PSA: Flash to Factory AND Unlock Ktuner from ECU prior to service

[gtman]

The more I think about it it makes no sense that the PCM change should have KTuner seeing different ECU numbers. Unless maybe the dealer screwed up the programming of it?

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[arpypat]

@arpypat so help me out here because this situation is a first for me. And it might be important to also post in my tuning thread. I know you got a new PCM, but your actual ECU is the same. Why would the powertrain control module think your ECU had a different number?

And then let's say KTuner unlocks your device so you can then lock it to your "new ECU software number". Once locked (if indeed your system is showing some sort of f-ed up ECU situation), I don't think your current Phearable tune file would work either because I thought it was tied to your ECU software version, not the KTuner serial number. So in this situation even that may become as issue.

Is it possible that the KTuner is not actually locked to the ECU itself, but to some number in the PCM? I wish @KTuner themselves would be a little bit more open on what's going on here.

Other than slimey business practices, the only reason I can see that KTuner would not unlock your unit for free is that it is actually tied to the PCM, and since your old PCM, although (possibly) broken, is still out there and technically still could be used to tune a car if fixed.

But really, even if this is a possibility, a company with slight morals should be able to understand that this was not some stunt to get a free extra tuned car. This is a fault with the KTuner itself (possibly by design).

I doubt KTuner themselves will chime in, but it would be greatly appreciated. Just my $0.02.

The more I think about it it makes no sense that the PCM change should have KTuner seeing different ECU numbers. Unless maybe the dealer screwed up the programming of it?

It's so odd. When I went back to flash my ECU on Sunday, the Ktuner device would not flash due to error. Got a popup that said it could be due to the ECU not matching the ECU the unit was previously locked to. On the flash log, it was not showing my VIN number. I'll get the screenshots that I sent to Ktuner.

On the very bottom of the Ktuner software where it has the status lights for connections and where it says "Logging ## FPS", my "module" number was the same as before. So my ECU is still the same version? And I'm not sure if they touched my ECU at all at the dealer. If the "Module" number is the same, I'm hoping I can still use that same Phearable tune. On Phearable's website, they only ask for Ktuner S/N, so I believe the tune is tied to the device.

 

[gtman]

So wait. If you got to the point you were able to flash but got an error at that point it sounds like you're actually locked to your ECU.

In other words you're locked but unable to flash your tune... or am I misunderstanding.

 

[arpypat]

So wait. If you got to the point you were able to flash but got an error at that point it sounds like you're actually locked to your ECU.

In other words you're locked but unable to flash your tune... or am I misunderstanding.

I'm not able to flash. It's odd because the "Upload Tune" button works, so I can attempt to flash my ECU. But it immediately gets to the screen to where it tells you to key off for a few seconds and then back on. After that is when I get the error pop-up.

The Unlock function is also greyed out in the Ktuner software.

 

[gtman]

Can you please post a screenshot of the pop up? That's the key piece of the puzzle here. Sort of like when people say they have a CEL but don't post the actual code.

You originally said it was a locking issue. I don't know if that's it. If you weren't locked, I don't think it would even allow you to get to the point to even attempt a flash.

 

[arpypat]

Can you please post a screenshot of the pop up? That's the key piece of the puzzle here. Sort of like when people say they have a CEL but don't post the actual code.

You originally said it was a locking issue. I don't know if that's it. If you weren't locked, I don't think it would even allow you to get to the point to even attempt a flash.

Okay, I got you.

Here is the screenshot that shows what car/ecu/vin the unit is locked to. At the bottom, you can see while I'm connected to my car, the unit is detecting my ECU version to be the same as what it was locked to.

Here is a log of my flashes and flash attempts:

All those 3/31 date attempts was me trying to reflash but got an error each time. I, unfortunately, don't have the screenshot with the actual error message, but it was along the lines of "ECU does not match what the unit was locked to" That was 1 of potentially 3 different issues that would cause the error. I'll try to flash again later and get a screenshot of the error code.

I supplied all that info to Ktuner and they believe I should be fine once I send the unit in to get it reset and for me to get a new license file. I bit the bullet and sent them the $300. They also do not accept CC payment and asked for Zelle...

 

[delayedend]

...They also do not accept CC payment and asked for Zelle...

You sure it was the real KTuner . That sounds sketchy. Hope everything works out, though.

 

[arpypat]

I also want to note that in that screenshot with the log that shows all those flash attempts on 3/31, not 1 of them was actually successful. I got the same error message each time. Even those times where it says "Factory Software", it never really did anything and errored out.

 

[arpypat]

You sure it was the real KTuner . That sounds sketchy. Hope everything works out, though.

Tell me about it. But I did email [email protected] for support and their Zelle account is [email protected] registered as "Ktuner LLC", so I assume it's legit.

 

[rhino]

Okay, I got you.

Here is the screenshot that shows what car/ecu/vin the unit is locked to. At the bottom, you can see while I'm connected to my car, the unit is detecting my ECU version to be the same as what it was locked to.

Here is a log of my flashes and flash attempts:

All those 3/31 date attempts was me trying to reflash but got an error each time. I, unfortunately, don't have the screenshot with the actual error message, but it was along the lines of "ECU does not match what the unit was locked to" That was 1 of potentially 3 different issues that would cause the error. I'll try to flash again later and get a screenshot of the error code.

I supplied all that info to Ktuner and they believe I should be fine once I send the unit in to get it reset and for me to get a new license file. I bit the bullet and sent them the $300. They also do not accept CC payment and asked for Zelle...

tf? ive never heard of a place like ktuner not accepting a cc?? hopefully you got it set so if its a scam you get your money back man!

 

[gtman]

So the issue isn't getting it locked and I'm not sure what the PCM install screwed up. Now it's a matter of being able to upload a tune to your ECU.

The reason I asked for the exact code is, often when this type of thing happens, I copy and paste the exact wording into a search a find the proper fix.

But if KTuner says they can resolve this, they know what they're doing. Sorry you're going through all this misery.

As far as KTuner not taking a credit card, remember they really aren't a retail company. They sell through dealers. So this is likely just JR fixing this for you personally, or maybe I'm wrong. Lol

 

[Romeoridgee]

Honda warranty dept is gunna pop out a brick when the see a different tune on that ecu submitted in. They are going to debit that dealer probably. Oof lol. Have you tried uploading the stock tune on the new ecu?

 

[arpypat]

Honda warranty dept is gunna pop out a brick when the see a different tune on that ecu submitted in. They are going to debit that dealer probably. Oof lol. Have you tried uploading the stock tune on the new ecu?

I flashed back to factory tune before I brought my car into the dealer. And they only replaced the PCM and not the ECU, unless that is combined in one unit on this car?

I did try to upload my Phearable tune and the stock tune when got my car back, but to no avail. The unit was not responding to any flash attempts.

And @gtman - I did find the error message:

 

[Bigsby]

Probably unrelated but maybe try updating your KtTuner software to the current version which is 1.0.12.6

 

[gtman]

Did you try what they mentioned about making sure you're fully seating the KTuner into the OBD-II port? It's worth a shot.

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