I am trying to flash my PCM with tunercat and tune from Madwofl.
After a lot of tries, tt is still not working.

i've tried a lot of reading and each time it ends by losing connection with
PCM, sometimes at diferent part of the reading, sometimes nearly at the end.

I have already tried :

* different computers = same,
* put another battery = same,
* reset the PCM by removing the battery cable for 10 mn
* check all connections
* put a charger on the battery
* remove the fan fuse

i've also made a try with datamaster and it seems connections can be lost
sometimes.

I am now to a point , i don't know what to do to upload this tune. If i'm
not able to read, i beleive trying to load the tune will fry my PCM.

All suggestions are welcome :

* do i need a licensed version of TC instead of the evaluation one i'm using ?
* i've have a OBD2 to OBD1 conversion. can it be a problem ?
* what else to check and try ?


Waiting for an answer.

Thanks


Pierre

 

One thing not in the list you tried/changed is the cable from your computer to DLC. Don't even think about trying the flash until you can successfully read or use Datamaster without failures.

 

Thanks for the answer

the cable is brand new, i bough it from madwolf with my PCM as it is not always simple to buy things on the net from where i live.

I can try another cable but it will take me weeks again to get one.

Also, it has been a real problem to find laptop with serial port so maybe i had better go to an USB one ? or the USB don't work as well as serial.

If the connection is lost due to the car harness where should i look ?


Pierre

 

I'd stick with the serial, if I could. The USB converters seem to be problematic. While the cable is new, it seems to be the most likely suspect, IMO. Rarely is there a problem with the car's harness.
I'd rather wait a couple weeks for a cable, than fry my PCM if it disconnected during programming.

 

Thanls for the answer . Where can i buy another cable ? I had mine with madwolf but i might be able having one somewhere else

Pierre

 

akmcables.com---- aldlcable.com

 

If it was the cable, I am sure it would be a random defect. Ion would not be sending out bad cables knowingly. That just wouldn't be good for his business.

You should take a close look at your DLC to be sure all of the terminals and connections are good.

 

just to add : no problem with me with Ion, who gave me complete satisfaction on work he did for me (OBD2 to OBD1 conversion, tune, help for sending me cable ...)

my problem is just about this ***ing programming

I will take a look at the cable just in case. I need to load this tune since my Hotcam install

Pierre

 

There is no evaluation version of $EE tunercat.

 

i have a 30 days trial one

 

I didn't ever bother with the trial one, but did it come with the $EE definition file? When I bought the program, TC sent me the $EE file as an attachment in an email. The definition file that comes with it won't do you any good. I'm not even sure what it's for.

 

I am having my trouble with my cable and connectivity issues as well. I am using a USB converter, but I have used it with a serial port as well and the same problems. Any ideas as far as settings or such things to change and try again?

 

Sounds like the cable, but...

When you say you tried "different computers" is that different PCMs or different laptops? Whichever it is, try the other.

Do you know the history of the car? Any chance it had a previous owner who did stupid things, thus might have messed up the wiring?

Best thing to do would be to find another car to try and download/scan.

 

it was different laptops. The other Pcm i have is OBD2 so .... no chance to try with it.

My PCM came from Ion (madz28.com) and there is no chance anyone before make anything about programming as i leave in a very small country and i have just ... me ... to rely on everywork on this car (even for a stupid power window replacement).

i'm buying another cable to be sure the problem don't come from the cable. I will let you know what will go on.



Pierre

 

Can you solder? If so, and if you can get hold of a MAX232 or MAX233 or similar chip out there, then it would be quicker to build a cable than to wait for one to ship from here.