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Says who? A few people on the internet? I'm not saying it's not possible. I'm just saying it takes way more than some anecdotal evidence from some random Joes on the internet to convince me that they can't make a chip that overrides some parameters.
Also, no where in that paragraph does it say anything about this being a "learning" computer. It says it monitors a bunch of sensors. It never says it saves these parameters. It talks of speed density algorithm. That sounds like it monitors airflow speed and density and decides how much fuel to add. I'd think the chip would just increase the amount of fuel to add, since the best power is made with a slightly rich mixture.
If someone wants to put up quarter mile times about this stuff, then I'll gladly listen, but to say that "it feels faster" isn't enough for me. I'm all too familiar with the folks who put loud exhausts on their Honda civics and think they've got a racecar.
BLOCK LEARN. The transmission shift adaptation has been around on GM models fro a few years. I saw it first had on my 97 sierra truck. The way to easily clear the block learn is to disconnect both battery cables and touch them together. This drains the capaitors that retain the settings.
Any idea where I could find a TSB or other info on this? I am out of warrenty and would like to present a convincing story to the dealer to get GM to pay for this.
Thanks!
And yes the PCM does monitor variables like the before and after cat converter O2 sensors for the correct fuel/air mix, etc, and stores the trim changes in some of that 1 meg of memory so it doesn't have to re-do those corrections every time you drive it.
WEDNESDAY September 24, 2003
Windshield-wiper woe may force GM recall
General Motors Corp. faces a U.S. investigation that may result in the recall of 662,000 of its 2002 and 2003 GMC Envoy,Oldsmobile Bravada and Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUVs for a windshield-wiper problem.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday on its Web site that it has received 18 complaints that the wipers fail while driving, don't turn on when needed or can't be turned off. No crashes or injuries have been reported, the agency said.
Exactly. I don't expect everyone to agree with me or believe everything I say, that's why I prefer dealing with hard, concrete facts.
I still have a problem with people saying "the PCM learned around the chip" and stuff like that, because that sounds like it came from someone who doesn't know a thing about how software works.
I suppose we can agree to disagree for now.
Yes I agree, it does leave some doubts, but my conclusion after reading the description of operation in the service manual, and the reaction over time some people have reported, that IS probably how the software works. It corrects for sensor readings within a certain allowed range that don't match with the baseline programmed parameters like trans pressures, shift adapts and fuel trim and stores those changes. One thing it notes is when the system looses power long enough, the vehicle may not drive or behave like the customer expects until those adapts and trims are re-learned by driving. I suppose if you could trick the PCM to read the sensor signals are within normal range it would not re-learn around the add-on module.
Seems to me, the best effective way to alter the tuning is by changing the software. Personally I am not willing to spend a couple hundred bucks to find out if the people relating their experiences are right or wrong. I'll just wait.
email Hypertech!!
They were replaced in the 70's by the smog check - back when California was the only state to do this.
This article suggest it's second best to 'duct tape': http://www.kirotv.com/consumer/2220354/detail.html
Here's another link where the author tested fuel saving products over several months. http://autorepair.about.com/cs/productreviews/fr/aafpr052002.htm
Mine is 2-wheel drive w/o the LL suspension. I had a friend/mechanic with lift, spring compressor, alignment guages, etc. help me with the Eibachs on a Saturday a.m. Not an average-joe weekend project. I got them from TireRack and once again, I can't recommend them strongly enough.
Thanks for the heads-up on a programmable rather than a chip. Something to check on further.
3.73 gears.
My question would be on one of these 4.2s, if a Tornado is installed in the air duct, ahead of the air resonator [non-permissible content removed]'y, then the air enters the resonator on top of the engine, that would effectively straighten out the spinning around air. Then, even if the air was still spinning around as it enters the intake port, what happens when it enters the Vortec head design? Is the Tornado swirl clockwise and the Vortec putting a counter-clockwise spin (or vice-versa) on it, effectively cancelling out the spin? Hmmm...
The 6¢ resistors being sold as "chips" for $10-20 that claim to boost power 17 hp are another gimmick, being sold on that auction web site every one knows.. just a warning.
Hopefully, you've got a good dealership to work with. The few I've dealt with in south eastern Wisconsin have been excellent with diagnostic work.
Good luck,
Chris
Just for the record, my TB wipers did the same thing. I brought the car to the dealer, explained the problem, they checked it and they replaced the wiper motor. End of story. There is no need to confront the dealer with a stack of TSB's. If you can get the TSB's, so can the dealer.
Frank
You, Your Vehicle and the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
Steve, Host
Chris
Unbelieveable! Like I have an extra $200 laying around to replace wires! Freaking rodents!!!
As for the rats, it's probably time to stop parking the truck in the dungeon!
BTW, did you color match your "D" pillars? And is that a Borla system?
Very nice ride!
Do those springs come with any front end parts to compensate for the change in castor (and probably camber) which is going to result from lower only the rear? By lowering only the rear, you've just shifted the castor axis on the front end by at least a couple of degrees, which will most likely also rotate the camber slightly out of alignment. - I'm thinking tire wear may be affected, but only time will tell.
Ray
Affirmative on the Borla.
Chris.
There's some tolerance in the alignment specs anyway- Camber -1 to 0°, -.5° preferred, caster 3 to 4°, 3.75° preferred, and toe-in spec is -.1 to +.3°, .1° preferred.
Has anyone put 255/65R17 tires on the TB LTZ wheels? According to my calculations this would bring the tire to 30 inches vs. the 29 1/2 inches for the original 245/65R17's. Is the extra half inch in diameter going to cause any speedo problems and will there be any rubbing? I did notice the Rainier 17's have 255/60R17 tires which puts them at 29 inches.
You, Your Vehicle and the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB
Steve, Host
Steve, why does that page appear in the "TIRES" section? Is it misfiled? I would think it would appear in an article section on its own; I would have never looked under Tires.
tidester, host
Frank
Nice clean look. Did you put in a stiffer and bigger sway bar in the back end and new bushings up front for body roll? Do you have any pictures of what you used to plug the holes when you took off the roof rack. I also took off the rack but just put back in the same screws with a lot of silicone to keep water out. I would like to have something with a lower profile instead of those black factory screw heads sticking out on the pewter roof.
You've "soccer mom'd" out that there Trailblazer.
You may not care about Ficuss approval, but I expect you'll be losing sleep now that I've disapproved. :^)
As far as other suspension mods, I put on the Hotchkis rear bar with the front and rear urethane bushings a few months ago.
I guess I just don't understand why someone would buy a car, defend it against any criticism and then change everything about the car and remove its identity.
Frank
No they shouldn't; they're trucks.
Frank
I'm the furthest from being a gear head. I think this forum is great but only like to dip my toe in when I have a question or problem. I do have many of the same problems that everyone else posts here. Currently, I'm ready to take the LS back to the dealer (still under warranty) for the 4WD switch that locks into 4HI when in A4WD on dry pavement (mixed with patches of snow) and won't come out of 4HI (yes, I understand not to use 4WD on dry pavement). I understand when it is supposed to go into 4HI (detects slippage) but what is the criteria for coming out of 4HI when in A4WD? This will be my 3rd 4WD switch...
That should be enough fence sitting!
But wait! Has anyone out there successfully hooked up XM or Sirus satellite radio through the AUX in the back of the factory radio?