My 2nd posted Topic To ETCG!? Updating The ECU/PCM

[Richard Cook]

Well, I got to looking around and I’ve become intrigued on the subject of updating the PCM. A practice I’ve only heard whispers about, I’d like to here What the Pros and Cons to brainwashing ou automobile. I am Especially interested in this topic for my new used vehicle, The 2002 Ford Explorer 4×4 xlt 4.0 sohc. Looking forward to your response. Thanks.

Topic

[Lorrin Barth]

I drive a Lancer Evolution. Since many, probably the majority of these cars are heavily modified, the modified vehicles all need ECU reprogramming to work.

The Evolution community is fortunate in having several individuals who decided to decompile, experiment with, and document what is in the ECU. Not only that, but we have two software packages, one that allows ECU reprogramming and a second that allows ECU logging. Between these two pieces of software we have the equivalent of a very expensive scan tool plus ECU reprogramming. The logging software is $25 and the programming software is free with the purchase of a cable. So, we have the whole smorgasbord.

Lets say I wish to change something in my ECU. I first download the present ROM. That way if I don’t like the result of my changes I can switch it back. Then I open up a copy of the present ROM, change values in timing maps or whatever. Then from my laptop, I load the new image into the ECU. BTW, the cable connector I have has pretty flashing lights that change color. How cool is that?

In order to keep from doing some serious damage to my engine I need to monitor a wide band oxygen sensor that I should have installed as a new instrument on the dash. I say should have since I don’t have one. But then I’m an old retired fart and the changes I’ve needed to make to my ECU are simple and don’t affect the makers tune.

So, on the Evolutionm forum where someone is having engine problems, often times the first question is – where’s your logs.

What is going on over in the Ford Explorer community I can’t say. But it is possible similar things are happening there.

[Richard Cook]

Howdy doo, Barneyb.
First of all, I feel that I have to commend you on your Evo. They are big name in import tuner automotive, ‘course you already know that. :woohoo: I really appreciate your response to my topic and find great value in your words. Obviously theres not as much resources out the for the explorer as there is for you evo but I got to thinkin maybe they’ve updated the programming for more precise timing and execution on the vehicle so it might have obvious result. ‘course I’m not looking for beast mode, nothing that dramatic. Just wannaget the most out of it. Can’t wait to get some more info and possibly get updated. Thank you again. If you have anything to add don’t hesitate. I live vicariously through other peoples projects.

[Lorrin Barth]

My pleasure.

If you go to

http://forums.evolutionm.net/evo-engine-management-tuning-forums-98/

you can read for days on how owners and tuners reprogram the Evo ECU. You will learn what is in the ECU and how it can be changed. There’s a massive amount of information here.

Also, some of the people and shops mentioned here also branch out to other makes. Naturally, the interest is in performance vehicles. It seems if you buy a powerful vehicle what you immediately want is even more power. The common Ford performance vehicle is the Mustang. I’m thinking you can find Ford tuners doing Mustangs. Go see what they are doing.

Its a big expense writing code that will operate a vehicle. So, naturally what the car companies do is write generic code and then modify it to fit the respective vehicle. So, if you find out how the Mustang computer works a good deal of this will apply to all Ford vehicles.

Like all acquired skills, the learning curve at the beginning is steep but it is an interesting subject, especially for someone with computer skills. This all started with the engine computer being a black box for everyone.

I imagine the makers of cars never thought owners would be reprogramming their car’s computer but it is happening.

[Author]

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