Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Quadzilla XZT causes runaway

[super38]

Last summer I installed one of the Quadzilla XZTs on my 2001, all was good for a few weeks then the truck would occasionally and, as you would expect, surprisingly runaway. Usually while at low speeds in a parking lot (almost ran over a family leaving out of a Wal-mart) and another time pulling into a friends driveway, almost taking out his garage door. When it would happen it was like I had floored the throttle and it would run up to 3000 rpm or so the die and not restart for 5 min. I got only one code, P1691. Not putting two and two together, I replaced the VP-44 only to have it happen twice the next day, once on the highway (way lots of fun) and another in the driveway not 15 min. later. Pulled the XZT and after 8 months it’s never done it again. The really surprising part of all this is that Quad, or at least the guy’s I’ve talked to there, have just blown me off, failed to return calls. I loaded up and went to their offices to see what could be done. One of the guy’s took it and tested it (wouldn’t let me watch) and said it was good, but sense the boos was not there he would need to get back to me and see what could be done. Now we are back to the “if we ignore him he will go away” customer attitude I have received from them to this point. All I can say it is not going back on my truck, don’t think I could stand the risk of another runaway and the damage a 7000# truck could do.





James

 

[JGamble]

IDK man, its been off and on for me. The tech support had been great for me; that is, for the product itself. But when I was calling to find out how to upgrade via internet, their nerd geek was a a-hole and very unpleasant. I love my adrenaline, but man, some things these people do... . erks me. best of luck

 

[super38]

Being as it's a huge safety issue, and the total lack of interest from the manufacture. I think my next step is to hand it over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I found their web site today along with all the forms needed to file a formal complaint. I'm just going to send the box to them along with the video that I managed to get when I hooked it back up while in a deserted parking lot.





James

 

[Tinman]

You can do what you think you should, but I'd be careful about getting the gov involved. Technically most all the engine mods we do violates emissions laws and if they get the chance the gov will just make it a crime to modify, improve, or work on our trucks. No need to tell them what's going on in the aftermarket if there's no need. I would first try a letter to the head boss and see what happens.

 

[super38]

Been down that road and it's a dead end.





James

 

[Beast2B]

I'm not a big fan of public bashing, but if you've made multiple attempts to contact the company (including going to their place of business in person!) then I feel that posting your experiences here and warning others to be careful when buying their products or dealing with the company is good recourse. You may not get any personal satisfaction in terms of a refund or product change, but you WILL hit him in the pocketbook!

 

[super38]

I'm not really trying to bash them but I am very disappointed in the way they have handled the problem. I realize some may want to keep the diesel performance upgrades below the EPA radar but a little tail pipe smoke is a far cry from a runaway truck injuring or worse, killing someone. I think I'm lucky that I have a 6-speed, don't know how hard it would be to stop an auto if it ran away.



James

 

[Beast2B]

Yeah, maybe bashing is too harsh. I am just saying that I think you are doing the right thing by bringing the issue here. Between the knowledge of many of the users and the pressure it could bring to the manufacturer I think you have a two-fold chance of SOME kind of response!

 

[Pistazie]

Maybe try posting your experience and a Youtube video link on a forum that has Quadzilla as a sponsor? (cumminsforum is one).



I always wonder about these "black boxes"...



bashing is no good, but that sounds pretty dangerous and I think the manufacturer has a responsibility to look into it.

 

[HBarlow]

Sometimes you have to decide to play hardball.

You might try one more time writing a formal letter to the owner of the company. You should be able to obtain his name and address from your state's secretaryof state or local business licensing office.

In the letter clearly state the facts, report the contacts you've had with his company by name and date, and state what you consider a satisfactory resolution. Send the letter by registered mail with return receipt. If he ignores you also you might notify him of what follow-on actions you plan to take.

If none of that gets you a refund of your money you can do whatever you deem is right with a clear conscience.

I have a less than positive opinion of the big name aftermarket suppliers I read about all the time. Many of them routinely sell mediocre products under glorious full page multi-colored advertising with high sounding "guarantees or implied warranties" that are worthless. When things go wrong, as they often do, they won't even talk to you.

To be clear I am a stubborn conservative who believes very strongly in the free-market economic system that formerly made this nation great before the new socialist administration set out to crush it. But, I am not supportive of companies who sell junk under phony promises and fail to follow up when their junk fails.

 

[super38]

I'm beginning to wonder if Toyotas have XZT installed from the factory.

 

[ceastmen]

Quadzilla XZT

Mine has a different problem, on the highest setting it can only be used at moderate to heavy throttle, it bucks like crazy at low throttle applications.

No codes are present when this happens, at the mid setting it works fine as well as the stock setting.

I've gotten nowhere with calling them for help, like someone said about their tech department not a very stellar response.

I do like being able to switch between the settings but using the highest setting is almost worthless.

It's probably time to go back to the old VanAken box!

Chuck

 

[super38]

I went back to an Edge EZ and haven't had any problems in a year and a half. Dad was going to put XZTs on the two 2nd gens he has, after seeing the problems I've had he went with EZs



James

 

[AWeiman]

mine has been the same way to. on the highest setting basically worthless at low speeds. i haven't used it in months cause i got sick of it. oh well as soon as i get time i'm putting my edge juice on anyway. Oo.

 

[MLee]

On the Cumminsforum if you start to bash anyone, and if they are a sponser, they will remove your post. so you need to be very sly about how you do it.

Do you have a TV investigative reporter in your area? if you do maybe you could get some on air TV advertisment for them free of charge. The one we have here is great and gets results. You might send him a E-mail and ask for his advise as to how you should go about getting results by doing it your self. If intersted send me a PM and i'll give you his address at the TV station.

 

[CWoodruff]

My son has the quadzilla xzt and his was doing the exact same thing took off the box cleared the 1691 code yesterday. All is well bought new smarty. Good luck.