Hypertech trouble - truck won't accelerate

[spshultz]

Ugh. I just finished with my Hypertech install. And now the truck won't accelerate for the first 3/4 of pedal travel.

I updated the module online first. And that went successfully.

I then went out side and pulled the fuses from the #6 radio/ #21 amp (2 in total) because I have Sat radio. I closed the hood, rolled the windows down, got in and followed the directions in hooking up the unit. It found no DTC's. I then opted for the "Regular program" instead of "Premium" because I'm still on a tank of 87. It took about 20 minutes to read the computer and then about another 20 to write to the computer. It then verified the CRC and said it was successful. It then verified the programming and all was good.

I jumped out, put the fuses back in and started it up. It started fine. I let it warm up for just a bit then tried to take it for a spin but noticed that about 3/4 of the gas pedal travel and nothing happened. If I went past that it would go WOT and it scared the crap out of me. So I had to limp it back down the street to my driveway.

Essentially it goes from no power to WOT about 3/4 to the floor. Definitely not drivable and if my wife finds out I'm in a world of hurtin'.


Edit: OK, I went back out to return it to "stock". But this time it said I had a DTC of P0000 (not sure what that is at the moment). I cleared the DTC and returned the program back to stock. Took it for a drive and everything is back to normal. I'll have to wait until Thursday to try it again.

Edit #2: I tried it again because I hate giving up. This time it found 4 DTC's (P0000, u0100, P20C1 and u0184). Anyway, I cleared them out then programmed it for "Regular" and everything went perfectly. I started it up and it won't accelerate again. At this point I'm none to happy. So I put it back to "stock" and start it up yet again. Runs perfectly with no problems. So for some reason it just won't program properly.

Looks like it's time to call Hypertech.

[bwdakrt]

Raz on dakotausa.com had the same problem. Here's his fix.

http://www.dakotausa.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=45444&highlight=hypertech

[spshultz]

Thanks bwdakrt! I certainly appreciate that!

I'm adding this from the other forum just in case someone here also has the same issues.

He posted this on 4/28/2008 and is still waiting for them to send him the new tune.

anyway I have an update on the real subject. They sent me an email and said its a rare but known issue with the 08 4.7's. I just hafta upload my trucks info from the tuner to the website and they send me the updated info to program my truck again. So hopefully tonight it will be all done and my truck will be quicker.

[spshultz]

I just got this from Jim @ Hypertech this morning:

*************************************
Shawn

We have actually seen 3 others with this same problem and our engineering department is working on an update to correct. I’ll forward your email to them for reference and you will be notified as soon as the update is available. Thanks for your business and we appreciate your patience. Thanks

Jim
*************************************

[1quick95]

Good info,i actually didnt have this problem,but my computer code wasnt listed on thier site when i got my maxtuner.Had to wait a few weeks for them to update.You will be happy when it does work.

[spshultz]

I just found out they have an update for me that they'd like me to test. Not sure if it's ready now but I'm hoping that I'll be able to download it tomorrow or Friday.

[1quick95]

I updated my tuner today,wow.They made some changes for sure,the truck feels much better,more low end throttle feels better.

[spshultz]

I'm still waiting for them to get back to me. Haven't heard a peep out of them since I made that post above. I just hooked it up to my PC today and see they have the option now for the new 09 Rams.

[spshultz]

I called them today and they had me try a few things. Still not working.

[spshultz]

1quick95, when you did your programmer did you pull out any fuses?

I have satellite radio in mine and the Max Energy instructions state to pull the fuse if you have Satellite radio. However, I've been looking over the wiring diagrams and a lot of crap connects through the sat receiver, radio and front control module. They all happen to be tied together. So I'm wondering if I shouldn't pull any fuses at all?

[1quick95]

No,i didnt pull any fuses when i did mine,i also have satellite radio.Ive had 3 different tunes in my truck and never pulled a fuse.Im surprised your tuner isnt working.Try it without pulling the fuse maybe?

[spshultz]

I tried it with no fuses pulled but no joy. It still didn't work. I really hope they get this problem resolved soon.

[spshultz]

Raz from over on the Dakota-USA site got this from Hypertech just in case anyone else is having similar issues:

They said the the engineers are having some sort of meeting to upload the new stuff tomorrow and that we should be good to go. He said he couldnt guarantee it, but we should be okay. So check your emails tomorrow.
And btw, if you were emailing Jim at hypertech, they said he's been in the hospital with some stomach thing, and thats why we havent been getting a response lately.

[spshultz]

WooHoo! It works. There is a difference in power but I really haven't had a chance to do a full test. Gotta take care of family first.

[1quick95]

Glad to hear it!My trans is starting to downshift harshly since the new program,but if i use "tow mode" it doesnt do it.Gonna try the "regular" gas tune,and contact hypertech to see what they say.

[spshultz]

Hmmm....I'll have to watch for this. Thanks 1quick95.

Here's what I posted over on Dodgetalk:

Well, I took it for a 45 mile round trip to the grocery store and I have to say, I'm quite satisfied. I'm running the "Regular" setting right now but have 91 in the tank (in preparation for the "Premium" setting).

Here's some things that I noticed:

- I don't have to use near as much gas pedal to get the truck going from a stop.
- During cruise on the highway (75mph) I have to barely step on the pedal to keep it going.
- It's actually quite peppy in 1st and 2nd gear.
- At WOT the surge I got at 4000 RPM is gone. Now the power has a more linear feel to it.
- I don't feel like I'm dragging an anchor behind the truck.
- And I actually enjoyed driving the truck for the first time since I bought it.
- I felt no difference in shifting and didn't expect any since they don't work on shift firmness anyway. However, it would be really nice if they did. Honestly, it would complete the package.

This is the way Dodge should have done the engine.

Right now I have the 18" wheels, 3.55 gears and a Borla 3" exhaust. I do not have a CAI although I have a Automat Short Ram Intake on the way.

Some things that I'd like to see them add to the Max Energy:
1. Torque management or shift firmness even if it was just a little.
2. Real time sensor monitoring.

All in all I'm pleasantly surprised and hope that the "Premium" setting offers up more HP/TQ. Having TQ management or a shift firmness adjustment would make the current price of the unit very justifiable.

[spshultz]

I programmed it for the "Premium" setting this morning. I've got a tank of 91 in it and so far no pinging. I noticed a smidgen more snappiness to the pedal from a dead stop. And "maybe" a bit more power over the "Regular" setting but nothing earth shattering. I'll put a couple of hundred miles on it to let it learn my driving habits and see how I feel then.

I wasn't expecting supercharger/turbo like power. I used to own a 1990 Eclipse GSX. And it had a problem where I was only making about 7psi. Once I fixed the issue I put on an MBC and cranked it up to 14psi just to see what it felt like (normally ran it at 11psi). The difference between 7psi and 14psi is large.

You won't get that kind of difference with the Max Energy. However, it has made the truck more enjoyable to drive. Is it worth the price I paid? No. For what you get, it should only cost around $200. But if they add torque management or shift firmness to it then I would say yes, the price I paid is well worth it.