Anyone having FORD PSD chip problems???
 

I have a '99 PSD that I am having some problems with lately. The truck has always been super-reliable since the day I got it, then last November at 125,000 miles I had to replace the transmission (and torque converter) . This was the first time I had to fix anything on the truck...even with all that towing!

I was in Miami in February of this year and put a chip (Diablo) in the truck. At this time the truck had 153,000 miles on it. On my way home (with a 42' Tiger) I had to replace the torque converter (I also replace the trans again--I think I got scammed) Now at 178,000 miles, the torque converter is screwed again. I don't know much about fixing stuff, but I really think the chip is screwing up the torque converter(s) in my truck. I sent the chip back to get tested, I'm waiting for the results. This sucks having to spend about $550.00 to replace another converter.
To answer some questions first before you can help me, the truck has always been 110% maintained since the day I drove it off the lot. I added a bigger exhaust and a K&N filter to work with the chip. The chip has a "lifetime" warranty.

Anyone have any suggestions or info??

I had problems with the Superchip on my 2000PSD F-250. erratic shifting and felt like it was slipping on a trip to Ensenada, Mex. sand dunes. On the trip back I decided to trade it in for 2001 F-250 V-10, Before taking the PSD to trade it in, I took the chip out, the problems cleared up completely. I went through with the deal for the V-10 anyway and like it a lot better. No more hunting around for diesel, and having to turn the motor off at drive-thru windows cause of the noise.

Sfiron: Look at the noise the diesle makes as trying to help you out. Eating at anyplace with a drive up window is bad for you. Right TooOld :D:D:p :p ;) ;)

I am having shake in my transmision lately on shifting. I have brought it into the dealer twice now and a third time coming up and we will see what they say, but so far it is "all normal" At leaste I am building a history of the complaint so that if I do have a problem I will hopefully have some recourse. Mine is stock except for the exhaust and filter

Jon

I saw on another board ,some problems with Diablo chips .If I remember where I'll let you in on it . I just had a guy here on Friday with a 2001 F350 with a Super chip programmer that has bad transmission problems shifting . He says he puts it in to tow for the power but takes it out empty because it shifts so bad he dosen't want to blow it up !:eek: HELLOW !!!:confused: TAke it out ! I am going to install the Western diesel chip for him next week . We'll see if it helps.

You do need to realize that heavy loads , more power and automatics don't mix well ! Trying to do the work of a truck with parts ment for a car (automatic ) Usualy bites you ! OH yes ,it has been done by many ,But they sure do blow up alot of them .........

Try draining the fluid directly out of the torque converter when servicing . I am told that this does not drain on it's own . And I was told they get the shakes from bad fluid in the converter .I am no automatic professional. But I have never had a problem with one because I wouldn't buy one to tow with .

My Hypertech chip just toook a dive on me. Truck completely stopped running. I am told that there can be a problem where the chip contacts the board. Clean the connections. Mine was a bad chip and so far my dealing with Hypertech have not been good. Ill save the details for another post when we see how this plays out.

BUY A DURAMAX WITH THE ALLISON.( you ford power joke boys will never learn):p :p :D :D

Some of these guys dont seem to happy:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forum/sh...threadid=26412

Intolerant, What are you talking about? The only one listing any documented problems was Mrgoodwrench and he repairs them for a living. He stated theres only been a couple with fuel pump failures a computer pblm , and 2 small fuel leaks. That particular post was inquiring about warranty issues if you instal a chip. I've only got 5k on mine so far but its been the best truck i've ever owned. Had 98 cummins it was a good truck for 98k then tranny started slipping. Test drove the powerstroke then did some research and found out there scrapping it.
I knew this would fire up some of the brand loyal boys. I had no particular favorite i was looking to spend my money on what i felt was the best. If i have any problems with it i will post that as well, after all toy vehicles are what gets us to the lake. Just trying to be helpful and informative. By the way i read about a duramax a guy uses to tow a 5th wheel car hauler and he is about to break 300k and thats towing all the time.:p :)

hey Dono...
 

I know you are just playing around, but I love my Ford PSD. It has been an awesome truck. I have only started having problems because of the chip that was put in the truck. When your truck gets to 178,000 miles and you only replace the trans once and 4 injectors then we'll see!! (the second time I had the trans replaced the guy scammed me--now I know it didn't need to be replaced) Oh I forgot, start towing some heavy loads during all this time also. And try not to do it in 10 years, OK?

I've got a 94 3500 with an automatic, trannys has been replaced once and truck has 201,000+. The vibration some of us get is convertor chatter and unfortunatly its not unusual in most of the trannys from what I hear. When it starts for me I will hit the O/D button and force a gear change or get it to kick down by giving it a little more gas. I don't know what causes it, but I know some of the fluids are designed to reduce the occurence.

Still haven't chipped mine as I'd rather do it after replacing the motor, but oh well it's still running strong. Of course I don't tow heavy very often either.

Les

I've heard of issues with the 80hp diablo chip....I believe they quit selling the "extreme" chips due to tranny issues. I would flush tranny, put in a new filter and put some Amsoil fluid in it....and see if they will exchange you for the 40hp chip. Believe it or not if you dyno the two chips you will find there is only about 7hp difference(dispite what they tell you)

I do have the 80HP chip, they will still make you a 135HP (or something like it) if you want it---but the don't recommend it. I just found out today that the last guy who rebuilt my tranny will cover 100% of the damage!!! That's great! But I'm still alittle weary of putting the chip back in the truck. The truck actually feels sooooooo sloooow without the chip now. I spoke to a rep from Diablo and they seemed really concerned about my torque converters keep blowing, we'll see if they do anything about it. I'm just happy I don't have to shell out any more dough :D

By the way--I was told not to waste my $$ on Amsoil or any synthetic, but I really don't know what to think??? I just have it changed every 12k miles.

The tranny is the weak link on PSD's. Pulling a lot of weight (42 Tiger) with an 80hp chip is just asking for tranny problems.

I would lose the Diablo and look into the WD Tri Power and contact this guy Brian's Truck Shop for your tranny problems.

I agree .. its hard to go back to stock once you've had 80+ more HP and 120lbs of torque added!!

I agree with fever500....call Brian! He will bulletproof that tranny for a real resonable price and you won't find better service:cool:

Amsoil cooled my tranny down 30 degrees from where I would normally run while I was pulling the boat. I was skeptical at first.....but proof is in the running temps. Its some pricey stuff though!

Fever 500 and Euby,
 

Thanks for the info, I will contact Brians truck shop, next time I'm out that way. I recently drove a friend's (HavasuCat) new 2002 PSD and it feels alot (the tranny) better than my '99 does. I guess they improved it quite a bit, but not enough. With the Amsoil, how long can you go untiil you have to change the fluid?? What does it cost to use the amsoil? I have the fluid changed every 12k or so.

Anybody run any of Hypermax stuff... any problems... I am told they do the engine testing for Navistar for production engines.

Re: Fever 500 and Euby,
 

Semper Fi,
I go (usually) 30,000 miles between changes. When I did my last change at 30,000 the amsoil fluid looked and smelled like brand new....I wouldn't hesitate to go 40k. Amsoil is pricey stuff....seems like I paid around $6.70 a quart so just the fluids would be around $100...but the price is alot cheaper than a tranny:D

oh yea...Amsoil is the only fluid that gaurantee's that if tranny failure is caused by burnt or contaiminated fluids THEY will fix or replace your tranny!

and no I don't work for... or retail Amsoil. So step off mister:D

Euby,
Thanks for the info. I might try Amsoil.

oh yea..... i forgot hollywood marine......Semper Fi. Sometimes I miss being a jarhead...especially now with whats going on.

Good Luck:)

Dono.....?????
 

They may be nice to drive and quiet, but the Durasmash is ANYTHING but trouble-free.
They all have good and bad. But I would take a Power Joke over Durasmash anyday!
Allison's behind them have constant trouble.
Give me a Ford with a CUmmins under the hood........

Actually I sold my 96 F350 and now have a 86 dually F350 with T19 trans, posi ,4:11 gears, no rust, 2WD, 68000 original miles for the cheaper inshurance, no payments and 38000 differance in price I can buy a lot of gas. Its a lot cheaper for yearly maintenace. With some tweekin the economy is up about 1/4 tank better than my last trip to launch the boat.

I second that idea! You can make a lot of launches with a gas hog before you start to approach the cost of a new truck.

I run a GM van an let the dam smallblock sing with its 10MPG and not much balls.
No payment. 1/4 of the insurance, 1/10 the taxes, **** for upkeep. Oops! You scratched it honey? No problem!

Heh! I hear you.

Regarding HYpermax, They are near me and a friend who tows race cars had his truck completely done by them. 2001 F350 with all the goodies. 6 speed manual trans. The truck rocks. Very fast and at 65 mph in 6th he gets 22mpg empty.

ANother friend just replaced/warrantied his torque converter in his brand new gas/allison 2500 Suburban. Converter went while pulling an inclosed trailer w/four bikes in it. Stranded in Indiana.

stranded sucks...
 

I know what it feels like being stranded..it sucks, last time I was stranded ---HavasuCig (HavasuCat) came along and saved my ass. This was torque converter #2. Then we had to take off the wheel off the triple axle trailer of the 42' Tiger
and strap up the axle. Then had to drive 500 miles back to Cali like that!! We got to take his new Top Gun out for the day after that.

I geuss Havasu'CIG' isn't as bad a guy as every body says !!:D :D

Just kiddin havasu !!:p