Whats Needed
- Tactrix cable - http://www.tactrix.com
- Flash connector - http://www.tactrix.com
- Laptop
- Open Source tunning software - http://www.openecu.o...title=Downloads
- Time and Patience (unmeasurable amount)
- XMLWrite - http://www.geocities...82/xmlwrite.zip
First things first. Install your chosen Tuning software and flashing software, some will do both. I recommend ECUFlash as its free and works well enough. I use ECUEdit (paid for) for its ease of use and the fact that it logs aswell and will graph the logs for me.
After installing the program/s read the instructions that came with them.
Now, we are going to need to create a definition file for the program to read your ROM Image. To do this you will need XMLWrite.
Open XMLWrite and follow the instructions on the screen, if you don't know the CALLID push the Enter key and scroll through the massive list of cars, then when you have found yours, write the CALLID down somewhere located on the far right (eg: A4SH701K) and push the Esc key.
Type in your CALLID and press enter, then Type in the number that corresponds to the program you are going to be using. This will create a definition file allowing the program to read the values in your ROM. This file needs to be placed into the correct directory. for ecuflash - C:\Program Files\OpenECU\EcuFlash\rommetadata
For EcuEdit - C:\Program Files\ecuEdit\XMLDefs
We are now ready to download your Rom file.
You will need to connect the 2 green test connectors, located under the dash on the drivers side, together and plug in your flash connector. if you buy the openport full adapter set, then it is the white connector that comes with it.
After this has been done connect the tactrix cable to the OBDII port under the driverside fuse box inside the cabin. and then to your laptop.
Open ECUFlash and click on the Read From ECU image at the top of the screen. It will then tell you to connect the green connectors then turn the ignition to the on position.
Immediately after turning the ignition to on (do not start the car) push the ok button on the screen and your Rom image will be downloaded. You have just downloaded your cars ECU ROM Image.
Save the file somewhere safe and make some backups of this file so if you should make some changes to your ECU that you are not happy with then you can return to the factory tune.
After you have saved your ROM File you can turn the car off and disconnect the laptop.
Open up ECUFlash and chose the open folder on the top right hand side.
Navigate tou you recently save Rom File and open it.
If you have made your Definition file correctly and placed it in the correct folder then you should be able to view the hundreds of maps that are on your ECU.
You can change all of these maps, but please do this carefully and always back up your original ROM file and also any ROM files that you are happy with.
Take the car out for a logging session (check my logging thread) and with this information you can start to tune your own ECU.
Once you have adjusted the maps you wish to, save it as something other than the original map, ie tune1-0 etc.
Its now time to Reflash your car. To do this you will have to follow the same steps above up to the point of reading your image. With ECUFlash, open the ROM File that you want to flash to the car ie tune1-0.
Choose the write to ecu image up the top. start the car and then immediately click the ok button and it will start flashing your ECU.
This process will take a little longer than the first as it is actually writing to your ECU not just reading from it.
After the process is complete turn off the ignition and disconnect the green test connectors and flash connector under the dash. And you are ready to go.
Take the car for a logging session and see what differences you have made.
if at any point you think that the car doesn't feel right, pull over and follow the same instructions above except load your original ROM File that you backed up onto your ECU and drive it home safely.
If you have any problems please post up questions and also, if you have problems with creating a definition file with XMLWrite I am happy to create one for you.... Just send me your downloaded rom file.
