Tuning and ECU Flash

[skinnyGT]

I'd add to your rep but it wont let me. anyhow great write up. damn my 2000 and the unflashable ecu.

[LogicGate]

Na! don't worry about that, that thing is over rated! I know a couple of people here with rep up the yinyang and they suck Yet I appreciate it

I'm working on the post just need to structure it and put it all together. Is not much I've just been busy

Also check the last post on 1st page about "Injector's Guide" which gives you almost all the calculations except Injector Pulse Width which is also coming up!!! But be very warned! It might be a little math intense!

[FlashBlueRS]

I find a lot of people don't realize that tuning can not fix a car in poor mechanical condition. I get countless PM's like "Hey, my car makes a loud knocking sound, can I flash that out?" or "My car keeps stalling, can EcuFlash fix that?"

If you have a stock or mildly modified car and you have running issues and/or check engine lights, EcuFlash is not the answer. In some cases, the problem causing check engine lights and drivability issues can be compensated for by tuning, but it is just a bandaid that covers up the real issue.

A car should be in perfect mechanical condition before tuning. No vacuum/boost leaks, good ignition components, good O2 sensors, etc.

[CLIPSE_GT]

Question for the learn'd people with reflashing. When the ECU is reflashed, does it take a period of milage or engine running before the system totally recal's itself? I know for instance when your SES light is on, and you disconnect the battery for a while, it takes a 100 miles or so before the the system comes back to par. Is this the same after a reflash???

[LogicGate]

Yes. Here is the information about it.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Computer Relearn Procedures
All Models

* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
The following general procedures are to be used if
driveability problems are encountered after power loss or battery has
been disconnected. These procedures may provide an aid in eliminating
these problems.
To reduce the possibility of complaints, after any service
which requires battery power to be disconnected, vehicle should be
road tested.

COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
Vehicles equipped with engine or transmission computers may
require a relearn procedure after vehicle battery is disconnected.
Many vehicle computers memorize and store vehicle operation patterns
for optimum driveability and performance. When vehicle battery is
disconnected, this memory is lost. The computer will use default data
until new data from each key start is stored. As computer memorizes
vehicle operation for each new key start, driveability is restored.
Vehicle computers may memorize vehicles operation patterns for 40 of
more key starts.

Customers often complain of driveability problems during
relearn stage because vehicle acts differently then before being
serviced. Depending on type and make of vehicle and how it is
equipped, the following complaints (driveability problems) may exist:
* Harsh Or Poor Shift Quality
* Rough Or Unstable Idle
* Hesitation Or Stumble
* Rich Or Lean Running
* Poor Fuel Mileage
These symptoms and complaints should disappear after a number
of drive cycles have been memorized. To reduce the possibility of
complaints, after any service which requires battery power to be
disconnected, vehicle should be road tested. If a specific relearn
procedure is not available, the following procedure may be used:

Automatic Transmission
* Set parking brake, start engine in "P" or "N" position.
Warm-up vehicle to normal operating temperature or until
cooling fan cycles.
* Allow vehicle to idle for one minute in "N" position. Select
"D" and allow engine to idle for one minute.
* Accelerate at normal throttle position (20-50%) until vehicle
shifts into top gear.
* Cruise at light to medium throttle.
* Decelerate to a stop, allowing vehicle to downshift, and use
brakes normally.
* Process may be repeated as necessary.

Manual Transmission
COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES Article Text (p. 2)1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
* Place transmission in Neutral position.
* Ensure emergency brake has been set and all accessories
are turned off.
* Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature.
* Allow vehicle to idle in Neutral for one minute.
* Initial relearn is complete: process will be completed during
normal driving.

Some manufacturers identify a specific relearn procedure
which will help establish suitable driveability during relearn stage.
These procedures are especially important if vehicle is equipped with
and electronically controlled automatic transmission or transaxle.
Always complete procedure before returning vehicle to customer.

[FlashBlueRS]

Originally Posted by CLIPSE_GT

Question for the learn'd people with reflashing. When the ECU is reflashed, does it take a period of milage or engine running before the system totally recal's itself? I know for instance when your SES light is on, and you disconnect the battery for a while, it takes a 100 miles or so before the the system comes back to par. Is this the same after a reflash???

A few miles of closed loop driving should be good enough to give the fuel trims time to adjust. The tranny shouldn't have to relearn because you aren't rewriting any of that data. Similar to how it doesn't have to relearn the idle.

[qnz]

what are the vaules you look at Logic when adjusting the baseline tune.

[LogicGate]

Originally Posted by qnz

what are the vaules you look at Logic when adjusting the baseline tune.

I look for irregularities in the stock logs vs tuned log. Also look for things that might need correction and improvement. I look at the logs through Excel by Engine RPM vs Knock Sum/Speed/ etc..

Injector Pulse Width
ECULoad
Load Calculated
Knock Sum
Engine RPM
Speed
Coolant Temp
Battery
Timing Advance
Accel. Enrich.
AFR Map
Wideband A/F Ratio
EGRTemp
Fuel Trim Low
Fuel Trim Mid
Fuel Trim High
02 Feedback Trim
Throttle Position

almost all the sensors

[LogicGate]

Originally Posted by FlashBlueRS

I find a lot of people don't realize that tuning can not fix a car in poor mechanical condition. I get countless PM's like "Hey, my car makes a loud knocking sound, can I flash that out?" or "My car keeps stalling, can EcuFlash fix that?"

If you have a stock or mildly modified car and you have running issues and/or check engine lights, EcuFlash is not the answer. In some cases, the problem causing check engine lights and drivability issues can be compensated for by tuning, but it is just a bandaid that covers up the real issue.

A car should be in perfect mechanical condition before tuning. No vacuum/boost leaks, good ignition components, good O2 sensors, etc.

I want to make sure people read this!! Make sure your car is healthy before even think about tuning your car!! If you are having knock because you flashed your rom, flash back your stock rom and give it some time to relearn and readjust. Monitor your car by logging. If the problem persists then take it to a mechanic or try to find the problem. ECUFlash does not FIX engine problems. What is normal knock you say?? From my experience 1 to 3 knocks is normal. If you are gettings almost 10 knocks find out why and how to fix it. Again ECUFlash will not fix mechanical problems. I'm not posting this because of X person, but its directed towards everyone and anyone interested in tuning their car.

[FlashBlueRS]

Originally Posted by LogicGate

What is normal knock you say?? From my experience 1 to 3 knocks is normal. If you are gettings almost 10 knocks find out why and how to fix it.

You know, I really think the 4 bangers come stock with a tune that produces upwards of 10 counts. I really wish ecuflash was around when my car was stock. I had already done the head swap by time i started messing with it.

[Jambolito]

Originally Posted by LogicGate

I want to make sure people read this!! Make sure your car is healthy before even think about tuning your car!! If you are having knock because you flashed your rom, flash back your stock rom and give it some time to relearn and readjust. Monitor your car by logging. If the problem persists then take it to a mechanic or try to find the problem. ECUFlash does not FIX engine problems. What is normal knock you say?? From my experience 1 to 3 knocks is normal. If you are gettings almost 10 knocks find out why and how to fix it. Again ECUFlash will not fix mechanical problems. I'm not posting this because of X person, but its directed towards everyone and anyone interested in tuning their car.

wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more lol

[steadly2004]

I just wanted to say
"without this thread, I would be lost"

[steadly2004]

THIS SHOULD BE A STICKY!

[LogicGate]

Guys I have tried to make time for me to finish it but I haven't had the time. There is a number of information that has been requested and provided that I need to check, verify and research. So I'm pushing it for next week to be finished. I apologize and hope everyone is still finding the information here usefull.

[Benz01GS]

:subscribe: awesome info

[LogicGate]

Post Edited and moved to:
How to: Tune using ECU Flash and other tuning informatoin

[LogicGate]

This thread is linked to the how to so please feel free to post questions and concerns here about tuning and ECU Flash. Also there are other methods of tuning that doesn't require to lean the AFR.

Like Dragon wrote, we can also work on the timing first and then the AFR. Also for the GT/GTS I can provide the Fuel Maps!

[Benz01GS]

I'd like to request information about tuning Auto/Sporties for F.I.

Or any help on creating a stand-alone ROM for F.I. Auto/sporty Galants, Eclipses, and Strats... I don't even know where to start, and what processes to follow.

If you have any info, man, it'd be a HUGE help...