We get a lot of questions from customers that are considering the purchase of a DP-Tuner chip. Some of these questions are simply about the hardware and its capabilities, some come from the fact that there are a lot of program options available from DP-Tuner and some come from the number of other options we offer with the purchase of a DP-Tuner chip. Hopefully this "Frequently Asked Questions" page will help to answer most of the common questions we get.

DP-TUNER CHIP HARDWARE:

1. How many different programs can the DP-Tuner Chip hold? - The DP-Tuner chip can hold a total of 16 different programs. 15 of these program slots were designed for "switch on the fly" use, and one (Position 0) was designed for use as a theft deterrant.
   
   
2. How does "Position 0" work? - Position 0 was designed to hold a "theft deterrant" program, one that will not allow the engine to run. As such, it can't be selected from the switch while driving because suddenly having the truck turn off while going down the road would not be safe. In order to put the chip into Position 0, you must do one of two things: (1) select position 0 on the switch by pressing and releasing both buttons at the same time and then cycling the ignition key off then on or (2) unplug the switch completely from the cable which forces the chip to only see the very first program in it's memory. This is not intended to be a replacement for other anti-theft measures, just another layer of protection to help you keep your truck. For what it's worth, one of our personal trucks was saved from theft ONLY because we were using the DP-Tuner Anti-Theft program...we believe in it!
   
   
3. Can Position 0 be used for something other than the anti-theft program? - Yes, but remember that you can't switch into it while driving. We've had some owners put a stock program in Position 0 so that they could remove the switch and prevent other drivers (employees, teenage children, etc.) from having access to the higher HP programs. We've also had people put a Valet program there (stock power, reduced maximum speed, etc) for even more limiting on other drivers. We will put standard "stock" programs and "anti-theft" programs in Position 0 as part of the base price of the chip. Any other program placed in Position 0 will be billed at the normal charge for that program.
   
   
4. Can more programs be added to the DP-Tuner Chip later? - YES! We can add or update programs at any time. If you purchase 2 programs now and decide later that you want to add more, it's simply a matter of returning the chip to us and paying for the new programs. We'll even redo the program order at the time if you'd like.
   

DP-TUNER PROGRAMMING:

1. Is the DP-Tuner Anti-Theft Program just a "blank" file on the chip? - There is some rumor that the Anti-Theft program is just a blank chip slot, this is NOT true. The DP-Tuner Anti-Theft program is a real program with parameters that are designed to prevent the truck from running. The advantage to this over just putting no program at all in that memory slot is that having a real program makes everything "look" like normal. The glow plug light functions normally, the fuel pump cycles normally, the starter engages normally...but it won't run. It behaves like it's broken with the hope that a frustrated "would be" thief will give up and walk away.
   
   
2. What is a "Modified Stock" program? - There are some modifications that require the "stock" power level program to be modified. Installing "Single Shot" injectors in a truck that didn't come with them originally, installing an aftermarket high pressure oil system (commonly called "big oil") or getting major transmission work that requires the shift programming to be modified are perfect examples.
   
   
3. What is a "High Idle" program? - The High Idle programs are just what the name suggests, programs with an elevated idle speed. These programs are NOT designed or intended for driving, their purpose is to elevate the engine idle speed when the truck is stationary for a variety of purposes. Some uses for the High Idle programming include keeping the AC or Heat working more efficiently while sitting in your truck for periods of time, helping with battery loads when jump starting or winching and the prevention of "wet stacking" (a condition where combustion temperatures at low idle speeds drop to a level where not all of the fuel is burned, which can lead to build-up on valves). We recommend a 1200rpm High Idle for most purposes. Higher idle speeds are available if needed.
   
   
4. Can I use a High Idle program to warm up my truck faster? - Yes and No. If you pay attention to the factory cold start programming, the PCM will not idle up a cold engine right away like an old carburated engine with a choke would. This is done to protect the engine. When the ambient temperatures are cold, we recommend waiting for a few minutes before using a High Idle program on a freshly started engine. Let the metal parts start to warm up from friction, let the oil circulate through the system, let it start to warm up at a low idle first. After a couple of minutes, go ahead and switch into a high idle program and let it finish it's warm up.
   
   
5. What is the difference between a Regular High Idle program and one with the EBV Closed? - If you want to use a high idle program to warm up your truck on cold days, the Closed EBV (exhaust backpressure valve) program will help. Closing the EBV is done in most factory calibrations as a way to increase engine temparature more quickly by increasing backpressure in the exhaust system. This was done to provide cab heat via the heater more quickly. The factory calibration has specific parameters that will engage or disengage the EBV, the DP-Tuner High Idle program with a closed EBV will keep it closed for as long as it's in that program. Standard High Idle programs do not do anything with the EBV position. In order to use a DP-Tuner High Idle program with the closed EBV option, you must still have your EBV installed. We mention this because many performance minded owners have removed the EBV and it's actuator in search of improved airflow and performance.
   
   
6. What is the "Decel" program? - The Decel program is a manually controlled EBV exhaust brake. Placing the chip in this position will close the EBV, maintain torque converter lockup longer and in some cases downshift...while the truck is decelerating. The increased exhaust backpressure coupled with the locked TC will help to prevent acceleration on a downhill or assist the service brakes in slowing the the truck from highway speeds. This is NOT a program that you can "drive" (accelerate or cruise) in. It is used ONLY when deceleration is needed while towing or hauling a load. In order to use a DP-Tuner Decel program, you must still have your EBV installed. We mention this because many performance minded owners have removed the EBV and it's actuator in search of improved airflow and performance.
   
   
7. What is the "Drive-Thru" program? - This is a program that changes the engine operating parameters to significantly quiet the engine. It's purpose is to allow you to go through a drive-thru without having to shut the engine off to order or pay. Again, this program is NOT intended for actual driving, it will be very underpowered and unpleasant to drive if you try it. This program will have the largest effect on trucks with Single Shot injectors. 99-03 trucks with factory Split Shot injectors will not notice as significant of a change in engine noise.
   
   
8. What is the "Lope Idle" program? - This program was created for the sole purpose of impressing or messing with your friends by making the engine "lope" like it's a gas engine with a big cam. It is not useful for driving and is a "stock" power level program. Because every truck is different, the degree of the lope effect from truck to truck may be different.
   
   
9. What is a "Valet" program? - A valet program is a stock power level program with a reduced speed limiter.
   
   
10. What is the "Low Fuel / Emissions" program? - This program was created for trucks running larger, aftermarket injectors that need to go through a "smog" inspection. In most cases, diesel smog inspections are looking at "opacity" (smoke output). This program will reduce fueling levels to less than stock in order to help pass the opacity test. For trucks with stock injectors, we recommend using the "Stock" program as the additional defueling in this program isn't generally needed.
    
    
11. What is the difference between regular and "No Codes" programs? - "No Codes" programs are modified to relax some common triggers of "Service Engine Soon" lights.. These programs will not set a code or illuminate the SES light as easily for the following common codes: P1249 (Overboost), P0478 (Eexhaust Backpressure) and the dreaded P1211 (ICP Over/Under Desired). NOTE: "No Codes" does NOT mean "absolutely no codes", it just means that the common and frequently annoying code triggers have been relaxed. If your truck experiences an "real" problem that requires illumination of an important code like P1211, it will still be able to set that code and the SES light and let you know.
    
    
12. Why do the horsepower levels go down as the trailer weights go up, shouldn't it be the other way around? - We understand the logic behind this kind of thinking, but the answer is still NO. Consider the power level used in an "unloaded" performance application, 120 additional HP for this example. Keep in mind that we always recommend the use of an exhaust temperature gauge and upgraded exhaust for temperature management with a chip. Even with exhaust upgrades, it's quite easy to get the exhaust temperatures up to the "redline", requiring you to ease off the throttle to keep from getting them too hot. Now, put a load on that same truck, the temperatures will rise faster because the engine has to work harder. To address temperature management and engine/driveline stress, we reduce the power level of "tow" programs. If the load is fairly small, we don't have to reduce the power as much to control the temperatures. As the load on the truck increases, we have to reduce the power output more to keep temperatures in check and keep from overstressing the engine/driveline.
    
    
13. Which Tow program best fits my needs? - This is a very frequent topic of conversation for us. There are a number of factors that dictate which program might be best suited for your particular needs. It's not as simple as just using trailer weight to determine the program. Some of the other things that affect which program we recommend are lift/large tires (more unsprung weight, more aerodynamic drag), slide-in camper (not only more weight, but more aerodynamic drag) and towing location (flat ground, minor hills or large mountains)...each of these things adds additional "felt load" to the equation. If your truck has a lift and large tires and you're pulling a 9000# trailer in the mountains, it might be "feeling" more load than if you had stock wheels and tires and were pulling 12000# on flat ground. As you look at the chart below, please realize that we are not able to include every possible combination, but the information provided here along with the chart should help you to decide what programs you want. NOTE: Our weight ratings for each of the tow programs may be slightly more conservative than those on the DP-Tuner website.
    

    	20hp Tow	40hp Tow	60hp Tow	80hp Tow
    Over 15,000# Load :
    10,000 to 15,000# Load :
    5,000 to 10,000# Load :
    Up to 5,000# Load :

Above Towing Weight Recommendations Based On Flat Ground Towing


14. Do you recommend having more than one "Tow" program? - Absolutely! Not everyone will benefit from this, but it can be a good choice for a lot of customers. Add additional town programs if you have a fairly light trailer now and think you might get a heavier one in the future, have a light to moderate weight trailer and think you might add a lift and big tires or begin towing heavily in the mountains in the future or if you just want to have a great deal of flexibility in what you can do with the truck. For instance, if you have a 10,000# trailer and tow mostly on flat ground, the 60hp Tow program is a great choice. You could opt to add a 40hp Tow to your chip for the ability to tow a heavier trailer or to turn down the power a bit (without going all the way to stock) when pulling your current trailer on a steep grade. Some customers have even added the next higher HP program (80hp Tow in this example) for use on very flat to slightly downhill roads. They have done this to try to help economy while towing. If you have multiple Tow programs and you drive by your exhaust temperature gauge, you can choose the program that best fits the load you're pulling and the road you're pulling it on.
    
    
15. What is the difference between the 60hp Economy and the 80hp Economy programs? - Both of these programs were written specifically with fuel economy in mind. The 60hp Economy Program is the "Highway" version, it has been tuned to offer the best "Cruising Speed" fuel economy. The 80hp Economy Program is the "Daily Driver / In-Town" version, it has better throttle response and a bit more power for "stop and go" driving.
    
    
16. Do you recommend towing in the "Economy" programs? - No, we don't recommend towing in either of the Economy programs. Both of the "Economy" programs have their fueling, shifting and other parameters configured for unloaded fuel economy, NOT loaded towing.
    
    
17. When do I need "Custom" programs? - "Custom" programming generally comes into play when the modification level of the truck exceeds what is covered in "Standard" programming. Standard programming covers all of the basic modifications (intake, exhaust, basic fuel system upgrades, "drop-in" turbo upgrades, water injection, minor transmission upgrades and some "built" transmissions). Orders for trucks with mods that require "Custom Programming" should be placed over the phone AFTER completing the VEHICLE INFORMATION SURVEY! The more high end performance modifications like those listed below will generally require "Custom" programming:
    • Some Aftermarket Fuel Injectors
    • High Pressure Oil System Upgrades
    • Heavily Modified Turbocharger Setups
    • Nitrous Oxide Injection
    • Water/Methanol Injection (use of Methanol dictates programming changes)
    • Propane Injection
    • Major Transmission Work
    • Programming Specific for Drag Racing, Sled Pulling or Dyno Use