about $330.

As far as the Superchips go, I told chris what mods i'd already made and he said this chip would handle them but if i did any more, like bigger TB or MAS, or headers, it wouldn't. I assume it would just have to go back in to be reprogrammed....frankly, I wasn't planning on any more mods right now, so I didn't think to ask.

Anyhow, this thing is supposed to be here Friday or Saturday, and i filled the tank with premium tonight. I'm ready!!