If I disconnect my battery then I install the Frankencar intake, it will reset my ECU. Will this erase any downloaded software to the ECU that I had done at the dealership?

Thanks
Ray

 

I will hopefully do this tomorrow, any input would be appreciated.

--Ray

 

Some say that disconnecting the battery doesn't actually reset the ECU. It will "learn" the new characteristics of the intake, but I don't think anyhting will be deleted.

 

Anyone else??

 

What did the dealer "download"??

 

They downloaded a fix for a Check Engine Light code 1450, something to do with the Catalytic Converter. It might have had the fuel cut TSB also, as it is much smoother to drive now. I don't want to lose this.

--Ray

 

My dealer said they updated and reprogrammed my ECM when I took it in for the SES light. I'm not sure how to tell from the invoice what code the engine threw, but I also wouldn't want to lose that new info.

 

I went in for the SES light too. They said they need to update my ECU with new codes for emissions. But they were unable to for fear of frying my ECU My Max has too many problems.

 

I've heard the "update" rumors as well. It seems that NNA is constantly tweaking the ECU software for better performance, emissions, etc.

How they upload it (and to what, some sort of flash RAM possibly) remains the big question.

I'm sure there's a few techs here who will come up with the answer.

 

My guess is much the same way that they upload new firmware for cisco routers. Hook up a proprietary serial interface (like your mouse connector) and flash the eprom. Resetting your battery will not revert the ECU program, the reprogramming is permanently embedded in the solid state memory barring some kind of electromagnetic catastrophe like a nuclear blast w/ EMP shockwave, record breaking sunspot, or just frying your ECU. Otherwise you will be fine.

 

Just to update this thread. I recently learned that my dealer installed a code update to the ECM. Since the update I've noticed less low end power (under 3k) but better power above 6K (butt dyno only).

My fuel economy also seems to have improved by about 2-3 mpg. Honestly, I'd rather have the low end power than the fuel economy. Has anyone else had this experience?

FYI, I originally bought the car in November 2001 and the update was applied in mid-October 2002.

 

bump

 

I just noticed another thread running which seems to indicate that the 2K3's are getting better fuel economy than some/most 2K2's. This is also consistent with what I am experiencing. I believe the ECM code update changes the way the engine operates in a big way. If I had to guess, I would say that engine timing curve and valve timing may have been altered, especially below 3000 rpm's to give better fuel economy. Peak horsepower may not have changed, but the low end feels much less to me now.

I'm considering going to drive a brand new 2K3 to try and get a sense of how they are driving. I would bet they will feel like my car does now. IMHO, the new way is much worse than before . . . I really noticed the drop in power and it ****ed me off in a big way. I have yet to find out if I can go back to the old code . . .

I used to be able to break the front tires loose in first at really low rpm's. Now they don't break until over 3000 rpm. I also can't chirp 3rd anymore whereas I used to be able to do this without even trying . . .