ECU Question

[ndwgolf]

Guys,

This may sound a stupid question (but then my knowledge of car mechanics is zero) Anyway when I upgraded to a single turbo I also bought a F-Con Pro aftermarket ECU, I believe they used this to re-tune my car, but since the accident I had 4 months ago we are now having problems starting my car. I have been told that the memory in the F-Con has been lost and it now needs to be re-tuned (I think) also they said that there seems to be a problem with the stock ECU (I thought that once you have the F-Con you no longer use the stock one), is that correct??????

Sorry for the dumb questions but I am starting to think that someone here (in Thailand) is trying to get me to buy more than I really need? So my questions are;

1/. Do I still need the stock ECU

2/. Is it possible to loose the memory of the F-Con, as it is going to cost me a bunch to re program it

Thanks

 

Neil

[Nic]

It is definitely the Fcon V Pro you have fitted and not one of the other Fcon models, such as the S, SZ or iS?

 

The Fcon V Pro is normally used as a complete standalone replacement to the stock ECU. I think they can also be used in conjunction with the stock ECU on the VVTi and autos (with stock ECU controlling the VVTi/auto box), but on your 94 6spd there is no reason why you would need to retain the stock ECU.

 

The other Fcon models (S, SZ or iS) are all piggy back computers, used with the stock ECU.

 

I presume the tuner you are using is an HKS Pro dealer? Were they the ones who mapped it the first time? Only HKS Pro dealers have the software to map any of the Fcon models.

 

How old is the Fcon, is it the latest gold version seen here?

 

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/products/electronics/com/fcon_v_pro.html

 

The Fcon should store the map even when the battery is disconnected. It seems strange that it needs remapping, the only reason you would normally need to remap, would be suit a new turbo/fueling setup. It is possible that the data has been lost or corrupted, but not usual. They should be able to hook it up to a laptop and see the data on the Fcon.

 

Are you able to inspect the car? The stock ECU (and usually the Fcon, although not always), is located in the passenger side footwell underneath the carpet and plastic cover. It might be worth seeing for yourself if the stock ECU is still fitted and double check which Fcon model it is.

 

Good luck.

[ndwgolf]

Nick,

for sure it is the F-con pro gold box.

The tuner that mapped it first time put a password to i guess stop someone changing the mapping.

I am taking my car to HKS to install the Hipermax suspension and have asked them to remap it but i hear they are very expensive, i am waiting for them to get back to me?

Also there is a chance that the first guy that tuned that car saved a copy of the mapping so we are trying to get intouch with him

Thanks for the info, i will keep you posted

Neil

[Nic]

Note not all HKS dealers can map the Fcon, only HKS Pro dealers.

 

Just a thought, the Fcon has a switch under the cover at the front which allows one of 4 different maps to be selected. I'm just wondering if the switch could have been moved and be causing the problem??