QuestionQUESTION: Like another recent poster, I have a 2004 S60R with about 53,000 miles and recently had ECU upgrade done by Powerchip. Since then I've had intermittent loss of power when accelerating -- engine continues to run but it just won't respond to pressing gas pedal. Sometimes rpms drop suddenly, car coasts, then it suddenly regains power and lunges forward. Closest thing I can compare it to is timing problem. Because this has only happened 4-5 times over about 250 miles of driving, Powerchip thinks it's not related to ECU but rather may be MAF sensor problem. I think that would be quite a coincidence, but they are the experts. Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks very much.
ANSWER: Undo the power chip upgrade and see if it's normal. That will give you your answer. I do not recommend these upgrades because these type of issues always crop up.
Mark
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QUESTION: I guess I would have to send the ECU to Powerchip to have them "undo" the upgrade. And if the ECU is not the problem, then I would have to pay them again (probably) to upgrade it again. I'm going to be sending ECU back for further tweaking after I install sport exhaust and new air intake so hopefully it will get resolved after that. Thanks for your time.
Answer Scott, I'm sorry you got "caught" in this catch 22 scenario. The more stuff you add the worse it gets. it's been my observation that these add on companies point the finger at each other. No, it's not our fault, it's this and vice versa. Generally after you start down this road, the dealer will not help you or service the vehicle. Mind you that's not always bad, but some things only the factory tools can "talk to" It starts eliminating your options the more you change. That's why I don't recommend these mods. unless you have a specialist there that can do the sales, service, installaton and warranty of these items. Make sense from a consumer viewpoint?
Now on the gear head side, me, these mods can be VERY performance superior to what the manufacturer offers. They have to abide by emmissions laws. I'm sure some where on all the products you bought there are disclaimers stating "for off road use only" "not legal in the State of California" "purhaser assumes all responsibility for uses of this product" etc. etc.
I have the knowledge, tools and time to make it work. The poor average Joe does not. So you need a specialist if you are going down this road. Make sense? HTH
Mark
