I bought a Hypertech Power Programmer III (30029) from Ebay. After to trying to install it a couple of times and getting an error code 68 and then error code 7E, I was about to give up. ( I wish I would have)

I tried again today, and the programmer read my computer, then it went to write to the truck computer and I started having problems.

The PPIII got to 85% of writing to computer and then it said there was a communication error and I should check the cable and make sure the ignition is in the "run" position. Then it seemingly found the connection again and started to write to the truck again.

This time I got to 60%, and it "lost" connection again. Unfortunately, this time it did not start again and instead showed error code 7D and shut off.

I tried to plug the unit in again and restart the programming process, but the PPIII says that the truck is programmed and when I get to turning the ignition to Run it doesn't recognize that the ignition is on.

The Worst part.... My truck won't start!!!!

I just had it towed to the dealer, they can't get to it until monday. No truck for the weekend (Booooooo).

Now I'm worried that I will have to replace the ECM. I won't know until the dealer looks at it on Monday.

I am not sure which lesson I learned today?

- buyer beware on Ebay

- if it's not broke don't try and fix it

or

- Hypertech is not all it's cracked up to be?

I did call Hypertech tech support and they said because the PPIII is used I would not get any warranty support, also all they could recommend was to head to the dealer and have them reflash the ECM. Hopefully all they have to do is a reflash and not replace the ECM.

Luckily, I am dealing with a dealer that sells diesel performance (including Bullydog tuners) They said that they stopped selling Hypertech because they had to many issues and that Bullydog has not given them as many head aches. Anyhoo, I think that I have vented enough.

I searched the forums and sounds like there have not been too many issues with Hypertech installs, too bad I had to get the lemon.

Jay

Well it look like I get to borrow the craptastic parts truck from my boss for the weekend, so at least I have wheels this weekend.

Yeah!

you don't need to replace the ECU, they just have to put a static program on it again for you. Good thing is you'll probably get the latest updates for the computer.

As for the hypertech did you follow all the directions while flashing it... no doors open, no other electrical things on, I think there's a fuse you have to remove as well before attempting it.. also, if you accidently touch the cable or open the door while it's programming things might happen.. this is the same with most handheld tuners though. Here's the manual if you didn't get one with yours.. http://www.hypertech.com/media/manuals/aa/112627179618wm5gym.pdf pages 4-6

I purchased one off Ebay a long time ago and had no issues, I just didn't like it.

Here's an up date from Friday:

The dealer looked at my truck on Monday and tried to reflash the the ECM. The tech said that they tried 4 times all with a fail due to no communication. They let me know that I would need a new ECM.

The Dealer quoted me $1039 for the ECM and another $400 for labour to do the job. NOT Happy.

Luckily I was able to convince the dealer to install a used ECM which I found at a wrecker for $250 and the tech said that the would be able to bill me for 1 hour labour for the Re and Re and Flash the computer. So I will be able to save almost $1000 on the job.

I should get my truck back tomorrow, I'll let you guys know what the final outcome is. What a pain.

The tech let me know that they sell programmers (Bullydog) and used to do the Hypertech. He said that it would have been the Onstar fuse that caused the Communication error while programming, causing the ECM to lock up. He said that there is a 50/50 chance when that happens that the ECM is recoverable, unfortunately not this time.

Anyhoo, lesson learned by this cowboy.

later

so it wasn't the hypertech, it was the fuse that the directions said to remove before flashing correct?

sorry about the ECM.. at least you got a replacement.



**Folks make sure you read all the directions before flashing the ECM with any programmer or something like this could happen. Luckily he'll be back on the road soon!

It was that Fuse Briano. Heed my mistakes, it will mess you up, if you don't pull that fuse!

I never thought about it until after I had the problem. I have installed tens of Hypertech programmers in the past. But never had to pull the fuse, because it was in the late 90's on the Gas trucks when the programmers came out. (back then, no Onstar on the trucks we were doing).

I bought the programmer used with out instructions and should have looked them up online and read them, I wouldn't have had this problem.

Like I said, lesson learned!

Here's an up date from Friday:

The dealer looked at my truck on Monday and tried to reflash the the ECM. The tech said that they tried 4 times all with a fail due to no communication. They let me know that I would need a new ECM.

The Dealer quoted me $1039 for the ECM and another $400 for labour to do the job. NOT Happy.

Luckily I was able to convince the dealer to install a used ECM which I found at a wrecker for $250 and the tech said that the would be able to bill me for 1 hour labour for the Re and Re and Flash the computer. So I will be able to save almost $1000 on the job.

I should get my truck back tomorrow, I'll let you guys know what the final outcome is. What a pain.

The tech let me know that they sell programmers (Bullydog) and used to do the Hypertech. He said that it would have been the Onstar fuse that caused the Communication error while programming, causing the ECM to lock up. He said that there is a 50/50 chance when that happens that the ECM is recoverable, unfortunately not this time.

Anyhoo, lesson learned by this cowboy.

later

Wow!! Want to know what I'm going to do with my OnStar fuse! Can you say "bye-bye"?

at least you're back on the road. I've learned lessons too.. like running the high programs on stock tranny.. not good and not cheap. Been there done that.

So its the On-star fuse you need to pull? I might be getting a hypertech, this is good info to know. So why does this fuse have to be pulled? Other than killing the ECM.

Hypertech actually recommends you pull the Info (OnStart) Fuse, the Radio Fuse, the Radio Amp Fuse and that you do not have the heater on or open any doors or have any chargers or other power drains on the system, including headlights, interior lights or aftermarket items that may be receiving power.

The Biggest one is the Info (Onstar) Fuse, this can try and connect while you are programming and interupt the communication of the programmer causing it to restart communication or worse fail to program possibly causing a lock up of the ECM.

Make sure that you read all the install instructions carefully, so that you do not suffer the same fate as me.

As of right now I am waiting to hear that my truck is ready to be picked up from the dealership. Fingers crossed, it's ready, they are so bad for stringing a 1 hour job out over many days.

Pulling the on-star fuse is a must. Also if you add any electronics like a ipod adapter to your electronics you should pull the radio fuse as well. I had hypertech and it would not communicate with the ECM because of the ipod adapter that ties in with the satellite radio.

if you'll read post #3 there's a link to the instructions for Hypertech explaining everything.

I picked it up last night. The Dealer only charged me $200 for the removal, reinstall and diagnostic of the problem with the ECM. I bought a used ECM from a wrecker for $250 and I towed the truck to the dealer for $50. So in total I spent $500 plus $140 for a used power programmer. Plus my truck is still stock programming. Lesson Learned.

The Dealership said that the new computer wouldn't take my VIN#, but it starts and runs. I think that I am going to send my old ECM out and see if I can get it programmed maybe try a Westers tune, and then see if I can switch back and get some performance.

Probably not until spring though. I'll keep things stock through the winter and look at it again for towing season.