Battery Disconnect

[aa1611]

Does anyone know why...everytime I unhook the battery on my 2003 MM, the car seems to respond better when I push down on the accelerator? I really like how the car feels after I disconnect the battery, however this doesn't last long, and will soon return back to old responsiveness of having to bury the accelerator to get the same response. Can this be changed?

Thanks

[RF Overlord]

Yes...get a chip or an SCT 9100 hand-held tuner...

When you unhook the battery, the PCM loses its "learned" programming, and reverts to the default values. Installing a chip or flashing the PCM will give you better throttle response and a much better shift schedule ALL the time.

[2003 MIB]

Yes...get a chip or an SCT 9100 hand-held tuner...

When you unhook the battery, the PCM loses its "learned" programming, and reverts to the default values. Installing a chip or flashing the PCM will give you better throttle response and a much better shift schedule ALL the time.
RF- This is probably a stupid question-Wouldn't that mean that if I leave my chip installed and disconnect the battery that the default values of the original program would take over? What keeps that from happening?

[TAF]

RF- This is probably a stupid question-Wouldn't that mean that if I leave my chip installed and disconnect the battery that the default values of the original program would take over? What keeps that from happening?
The chip...in the port it's plugged into...ALWAYS overrides the PCM. That's why if the dealer flashes your computer, and you have a chip...no worries. :up:

[RF Overlord]

No, it's not a stupid question...

The PCM has a set of default values for its programming...it can also "fine tune" those values based on your driving style and conditions...it's called adaptive programming...as soon as you install a chip, it commands the PCM to look at its own (the chip's) programming instead. So, no, unhooking the battery isn't a problem at all...

[2003 MIB]

Thanks Gentlemen!!!

I recently installed a Priority Start unit on my car- no more dead batteries after listening to the radio with the engine off. I would re-think that if it was gonna "wipe" the chip. Good to know I'm safe.:banana2: :banana2: :banana2:

[Black 04]

What do you guys think the best chip is for a unmodified MM?

What I mean is just plug in and go.

[2003 MIB]

What do you guys think the best chip is for a unmodified MM?

What I mean is just plug in and go.
Ray,
That's a rough question, Sir. With so many good programming options- it becomes like asking, "What's the best beer?" (Shiner Bock) or "Who's the prettiest woman?" (Florence Henderson)....:) :)

I've got a Reinhart chip in my car and love it. I don't think you can go wrong with his chip or any of the other vendors on this site. They'll all offer a marked improvement over stock

I'd encourage you to look at the Reinhart Stage One kit (4.10s, thermostat, plugs, chip). I think it's a great starting point...and lots of fun....

[cyclone03]

What do you guys think the best chip is for a unmodified MM?

What I mean is just plug in and go.


I went with Dennis Reinharts reflash on my 2003,his chips use the same programming.
If you have a 2004,I believe you have to reflash or use a tunner because the service port is gone,again get with DR.


I have a reflash with stock gearing,thermostat change a Denso plugs that DR recomended.With that set up you can feel the change for sure.
I passed on the gear change because I like the 23-24mpg I get on long drives.


I just noticed your in NJ.
You might want to talk to Lideo at Alternitive Auto,also a sponser on this site.

[MitchB]

I just noticed your in NJ.
You might want to talk to Lideo at Alternitive Auto,also a sponser on this site.

Ahhh, ahemmm, ahhhh, well, nevermind.

Mitch

[rayjay]

How does the 180 degree thermosat effect the heat in the winter? I tried this mod on my Focus. I saw no improvement and froze my ash off the 1st time it got cold. Needless to say I pulled the thermostat and reinstalled the factory. The thermostat is still sitting on the work bench collecting dust.

[RF Overlord]

How does the 180 degree thermosat effect the heat in the winter? I tried this mod on my Focus. I saw no improvement and froze my ash off the 1st time it got cold.

rayjay:

The stock thermostat is 188°, so going to a 180° isn't that big a jump. It got to -11°F here one day last winter, and The Bunny Lady said the heat was fine...

The principle reason for installing a cooler thermostat is to lower the chance of detonation when using a custom PCM programme, such as that provided by a chip or the new hand-held tuners...you shouldn't ever replace the thermostat alone...it should only be used in conjunction with other mods, and then only when recommended by the programmer...(Dennis, Wes, Lidio, etc)

[jstevens]

Wow, this board is great. When I picked up my 04MM with 8 miles, it drove like a bat out of you know where, but now has simmered down a lot.

I will be gettin a chip for sure.

[Black 04]

thanks for your input guys...

[MainEngDwarf]

I have the SCT 9100. I like that alot because you can load more than one program and save the stock program incase you need to return the stock program to the car before warrenty work. In my opinion its the best bang for the buck.