well i took the tuner off friday in prepertation of taking it to the dealer and its still doing it so at least i ruled that out. i called and talked to the service rep and fortunatly he has sold me cars in the past and said i "should" be ok with exhaust on the truck. i do still have the egt sensor in the manifold. i couldnt find a cap to fit to cap it off. ill just insist it must have been there when i bought the truick or ill say i have a egt guage for long towing trips.