Hi Gang,

I'm having an interesting problem with my Evolution Motorsports ChipSwitch and was wondering if anyone else has experience this (and could perhaps tell me how they resolved the problem).

On Friday, I switched from the middle performance program to the stock program just to test the system (I normally run in the middle performance or race programs depending on the fuel I am currently using). Anyway... When I switched to the stock program, I heard the tone confirming the switch (all is good). I went ahead and started the car, let it run for 20 seconds or so (to test the program, look for any idiot lights or warnings, etc). Everything looked normal so I shut the car down.

I next tried to select the middle performance chip (where I normally run) and no confirmation tone.
I moved the transmitter closer to the computer... still no tone. Ignition off, back on, try to select the race gas program... no confirmation tone.
Ignition off, back on, select stock setting (which was already selected) and I received a confirmation tone.

Just to be thorough, I changed out the battery on the selection transmitter... no change in behavior at all (which, since I could select stock mode just fine, I expected)

To summarize the problem... my ChipSwitch is stuck in the stock setting and I can't get it to change to any other setting. Becuase this is a stage IV conversion (with GT2 turbos), I don't want to run in the stock program for very long (who knows what the A/F ratios are with a stock program and modified turbos).

Anyway... wondering if anyone who has a ChipSwitch installed has experienced such a problem.

I called Todd on Friday but he had already left for the day. I'll get ahold of him tomorrow and report what the findings are after he takes a look at things.

Joe

 

someone on rennlist had some problem with the switcher not sure what ever became of it. this was a main concern for me when the "transmitter" styled switch was introduced, stephan mentioned that this would be impossible and would not happen. I think the newer "mechanical/manual" type switcher is much less prone to glitches. If your having problems I'm sure EVO will do a switch with out you. no pun.

 

joe, I know this is most obvious, but have tried to change out your batteries in the trans?

 

Oak,
I believe what I said is that the coding could not be broken. That was the source of discussion. Two different issues.

The issue Joe is having could be caused from several things. The first I would recommend is disconnect the ECU or the battery. Let them sit for 5 minutes. Plug the battery or ECU back in and push and hold the 12 O’clock position. It should confirm. Once confirmed then switch to the performance file.

It could be a bad transmitter. It could also actually be switching, but the piezo has failed. If all else fails send the unit back in to EVO or a GIAC dealer. It can be fixed or updated to the flash loader. This is all done via software and through the OBD2 ports. Same software different technology.

 

stephan, a couple of my concerns were along similar lines. it had to do with a lost or damaged remote and if the the chip switch would have a possible manual over ride in an incident. And the other concern was a possible glitch with the transmission and security codes.

If one has a chip switch or manual would it be possible to you use the manual/remote switcher on the same ECU? Definately both has it's merits.

 

Not sure if I clearly understand your question. If you mean the IBE (old version) no another remote will not work. It has to be coded for that IBE which has its own transmitter.

The fail safe on any of the units is it reverts back to stock rather leaving you stranded and if towed to the dealer always reverts back to stock in a pinch. This is unlike some other brands which leave the car not running.

The newer system uses the flashswitcher. It would allow you if you had an Audi or Veedub with GIAC programming or another Porsche to use that single handheld unit. It would simply plug in the OBD2 ports. It is not ECU specific.

 

stephan, I get it. You can only use one type of "switcher" at a time. You can't have both types on a single ECU. Correct?

 

Thanks Oak... yes I did. No change in operation.

I'll try Stephan's suggestion and disconnect the battery, etc.

The problem can't be the Piezo since it makes noise when I select the "stock" setting.

Standby for an update. Since I live in Arizona... taking the car back to Evo won't be a big deal.

JW

 

Stephan,

Removing the battery, letting it set for 5 minutes, and then reconnecting it resolved the problem. I can now switch between programs.

Any idea why the switcher would "lock-up" like that?

I'll check with Todd tomorrow to see if he will switch me over to the flash switcher so this doesn't happen again.

Thanks for all your help Stephan! Now I can go for a Sunday drive

By the way... Happy Father's day everyone!

Joe

 

Oak,
In theory you could load on the stock chip, but why? Not to mention it would be the worlds most expensive tune. The programs would have to be paid for twice! But in thoery it would work. You just couldn't load it through the other programs which are enrypted. Only the stock open chip.

Joe every now and then that can happen. A weird spike from the alternator or other might do it. I had it happen too a customer a year ago. Once reset it never did it again.

Same to you! I just spent the last hour putting my new grill together Time to run to the store and get some Ribeyes!

 

Well... same problem happened again and was fixed again by removing the battery.

It seems that something in my switching setup is "latching" but I have no idea what is precipitating the problem. I can't tie the issue to any particular action on my part.

I'll call Todd on Monday to see if I can't get my system changed or fixed.

Joe