I just bough a 05 CTD. Has any installed any programmers that have actually hurt the truck instead of helping it? I know nothing yet on the newer trucks, all i know is the 2nd gen 24v's. Thanks

 

Well, yeah. The main problem is many of the programmers don't require but normally need accomodating mods to show their best side. Alot of people push their trucks to the limit and then some with a programmer alone (with little mods). If you keep in a safe area of power, you shouldn't have any problems, just make sure it inhales and exhales good.

 

It has been my experience that ALL programmers have the potential to harm your truck, and they most likely will cause an issue at some point.

I was worried when I bought my first "box" so I did lots of research and decided that the TST PMCR was my best option at the time. It worked well for about 8 months, then out of the blue it started throwing codes and putting my truck into limp mode. Some guys would prefer to just clear the codes and go on. I didn't have that option, so I decided the box was gone.

Here I am a year later and now the Smarty looks real tempting, and I might already have one if it were not for the fact that they too have problems according to what I have read from a few owners. The risks may be small, but it's still a risk. I just ask myself, do I really NEED that extra power? Is it worth the risk and the $700? The answer is no and not to me.

 

I have had a bullydog installed for about two years now that has been problem free,no codes or issues yet.coobie

 

anyone ever have any problems with the smarty? mine has been great so far.

 

Well, having a bad experience in anything sucks. But that doesn't make everything bad all the time. So many products out there to appeal for a lot of different situations and folks wants or needs. I put my six-gun on my truck when it was new and have not had a single problem or code in 100K+ miles. It has done everything it is advertised to do as well. But I wanted more! Got a Smarty. I have had zero problems with the smarty and and could not be happier with it. To each, his own.

Having said that, I will call myself one of the lucky ones. I've got nearly 110,000 miles and no tranny problems, no lift pump problems, no front end problems, none of the other problems on the forums. Still have a lot of brake wear left. I do have the darn dent the stupid ( ) deer left in my door, but other than that my CTD has been a great experience! (I do wish it rode more like my Escalade though)