Revtronix chip install no-go

[Dynamic Entry]

So I finally made the time to do my Revtronix install last week and the result was that I failed to get the car to start with the chip in.


The night had 3 objectives. 440 injectors, JECS maf, and the chip.

I pulled the ECU out first since I had never done that and I was most wary about that process.

Once it was out I started on the injectors. This took me quite a while, but after a dinner break I got it done.

Meanwhile my friend started to help me and so we got the maf swapped and the chip installed fairly quick.


Once everything was bolted back in I was mentally prepared to head back into town.

But the motor cranked infinitely without catching at all.

I first feared the JECS since it was the only 'used' part, and the injectors since they are 'rebuilt' from eBay.

But the first thing I did was check the ECU connections, and open it up again and check the chip connection.

By the end of it, I categorically know that the engine catches on the first crank without the chip, and will crank forever without cathching if the chip is in.


At the moment I am driving only as required (and always off boost), with the 440s and JECS installed and a constant CEL


Did anyone else have problems with their install. I thought I remembered hearing this from someone, but I can't find anything when searching.




And PS - is the search function behaving differently than it used to, or is it just me?

[BSOD2600]

1) did you reset the ECU before installing the chip?

2) Make sure the chip socket is plugged with the proper orientation to the ECU.

3) make sure the chip is plugged in with the proper orientation.

[Dynamic Entry]

thanks for the reply

1) yes I did

2) Not sure what you mean here, can you expand? Do you mean the "eprom" receptor that is on the board inside the ecu housing?

3) I checked the pictures in the install guide twice and made sure

[BSOD2600]

2) yes, the eprom holder, technically called a DIP socket

Alright, well since the car runs with the 440cc and JECS, at least those aren't at fault. So either its the chip installation parts or oddly the chip itself which is messed up. Although, there haven't been any reports (publicly) of a chip that was DOA.

[ericem]

Also are you sure you did not shorten out the chip or damage it somehow? Trying to remember back when I installed my chip if there were any issues getting it into the eprom holder.

[ScottyS]

Not sure what the problem might be. I followed the direction meticulously myself, and had no issues. It sounds almost as if there is a defect in the chip or else that maybe you weren't careful about static discharge when installing it?

It would be nice if you had a second ECU to test it in, to confirm that the issue on the chip side.

[Dynamic Entry]

yeah, the only time it was out of the static protecting bag was when it was in my fingers and being placed on to the DIP socket...

I had my laptop open on the workbench with Revtronix's install guide which I consulted step by step.

I didn't feel like there were any difficulties inserting the chip. Don't see any window for damage really.

I'm not particularly well versed with electronic installs, but I am pretty good about being nice to fragile components that I spent good money on. At least as much as the next guy...

So I guess I wait to see what Mike ends up saying...

?

[magicmike]

is the chip aimed the right way? There is an indent on one side and it should match the indent on the socket. This is what they are saying in a previous post.

[Dynamic Entry]

it was definitely aimed the correct way as per the 'Revtronix' logo being in the corner and the switch pins pointing toward the hole that the harness feeds through.

how hard do you have to press it in? There was definitely feedback telling me that it had mated, and when pulling it off I had to apply (albeit carefully and steadily) some good pressure to get it apart.

But the instructions say to ''Press down until surface of chip
board is in contact with blue connector.''

I remember paying attention to the pins, but not the board surface.

[BSOD2600]

Did you happen to drill the hole in the ECU case for the wire+switch? Did you triple check no metal shavings are in the case shorting something out?

Just for jollies, maybe take a picture of the whole thing installed in the ECU for us? Looking though all my pics, I only have two with the chip installed and they're old before I installed the cable.

[Dynamic Entry]

I bored out the hole to the 7/32'' spec while holding a magnetic philips on the other side (only hovering, not touching any components on the inside)

I visually inspected the inside and didn't see any shavings left behind.

I also used some compressed air to flush out anything I couldn't see.

ECU still works happily by itself. Despite the CEL the car runs quite well off boost (am not trying boost at the moment)

I will try to install it again this afternoon and will take some pictures.

Maybe I'll do better. Maybe the planetary alignment will be happier....

[wtdash]

Hi,
The stock, non-chipped ECU, can run the 440s w/the Hitachi MAF. In my experience the JECS w/the stock settings is too lean - even w/440s. Be careful!

I rec'd a DOA board from Revtronix (chip was fine), which caused a 'no-start' condition.

Sounds like you were careful w/the whole chip install, so doubt it's the issue.

Hopefully, Revtronix gets back online soon!

TD