Steinbauer P Box – Failed on the road!

Submitted: Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 18:07
ThreadID: 46534 Views:11963 Replies:7 FollowUps:1
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My vehicle:

2004 Prado 120 TD auto
53000 k's and never had a problem.

I researched the various diesel chips and as I phoned around to find a reasonable price for a Dtronic I was recommended the P Box and I was convinced. So I ordered one and had it fitted.

I was surprised initially at how cheap the P Box build quality appeared. Plus, the way it was mounted on top of the relay box in the engine compartment looked dodgy. It was held in place with cable ties meaning that to get into the relay box I would need to cut the ties and this meant I needed spare cable ties.

The connector to the box is unsealed against dust and moisture and being in the engine bay it would get it's fair share of both of these – plus heat.

The wire spliced to the accelerator wiring loom looked susceptible to damage and I did not like the idea of the original wire being damaged.

So, we pay our $1500 and we are off to drive home. It feels great. Plenty of extra torque and more power – OK!

It worked for one month testing it around home and on it's first real trip pulling a 600 kilo bush trailer the unit fails and the engine dies on the highway 800 k's from home.

OK, so you can unplug it and replug the original connectors restoring the engine management to stock but what if we had been overtaking a roadtrain and the damned P Box had failed? What if my pregnant wife was 100 k's from home and the thing had failed?

Steinbauer (Diesel Care) supplied a replacement P Box. The replacement was SECOND HAND! And, it failed just as the first one had, except it failed within 10 minutes rather than a month.

Thank god for the 30 day money back guarantee.

Take my advice and buy a Dtronic. I just installed mine and I reckon it provides a smoother power band and it looks like it was engineered and built to go to the moon. Being mounted behind the glove box it avoids the dust/moisture/heat problems of the P Box placement – and the connectors look like military spec.

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Reply By: markcas - Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 19:05

Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 19:05
I to had a Steinbauer fitted to my Pajero and had engine dyno before and after.With only a small increase in power i sent it back.I am thinking of Dtronic or DP chip next time.
AnswerID: 246130

Reply By: Phillipn - Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 20:07

Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 20:07
I checked the P Box out at Toowoomba Farmfest last week . They will sell me one for $1305 and no fitting charge, I think I will give it more thought before I spent the cash.

From what I have seen on this site a DP chip seams like a good buy. I would like to see others have to say about them. I have a 120 Prado Td diesel.
AnswerID: 246157

Reply By: Tim (vic) - Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 20:53

Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 20:53
I have had a Steinbauer on my Patrol 3ltr for more than 6 months and have had no issues at all. I find it has everything i want. I agree with the wiring and in the engine bay. Mine has double sided tape and it is ontop of my fuse box.

Tim
AnswerID: 246175

Follow Up By: Tim (vic) - Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 20:55

Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 20:55
Check out post 46531 for a dtonic on ebay
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FollowupID: 507064

Reply By: Twinkles - Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 21:23

Monday, Jun 11, 2007 at 21:23
I bought a DPChip for my Hilux 8 days ago. Wired it myself (correctly). Didn't work. DP sent me another. Same. My car has some variation in throttle voltage at ECU, maybe due to aftermarket cruise control. DP said send it back & they will modify chip to suit my car. They paid for postage. Should get it back this week. Look out for my post on how it goes.
AnswerID: 246192

Reply By: Prado Dave - Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007 at 13:42

Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007 at 13:42
Having researched the available units, I now have a Dtronic in my Prado (bought secondhand from another member).

Initially I was not too impressed, but after about 1000 km the difference in performance is great, especially towing the trailer. Spent quite some time offroad on the weekend, much easier to drive.

Car sounds better and my wife even commented on the improvement.

Better economy - who cares!!

Good luck,

David.
AnswerID: 246304

Reply By: Member - lyndon K (SA) - Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007 at 22:46

Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007 at 22:46
We have a D'tronic in our Troopy and are very happy with it. Had it for 8 months.
Now is the only time you own
Decide now what you will,
Place faith not in tomorrow
For the clock may then be still

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AnswerID: 246470

Reply By: Wizard1 - Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 at 08:56

Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 at 08:56
Had a Dtronic in my 95 series Prado TD since 2004 fitted by ARB in Darwin. Not one problem.
AnswerID: 246715

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