Bought a Banks Six Gun with the speed loader in early March to get ready to tow my 15K lb 5er from Las Vegas to Mississippi. Installed no problem, worked fine around town. I put this thing on #2 to help me pull some of the hills on I-40 in 5th gear. When I made it over about 4,000 feet in elevation my truck would cough black smoke and buck. Felt like I was riding bareback. Turned the tuner to #1 (stock) and called Banks tech support from the road. About an hour later Banks was stumped and told me I had to send it back for a replacement. No problem, what's the address? Then I get, "you mean you didn't buy it directly from us, well I can't help you. You have to call the guy who sold it to you so he can contact us and get a RA number." Called the place where I bought it and he couldn't believe it, said he was a Banks Master Dealer and never had to play middleman. Banks told him I had a problem with my accelerator position sensor (foot petal) that’s why I wasn't going as fast as I wanted to. Uhhh fast is not the problem, hopping up and down like a toad in a sack is. Tuner is on it's way to them now as I didn't have time to take it out until this weekend with all the traveling I've been doing. We'll see how Banks handles it. My warning to anyone who wants the Banks Six Gun, if you don't buy it from them they WILL NOT HELP YOU if you have a problem. You have to do everything third party. The factory sealed box the Six Gun/Speed loader came in had instructions for a Dodge and they wouldn't even confirm if the part numbers were for a Duramax or even give me an electronic copy of the install instructions because I didn't buy it from them. That's pure crap. The Customer Service Rep said that's what I get for not buying directly from the factory, and that it's not Banks fault that BANKS packaged the box with the incorrect install manual. What an idiot. Edited by: neverenuf

Thank you!!! Now I know when they come out with a unit for the LLY I will NOT buy one of theirs!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif

Are there any blinking code lights?





I've found switch initialization issues when installing these. Once the switch codes are cleared all is well. It's not a barnstorming box by any means, but it does add power...

Boy if I was a Banks vendor I'd be very pissed to hear this. Sounds like they're trying to leave the vendors high and dry and make the extra profit themselves.

This is the independence of the Banks sales reps speaking. Truth is, the selling dealer is generally the one to cover things like this, but in a situation where you are on the road, an exception could surely be made.





On edit to my original post, something sounds wrong with the unit. My suggestion would be to remove the speed loader and disconnect the probe. Could be Defuel bucking from a faulty EGT probe or signal...

I had exactly the same problem with the Banks people myself. I found them to be very arrogant, pushy (instead of helping me, he kept trying to get me to buy all sorts of other equipment like the big head wastegate, exhaust and new intercooler) and when they learned that I got it from someone else, he suddenly had no more time for me. End result? I sold it on EBay and got the Edge who has superior customer service IMHO.
Edited by: hasselbach

If I was Colin Banks I would get in here right away and get this handled.


mike

<font size="6">POS TUNER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE.......where you at peter</font>

POS TUNER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE.......where you at peter


LOL@SDAVER....tell us how you really feel

Jeez, I hate it when he minces words like that. Just spit it out, Dave.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





Hey, I clicked on the email link, didn't work.

Sheeesh I'd be afraid to sell you guys pencils ...





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif

neverenuf,


Repeating what Kennedy asked, did you look at the Six-Gun module before pulling it out of the truck? There had to have been a code blinking. This is the first time I've heard of an actual problem with the Gun. (Not installing the TCM or EGT probe for the auto or speedloader don't count-it explains everything in the manual).


As far as the Banks customer service goes, I don't agree that's the way you should be treating your buyers, whether you bought direct through Banks or not. I was one of the very first to purchase this product, and I've had no problems thus far. I did buy directly from Banks because I wanted it RIGHT NOW. Sorry to hear of your ordeal.


Keep us posted as to what was actually wrong with your module.

With regards to selling us pencils,


You can Bank(s) on it that we'd expect decent customer service after going to the Bank(s) and withdrawing $650 bucks for something that is not working right!

I had exactly the same problem with the Banks people myself. I found them to be very arrogant, pushy (instead of helping me, he kept trying to get me to buy all sorts of other equipment like the big head wastegate, exhaust and new intercooler) and when they learned that I got it from someone else, he suddenly had no more time for me. End result? I sold it on EBay and got the Edge who has superior customer service IMHO.






That's the same problem I had with banks. I too sold it on ebay and got the edge. I'm happy now.

I have a PM going with PeterT right now and he seems very eager to do the right thing now. He also mentioned that Banks can handle any warranty issues directly with the customer. Maybe a policy change? Banks told me, through the company I bought it from, not to send the speed loader back just the module. When not hooked up to the trailer the unit was fine until this weekend when I set Po840-Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch "A" circuit, and P0843-Transmission Fluid Pressure sensor/switch "A" circuit High. Could be or could not be caused by the Six Gun, but the MIL light did clear when I removed the box. I had a solid green light on the box all the time, except when initial startup the light would flash indicating the speed loader was installed.


Maybe this could be good for all of us who owns Banks products and they are as willing to help those of us who bought their products elswhere as they are to those that bought them "in house".





Kennedy


When I was on the phone with the tech guy he was under the impression that I bought the unit from them. He told me when I stopped to call them and they would send me a unit FedEx where ever I was and I could send the one back when I got the replacement. This was obviously before I told him I bought it elsewhere. The tech guys were real interested in the problem as they have not heard of it before, and they were good to talk with. It's just the policy at the time that sucked. Hope it changes.


Before we go off the edge here guys lets see how Banks will handle this one.

Be sure to keep us posted as to what the problem is/was.





PS. IMHO, the rhythm for the codes is kinda slow. The green ilight will illuminate, and the code will wait a few seconds, then blink, then the green light will return IIRC.

"Before we go off the edge here guys lets see how Banks will handle this one"


No pun intended?





Good one though!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

All I know is that I bought my first Edge 90hp Juice from an Edge Dealer and it has been reflashed or exchanged by Edge twice for updates without any questions asked.


Even though I did not buy directly from the factory.


That's what customer service should be............


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifNY

All I know is that I bought my first Edge 90hp Juice from an Edge Dealer and it has been reflashed or exchanged by Edge twice for updates without any questions asked.


Even though I did not buy directly from the factory.


That's what customer service should be............


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifNY





Tony, how do you know when to send your juice in for a refill (reflash/update)? Does it take long? And if you're up to answering this one...Once you've reflashed are all aspects of this product improved or just certain parts? Thanks for any info.

Banks sent me a new Six Gun, along with a complete new wiring harness. I talked with PeterT multiple times on the telephone and also had a conference call with Peter and one of the head engineers for Banks to explain how the truck was behaving when I was having the problem. There were no codes stored on the SixGun and it tested OK. Still don’t know what the problem was, but they are working on it. They sent me a new unit UPS Air as soon as they received the old one, pretty impressed with that. Peter again assured me they can handle all warranty claims directly without going through the selling dealer, don’t know why I was given the run-around. Get this, the SixGun, OttoMind and BigHead Wastegate Actuator all received CARB E.O. numbers. So now I’m 50 state emissions legal. They sent a sticker with the numbers on it along with the products covered, the number is D-161-74. Guess that part was true. I’ll install the tuner this week and see how it acts. Once PeterT got involved I was very pleased with the customer support. If anyone has problems with a Banks product, I wouldn’t waste time with just calling and asking for help, call him first.

neverenuf,


Glad to hear about the good customer support. I wouldn't waste the time installing the new wiring harness. If some info wasn't making it to the six-gun, it would of set off a code. But I'm sure you guys covered this in your conversation. If there were no codes stored in the gun, it makes me think that the module had nothing to do with it. Was there a ses light that came on in your dash while this was happening? Is there anything else installed on your truck that might of contributed to this problem? Just curious as to what actually happened. Keep me posted on how it turns out with the new module. It's probably one of those things that will never show up again-even if it wasn't the six-gun to begin with.

Scotty


There was no SES light when the truck was bucking, and it would only do it at higher altitudes. This was with the SixGun on level 2, I tried level 3 and it was the same. When I switched to level 1 everything was normal, so the SixGun had something to do with it I believe. According to Banks, if the Gun saw tranny slip or hight EGT's it would gradually back out of the power and I couldn't even tell it was happening, not sudden enough to make the truck buck. The Gun did not see any slip, or it would be stored as a code. Remember I had 2K miles of highway driving with the 5er behind me to try different things, and the only thing that helped was turning the selecter to number 1.

Did you try turning the Six Gun back up to level 5 to see if it would persist?


It might have just been a coincidence, your symptom does sound exactly the same as mine was.


Mine bucked for two days before the SES light came on. Sometimes it would do it and sometimes it wouldn't do it at all.


If it starts happening again and your SES light comes on, and it intermittently won't start, you'll know it's your CPS just like mine.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

Camstyn


I never tried towing with it in number 5. Once I dropped the trailer I did run around with it in number 3 and it worked like it should. My SES light came on while ideling around the RV park without a load, and it was Transmission line pressure high. The Gun was in position 1 when that happened. How long did it take them to replace your CPS? Did they have to go into the engine?

I dropped it off on Saturday (no diesel tech in until Monday) and picked it up yesterday morning. I don't know how much labor time was actually involved, I had their loaner 2500HD and told them I don't care how soon it's done as long as I have it by this coming weekend. I only really use my truck on the weekends.


I was under the impression that it is external on the engine, and the fan/shroud etc. had to be removed to access it.

If mine ever acts like that again, I hope it's my CPS. At least then I'll know what the problem is.

Tony, how do you know when to send your juice in for a refill (reflash/update)? Does it take long? And if you're up to answering this one...Once you've reflashed are all aspects of this product improved or just certain parts? Thanks for any info.





On the bottom of the Edge Box is a version number and a manufacturer date as well.


Depending on whether or not you are running an Attitude will depend on what version is needed.


I only updated mine from the v3.61 to v 4.35HOT, then when the final v4.61HOT was offered I updated to that one..........and have not updated it since.


Edge is a vendor here or ask Mackin................he knows quite a bit more than I about Edge products http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif.


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gifNY

neverenuf,


Have you had any problems with the Six-Gun replacement module that was sent out to you? Just wondering if it was your CPS or the Six-Gun.

The Six-Gun I have now is awesome. A totally different animal the the one I sent back. It must be a different version or something. The shifting is 10 times smoother with the new Six-Gun and power band seems more refined also. I'm a happy man. I only tried the old Six-Gun on #6 a few times because I didn't like the way it backed down so far to shift. Heck, I could shift a 6-speed faster than the Allison would with the power on number 6. I can run the new one on 6 now and everything is super smooth with no smoke at all.

neverenuf,


Glad to hear it's working for you.


PeterT,


If you're reading this thread, is there ACTUALLY more than one version of the Six-Gun (which I doubt highly), or was neverenuf's module defective, causing it to behave differently? So far, I've had no issues with mine.