Chipping of C-Max TDCi

[Stuartk]

Hello.

This car is a little bit more mundane than many on PH, but.....

Have any members used a performance/economy enhancing chip (ChipExpress of SuperChips) on a 1.6TDCi C-Max (2004). I am not desperate for the power, but the car suffers from hesitation when the throttle is feathered (lightly used) and I have ready that chipping can eliminate this by replacing the chips. Reviews are no replacement for experience and any feedback from members would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

[roscozs]

You could take your car to a Ford dealer and they can recalibrate the PCM (ECU). This is just an update of what is already on your PCM. The power isn't usually increased but driveability issues such as yours are addressed. You might be surprised at what difference they make.

[Stuartk]

Hi and many thanks for your reply. Do you know any particular 'programme' I should ask for - otherwise all they seem to want to do is hook it up to the diagnostic computer and then start replacing units/sensors until the problem goes away. I'm not really interested in the power; just the drivability/smoothness.

[Stuartk]

On trawling Google, I found the following: http://www.clubcmax.org/foro//showpost.php?p=96814...

Scroll down the page to SSM5310. Is this the item? Do you know whether this might apply to my model?

Thanks.

[roscozs]

Tell the garage know what your problem is and ask them to check for any PCM re calibrations. With issues such as yours a re calibration would be first port of call. When the technician plugs in the IDS computer and carries out an update the computer will tell them what issues the re calibration addresses. Re calibrations are generally carried out before parts are replaced.

[zippy144]

Hi

I had my 2006 Focus 1.6 TDCI chipped about a month ago by AMD Essex. Took the power from 117bhp to 137bhp and about 208lb/ft.

It has made it rev alot easier, will rev all the way to the red line now and the power is a bit more urgent. As for fuel consumption, i havn't noticed too mucgh difference but i don't do that many motorway miles, mine is all A road and country lane.

I would'nt expect it to turn into a race car, but around town it feels alot nippier.

I would totally recomend AMD Essex, Great facilities, Great Attitude and Great Service. They Rolling Road before and after to show the differance and make sure the car was running correct.

Regards

Tom aka Zippy

[Stuartk]

Hi Tom and many thanks for taking the trouble to post. As it happens, the urgency to look into chipping has gone - I was looking under the bonnet and noted that one of the hoses was only partly connected! A plastic clip was bent and the hose loose - it was crank vent which I think connects to the induction system somewhere. I used a wire clip and some self-amalgamating tape and have just driven 300 miles today without any problem....

I had contacted my insurers and they had told me they wouldn't insure the car if it was chipped... Until recently we has an Elise as a 3rd car and that had non-standard induction and exhaust and they made no difference to the premium despite being dyno'd at 147bhp (120 std).

Thanks again to all who posted - much appreciated.

[zippy144]

Hi

No worries...

Mine is a company car and what they don't know won't hurt them...LOl

Regards

Tom aka Zippy