Alarm problem fixed-Performance Chip Screwed it up???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 17
From: Cape Coral, FL
Alarm problem fixed-Performance Chip Screwed it up???
OK- the short version of the woes:
Clifford alarm system professionally installed- then the car ('91 coupe / L98) wouldn't run Thread here lots of suggestions and help from CF folks (THANKS!!!
)
Mechanic looked all through it: final diagnosis, "an aftermarket performance chip in the ECM was knocked loose causing your engine problems, it has been removed, your car now runs stock, like it should. You should throw this chip in the bushes and forget about it-they are nothing but trouble"
I had no clue there was a performance chip in it, it hadn't been mentioned when I bought it last month.
I test drove the car, it runs fine just "differently" (much less powerful feeling) without the chip.
Soooo...
1. Are these chips really that bad for your car?
2. If not, how easy is it to but back into the ECM (mechanic said it just "sits in there on top of the stock chip)?
3. Should I put it back???
The Alarm install shop CAR-TOYS paid for the tow to the mechanic and 100% the diagnostics / repairs
Opinions on what to do next (with / about the chip)?
Thanks Again CF folks!!!
JTK
Clifford alarm system professionally installed- then the car ('91 coupe / L98) wouldn't run Thread here lots of suggestions and help from CF folks (THANKS!!!
) Mechanic looked all through it: final diagnosis, "an aftermarket performance chip in the ECM was knocked loose causing your engine problems, it has been removed, your car now runs stock, like it should. You should throw this chip in the bushes and forget about it-they are nothing but trouble"
I had no clue there was a performance chip in it, it hadn't been mentioned when I bought it last month.
I test drove the car, it runs fine just "differently" (much less powerful feeling) without the chip.
Soooo...
1. Are these chips really that bad for your car?
2. If not, how easy is it to but back into the ECM (mechanic said it just "sits in there on top of the stock chip)?
3. Should I put it back???
The Alarm install shop CAR-TOYS paid for the tow to the mechanic and 100% the diagnostics / repairs
Opinions on what to do next (with / about the chip)?
Thanks Again CF folks!!!
JTK
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 17
From: Cape Coral, FL
Originally Posted by gbody5
Did he give you the "performance" chip? If so, what is it? If not, tell him to give it to you and you will make the decision on what to do with it.
Yes he did...it is a "38 pin" and has a sticker on it that says:
SUPERCHIPS INC with the numbers
S030401 ACXN
Imprinted on the green plastic of the chip are the following letters:
MEMADPTW
Thanks for helping me out!
JTK
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by SOF Vette
Thanks gbody-
Yes he did...it is a "38 pin" and has a sticker on it that says:
SUPERCHIPS INC with the numbers
S030401 ACXN
Imprinted on the green plastic of the chip are the following letters:
MEMADPTW
Thanks for helping me out!
JTK
Yes he did...it is a "38 pin" and has a sticker on it that says:
SUPERCHIPS INC with the numbers
S030401 ACXN
Imprinted on the green plastic of the chip are the following letters:
MEMADPTW
Thanks for helping me out!
JTK
Sounds like you have a piggyback chip carrier. The green plastic carrys the SuperChips prom, the GM MEMCAL also is plugged into this green board and the complete assembly plugs into the MEMCAL socket inside your ECM. Normally these boards reside in the PCM without any problems. Your mechanic should have been able to reseat the assembly into the ECM socket, I have never had a problem a problem using these carrier boards.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 17
From: Cape Coral, FL
Originally Posted by tjwong
Your mechanic should have been able to reseat the assembly into the ECM socket, I have never had a problem a problem using these carrier boards.
I found the chip at the Superchips website..#2900 for my particular car.
The mechanic honestly felt that (long term) these chips were somewhat destructive to the car, which was why he recommended to toss it in the bushes
Well, lookin for other opinons
since I am a rookie hereTHANKS!!!
JTK
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by SOF Vette
Thanks for the response tjwong.
I found the chip at the Superchips website..#2900 for my particular car.
The mechanic honestly felt that (long term) these chips were somewhat destructive to the car, which was why he recommended to toss it in the bushes
Well, lookin for other opinons since I am a rookie here
THANKS!!!
JTK
I found the chip at the Superchips website..#2900 for my particular car.
The mechanic honestly felt that (long term) these chips were somewhat destructive to the car, which was why he recommended to toss it in the bushes
Well, lookin for other opinons
since I am a rookie hereTHANKS!!!
JTK
No kidding these generic chips are generally modified stock chips that has a bit of timing added, sometimes the cooling fan turn on threshold is changed, a bit of PE fuel is removed. That is about it. Chips do go bad, but GM chips at times will fail as well, granted not very often but chips are nothing but electronic devices and they do fail from time to time.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: Stuck in the 80's
Originally Posted by tjwong
I really doubt that a generic off the shelf chip would be bad for your car long term or otherwise. If you don't want the chip throw it my way. I can always use the chip carrier No kidding these generic chips are generally modified stock chips that has a bit of timing added, sometimes the cooling fan turn on threshold is changed, a bit of PE fuel is removed. That is about it. Chips do go bad, but GM chips at times will fail as well, granted not very often but chips are nothing but electronic devices and they do fail from time to time.
No kidding these generic chips are generally modified stock chips that has a bit of timing added, sometimes the cooling fan turn on threshold is changed, a bit of PE fuel is removed. That is about it. Chips do go bad, but GM chips at times will fail as well, granted not very often but chips are nothing but electronic devices and they do fail from time to time.
If it runs better/stronger with it, I say use it.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,976
Likes: 0
From: Patchogue NY
I have the same car as you, and I have a performance chip in it; I also have an aftermarket keyless entry system, and the car runs really strong. If I were you, I would run the car with the chip, then run it without the chip, and then make a decision as to whether or not to leave the chip installed.
After market chips are in essence a mechanism to electronically inject the latest technology, and improved data garnered from years of testing into the car. Make an informed decision. LOL.
Joe B.
After market chips are in essence a mechanism to electronically inject the latest technology, and improved data garnered from years of testing into the car. Make an informed decision. LOL.
Joe B.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 17
From: Cape Coral, FL
Thanks for the input and replies folks. I honestly do appreciate the time you all took to consider this.
I have looked at the "Superchips" website and the install looks easy enough.
Any "precautions" I should take in removing the ECM from the vehicle (or is it really even necessary) for the "re-install" of the chip???
As always-THANKS!
JTK
(continueing the learning process)
I have looked at the "Superchips" website and the install looks easy enough.
Any "precautions" I should take in removing the ECM from the vehicle (or is it really even necessary) for the "re-install" of the chip???
As always-THANKS!
JTK
(continueing the learning process)
