I pick up a used programmer 50003 for my 98 dodge. and wouldn't you know it , it is VIN locked. I can't return it and the truck that is programmed is not around. am I SOL??

 

yes you are SOL. the only way you'll be able to use it is to get the previous owner to 'return their truck to stock'. Even calling hypertech will probably not help - they will unlock it when its 'hung up' on your VIN, but if its locked up with another VIN, then, honestly, you are not the owner of the program. the previous owner has the program and you've got nothing but a useless box. sorry.

 

where did you buy it from???

 

I got it off ebay , it was listed as not knowing if the truck was returned to stock and the truck is not around.
this blows.....

 

open a disbute through paypal and give the guy bad feedback.

 

Sounds like the guy selling was upfront about not knowing the status of the programmer. Sorry that sucks but like they say buyer beware.

Hope you didn't pay much.

 

that does suck and you are screwed. go back and look at the sellers return policy, email him and let him know what's up and maybe he'll do the right thing and buy it back.

 

it was sold as is. no returns. it is a woman and she is willing to give me 40 back of the 120 i spent on it. contacted hypertech and they said it would be 250 to fix it. thats crap. but a valuable lesson was learned

 

so your options are this..
pay hypertech to fix it. your cost = 120 + 250 = 370 (have one)
return it. your cost = 120 - 40 = 80 (move on)

cost to buy one brand new = PORC(370) Amazon (321-400) Jegs (306).

my opinion - return it to the seller and move on.
also, negotiate with the seller to get back $60. 50/50 split. nobody wins, nobody loses.

 

Whoever has the truck its programmed for may want it back, i have one of those and im pretty sure i read somewhere that you have to return the settings to stock before you take it to a dealer or garage to have diagnostics done, otherwise if you leave it programmed and take it to a dealer and they plug it in you have to have your engine management computer reflashed...