I bought the programmer a long time ago when I knew nothing about ls1's and never really used it. I have a 5.3 chevy truck and was wondering if I could use it to set the fans to come on earlier and for some small things like that? Has anyone tried this before?

 

you probaly cannot most are vin locked and can be only used by the first car it was hooked to hope this info helps there is a guy on ebay that can reset it for 95 bux

 

Even if it is unlocked, you need to go to the hypertech web site and see which unit(s) support your 5.3L. If you have a model 30015, look that number up. Otherwise check the back label to determine your model # and query with that. Personally, I doubt you can even connect to your PCM other than to get an unsupported vehicle response.

 

Ok, everyone is assuming that you didn't buy it for the truck you have. Is that the case?

If you did buy it for your truck, then yes you can use it for just that. And you may load the whole program and it work just fine. They are 'hit or miss' at best, that's why people don't like them. But if you already have it then you have nothing to lose.

If you didn't buy it for your truck, then it might connect but I wouldn't risk it. You can sell it for enough to get a good mail order tune.

 

Connecting an unsupported unit will not damage the PCM. The tuner will simply not negotiate. I have owned and operated two hypertech hand helds. I know what I'm talking about.

 

You know what your situation was. You don't know everything. Unless you work at Hypertech?

 

A Hypertech can be unlocked if the PO removed the HPP tune using the HPP and put it back to stock. It can then be used on another vehicle, which it will then lock itself to. Etc., etc.
You did not state what the HPP was supposed to work on. Go to Hypertech's site and look up the model number and what vehicles it works on. Also tell us what truck you have, year, etc.
The HPP is adequate for changing fan settings, top speed limiter, shift points for an auto, simple stuff like that.
They tend to be frowned upon b/c they are very limited, and their "tune" doesn't seem to be very effective. At least for my 97, which I tested at the track and it made absolutely no difference at all.
Mine was quite reliable for the 6+ years I owned it. And the person who purchased it was able to use it with no issues at all.

 

Nope, don't know everything for sure; just trying to correct some bad information.

 

Which was what? "That it wouldn't damage the PCM." Nobody said that it would. "That it will connect, but not negotiate" Why would it be negotiating with the PCM? What do you consider connecting? Just being able to be plugged in?

I'm not sure what HPP looks for to differentiate which PCM are valid for it's programming. I'm sure it at least looks at the year model and engine code in the VIN.

I've seen other hand helds be used on cars that they were not for and cause major problems, not hurting the PCM but just changing the way it functions. Which took more than the hand held to get it work correctly again.