If the PIC file that you flash is from modified firmware I heard that you will get an error and the firmware version will turn to "PIC fw version=0xff" and also you will get that issue if you didn't set the voltage properly.
So possible that the PIC chip is bricked. Do you have an extra PIC chip? Use the extra PIC chip and don't use hot air to solder it use a soldering iron and check if it is in the right position and then repeat the procedure from thierry4wd's post but this time make sure it was from the original stock firmware don't use non-stock firmware this might be the reason why you get the "PIC fw version=0xff".
Also, take note if you misconfigure the memory settings it will erase the other program from the chip that may lead to bricked chip.
So possible that the PIC chip is bricked. Do you have an extra PIC chip? Use the extra PIC chip and don't use hot air to solder it use a soldering iron and check if it is in the right position and then repeat the procedure from thierry4wd's post but this time make sure it was from the original stock firmware don't use non-stock firmware this might be the reason why you get the "PIC fw version=0xff".
Also, take note if you misconfigure the memory settings it will erase the other program from the chip that may lead to bricked chip.
Thanks Bit, I think I can go back and Erase the chip, Blank Check, and Verify inside of MPLAB IPE instead of replacing the chip? I used soldering iron on this one and have two more spares. I'm really hoping not to have to replace it again.
Those memory settings were from programing the new PIC chip with the good PIC chip from the other good board. What I do is hook up the good board, Press the Read button, then go File>Export>Hex. I also compared hex file sizes with the T9 I think it's 62.2kb and my exported one is 63kb. So that seems to make sense.