UTEC basics

Desolate One · 12-10-2003, 11:32 AM

Hey guys I was just had a few ultra-n00b-basic questions about the UTEC. IIRC the ECU is in the passenger footwell under the molded carpet right? And there's a map selector switch on the UTEC itself according to TXS's site/pictures. So to switch maps (or to load new maps for that matter) you would have to pull up the carpet to get at it right?

I've only done physical mods to the car and have never dabbled in computer tuning so I want to learn as much as possible before making the plunge. Is there a site/FAQ regarding all the basics? Off the top of my head I have questions regarding wide Band O2 sensors and wot other gauges I'll need other then EGT. Oh also, I've done searches and have seen people mention something about 60% throttle. Wot's the deal w/ that? Is the UTEC not optimized for part throttle?

Thanks,
Conrad

mick_the_ginge · 12-10-2003, 12:42 PM

For the updated UTEC Quick Tune Guide click here

The above is the basics of tuning your UTEC.

To load maps you don't have to take up the carpet, just leave the serial cable accessable.

To swap between maps you will need the TurboXS remote map selector switch which is an additional item.

To load firmware you will have to lift the carpet. New Firmware releases come out about every 6-9 months.

Currently the UTEC only takes control of the fueling and timing over 60% TPS. The Boost can be controlled by the UTEC at any TPS position. The reason that the UTEC waits until 60% TPS is that before this the ECU is running closed loop fuel control. You car will run better with the ECU running this section.

jayblizzo · 10-30-2004, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick_the_ginge

UTEC Quick Tune Guide

The above is the basics of tuning your UTEC.

To load maps you don't have to take up the carpet, just leave the serial cable accessable.

To swap between maps you will need the TurboXS remote map selector switch which is an additional item.

To load firmware you will have to lift the carpet. New Firmware releases come out about every 6-9 months.

Currently the UTEC only takes control of the fueling and timing over 60% TPS. The Boost can be controlled by the UTEC at any TPS position. The reason that the UTEC waits until 60% TPS is that before this the ECU is running closed loop fuel control. You car will run better with the ECU running this section.

i keep trying to get into this.. i can log into the forums but cant log into the downloads... anyone have it? can you send it to [email protected]? or can anyone tell me how to get to it thanks

Desolate One · 12-10-2003, 01:04 PM

Great, thanks for the reply Mick! That certainly cleared up the 60% question I had.
I'll have to register on WRX Hackers when I get home. It wouldn't let me access that portion of the site.
I'll definitely take a look into the remote map selector switch.

Thanks again,
Conrad

Mildmanneredman · 12-10-2003, 06:06 PM

You can also download the manual on the TXS website.

Desolate One · 12-10-2003, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mildmanneredman
You can also download the manual on the TXS website.

Just printed it out. Time to study!

mick_the_ginge · 12-10-2003, 06:55 PM

The TurboXS UTEC manual is not the same as the Quick Tune Guide. Read the official UTEC manual first then use the Quick Tune Guide to fill in some of the gaps.

Desolate One · 12-10-2003, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mick_the_ginge
The TurboXS UTEC manual is not the same as the Quick Tune Guide. Read the official UTEC manual first then use the Quick Tune Guide to fill in some of the gaps.

Yah, I've printed out the TXS manual and will study that. I've also downloaded your guide and will go over that as well.
Thanks again guys!

Desolate One · 12-16-2003, 10:13 PM

Don't mean to bring an old thread back from the grave but I feel it's silly to start a new one regarding the same topic.

I seem to be having trouble connecting to the UTEC. I've followed TXS's instructions as per the guide and I get nothing on my HyperTerminal window. I've checked and switched COM ports and made sure I was getting a red light on the UTEC. Granted it isn't in the vehicle but I just wanted to load the stage 1 map before the install. That is wot the 9V adaptor is for right? Am I missing something?

Thanks again guys.
Conrad

mick_the_ginge · 12-17-2003, 01:14 AM

Connect the UTEC power to a car battery and then see if it works. Maybe the 9volter is not quite enough to power it.

Mick

Desolate One · 12-17-2003, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mick_the_ginge
Connect the UTEC power to a car battery and then see if it works. Maybe the 9volter is not quite enough to power it.

Mick

Well the 9V is brand new so I'm kinda worried. Hopefully I'm doing something wrong in regards to a HyperTerminal Setting. I mean I get a red light on the UTEC and I have all the settings like the manual shows but when I click connect nothing happens. I may take it to GRD this week and see wot Tuan has to say about it.
Anything else I should look out for?

Thanks again,
Conrad

mick_the_ginge · 12-17-2003, 01:32 AM

Have you tried pressing <CR> enter a couple of times. Mine always comes up blank, I press enter a couple of times and it's there.

Mick

Desolate One · 12-17-2003, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mick_the_ginge
Have you tried pressing <CR> enter a couple of times. Mine always comes up blank, I press enter a couple of times and it's there.

Mick

I will definitely try that tomorrow after work. Right now I'm far too tired to start messing with it again. Thanks for all the help. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!

Aaron'sWRX · 12-17-2003, 02:23 AM

I have to hit enter once before it comes up. Also, if you have another software program running in the background that uses a serial port, you have to disable the program. Such as HotSync for palm.

Aaron

Desolate One · 12-17-2003, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aaron'sWRX
I have to hit enter once before it comes up. Also, if you have another software program running in the background that uses a serial port, you have to disable the program. Such as HotSync for palm.

Aaron

At the moment I don't have anything even connected to any of my serial ports for the computer in question. I hope it is just a matter of hitting enter. That would take a load off my mind!

Desolate One · 12-17-2003, 09:15 PM

Thank you thank you Mick & Aaron! I pressed enter and it came right up! I've also successfully loaded a map (stage 1) I downloaded from TXS and as soon as I get my remote map selector switch it's going in the car!

You guys rock!

While I'm here, IIRC the base Stage 1 map is for a stock car so wot changes will I need to make for an uppipe? Uppipe/stealthback? Does TXS have a map for those mods? I only see a map for the TBE (Stage 2).

SloRice · 12-17-2003, 09:22 PM

I hit the ESC key after I click connect and the screen pops up.

Tim

T-WRX · 12-19-2003, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aaron'sWRX
I have to hit enter once before it comes up. Also, if you have another software program running in the background that uses a serial port, you have to disable the program. Such as HotSync for palm.

Aaron

Yepper. I used to have to disable the hotsync while my laptop was in the docking station. Now I switched to a USB serial port emulator. Although, sometimes I have to open hyperterminal twice to ensure that it connects.

Quote:

Originally posted by SloRice
I hit the ESC key after I click connect and the screen pops up.

Tim

Ditto.

Desolate One · 12-22-2003, 03:18 PM

I've found a Stage 1 + uppipe map on WRX Hackers but of course there is a "use at your own risk" disclaimer which doesn't set well with me. Would TXS be able to supply one for me if I give them a ring or is the only way through dyno tuning? Is there another TXS page with more maps somewhere on their site?

T-WRX · 12-22-2003, 04:02 PM

No, there is not a master page of TXS maps other than the base maps.

However, you can figure this out yourself. Try comparing the stage 2 w/uppipe on WRX Hackers (tuned by Nathan at TXS) to the stage 2 w/out uppipe (from TXS website). The same differences will apply to the addition of an uppipe to a base stage 1 map.

What you should see that fuel is added about 500 rpm sooner, and the boost is also adjusted as necessary to hit the target psi sooner.

Be careful pulling maps off wrxhackers if you aren't going to scrutinize them carefully, and compare them to base maps to determine exactly what the changes are. The "use at own risk" disclaimer is there for a reason.

Desolate One · 12-22-2003, 06:16 PM

Wow, thanks for the info! Just another quick one if I may. I've noticed the maps are in text documents so this leads me to believe I can open up the files in a text editor and view them side by side, is this correct? If not how would I go about comparing the maps?

Also, do you guys think I should hold off completely untill I have EGT and wideband 02 guages before any tuning is started. I'm sure it's the smart thing to do. Any other recommendations on guages/things to monitor? I already have the boost gauge.

Thanks again.

gpatmac · 12-22-2003, 07:12 PM

http://www.clegg.us/utec/UTECMapCompare.asp

Be careful if you choose to use Notepad or something similar. I'm not computer savvy enough, but I have had problems when I've tried to edit my maps with it. Something about a checksum error.

I'd strongly urge you to wait until you had the tuning tools before you tuned. You have 2 pretty important ones in the boost gauge and the UTEC's knock detection, but the WB is crucial.

T-WRX · 12-22-2003, 09:58 PM

There is a very nice UTEC map editor tool available from WRX hackers. I open two versions of it at once, place the windows on top of each other, and then ALT-TAB between the two to compare.

The other nice feature on the map editor is that it always gives the proper checksum, and highlights any changes that you make (until you save-file).

Thanks for the link to the map comparison tool - I'll check it out!

Desolate One · 02-01-2004, 11:47 AM

Okay, I'm real slow (hey it's been busy!) at getting my parts on and I had another couple basic questions.

A) Is the UTEC remote map selector switch lit?

B) When installing the ABC how do I set it? All the way counter-clockwise and adjust accordingly?

I have some time off work this week so I'm going to give it a go!

Thanks again for all your help.

cdvma · 02-03-2004, 11:19 AM

A) No.
B) Screw in all the way, back out two turns, go for a run, adjust, run, adjust ect...

12-10-2003, 11:32 AM	#1
Desolate One Scooby Newbie Member#: 22797 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	UTEC basics Hey guys I was just had a few ultra-n00b-basic questions about the UTEC. IIRC the ECU is in the passenger footwell under the molded carpet right? And there's a map selector switch on the UTEC itself according to TXS's site/pictures. So to switch maps (or to load new maps for that matter) you would have to pull up the carpet to get at it right? I've only done physical mods to the car and have never dabbled in computer tuning so I want to learn as much as possible before making the plunge. Is there a site/FAQ regarding all the basics? Off the top of my head I have questions regarding wide Band O2 sensors and wot other gauges I'll need other then EGT. Oh also, I've done searches and have seen people mention something about 60% throttle. Wot's the deal w/ that? Is the UTEC not optimized for part throttle? Thanks, Conrad

12-10-2003, 12:42 PM	#2
mick_the_ginge Citizen Mick Member#: 27646 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, Oregon Vehicle: 2003 Sleeved 2.5 Oil Dry Sump Goodness	For the updated UTEC Quick Tune Guide click here The above is the basics of tuning your UTEC. To load maps you don't have to take up the carpet, just leave the serial cable accessable. To swap between maps you will need the TurboXS remote map selector switch which is an additional item. To load firmware you will have to lift the carpet. New Firmware releases come out about every 6-9 months. Currently the UTEC only takes control of the fueling and timing over 60% TPS. The Boost can be controlled by the UTEC at any TPS position. The reason that the UTEC waits until 60% TPS is that before this the ECU is running closed loop fuel control. You car will run better with the ECU running this section. Last edited by mick_the_ginge; 03-14-2007 at 07:33 PM.

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12-10-2003, 01:04 PM	#4
Desolate One Scooby Newbie Member#: 22797 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Great, thanks for the reply Mick! That certainly cleared up the 60% question I had. I'll have to register on WRX Hackers when I get home. It wouldn't let me access that portion of the site. I'll definitely take a look into the remote map selector switch. Thanks again, Conrad

12-10-2003, 06:06 PM	#5
Mildmanneredman Scooby Newbie Member#: 29962 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tucson	You can also download the manual on the TXS website.

12-10-2003, 06:55 PM	#7
mick_the_ginge Citizen Mick Member#: 27646 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, Oregon Vehicle: 2003 Sleeved 2.5 Oil Dry Sump Goodness	The TurboXS UTEC manual is not the same as the Quick Tune Guide. Read the official UTEC manual first then use the Quick Tune Guide to fill in some of the gaps.

12-16-2003, 10:13 PM	#9
Desolate One Scooby Newbie Member#: 22797 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Don't mean to bring an old thread back from the grave but I feel it's silly to start a new one regarding the same topic. I seem to be having trouble connecting to the UTEC. I've followed TXS's instructions as per the guide and I get nothing on my HyperTerminal window. I've checked and switched COM ports and made sure I was getting a red light on the UTEC. Granted it isn't in the vehicle but I just wanted to load the stage 1 map before the install. That is wot the 9V adaptor is for right? Am I missing something? Thanks again guys. Conrad

12-17-2003, 01:14 AM	#10
mick_the_ginge Citizen Mick Member#: 27646 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, Oregon Vehicle: 2003 Sleeved 2.5 Oil Dry Sump Goodness	Connect the UTEC power to a car battery and then see if it works. Maybe the 9volter is not quite enough to power it. Mick

12-17-2003, 01:32 AM	#12
mick_the_ginge Citizen Mick Member#: 27646 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, Oregon Vehicle: 2003 Sleeved 2.5 Oil Dry Sump Goodness	Have you tried pressing <CR> enter a couple of times. Mine always comes up blank, I press enter a couple of times and it's there. Mick

12-17-2003, 02:23 AM	#14
Aaron'sWRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 34150 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Washington Vehicle: 02 WRX	I have to hit enter once before it comes up. Also, if you have another software program running in the background that uses a serial port, you have to disable the program. Such as HotSync for palm. Aaron

12-17-2003, 09:15 PM	#16
Desolate One Scooby Newbie Member#: 22797 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Thank you thank you Mick & Aaron! I pressed enter and it came right up! I've also successfully loaded a map (stage 1) I downloaded from TXS and as soon as I get my remote map selector switch it's going in the car! You guys rock! While I'm here, IIRC the base Stage 1 map is for a stock car so wot changes will I need to make for an uppipe? Uppipe/stealthback? Does TXS have a map for those mods? I only see a map for the TBE (Stage 2).

12-17-2003, 09:22 PM	#17
SloRice Scooby Specialist Member#: 44351 Join Date: Sep 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cincinnati, OH Vehicle: 2004 Mitsubishi Evo 701whp 9.91@146	I hit the ESC key after I click connect and the screen pops up. Tim

12-22-2003, 03:18 PM	#19
Desolate One Scooby Newbie Member#: 22797 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	I've found a Stage 1 + uppipe map on WRX Hackers but of course there is a "use at your own risk" disclaimer which doesn't set well with me. Would TXS be able to supply one for me if I give them a ring or is the only way through dyno tuning? Is there another TXS page with more maps somewhere on their site?

12-22-2003, 04:02 PM	#20
T-WRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 2468 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: South East Location: JAX	No, there is not a master page of TXS maps other than the base maps. However, you can figure this out yourself. Try comparing the stage 2 w/uppipe on WRX Hackers (tuned by Nathan at TXS) to the stage 2 w/out uppipe (from TXS website). The same differences will apply to the addition of an uppipe to a base stage 1 map. What you should see that fuel is added about 500 rpm sooner, and the boost is also adjusted as necessary to hit the target psi sooner. Be careful pulling maps off wrxhackers if you aren't going to scrutinize them carefully, and compare them to base maps to determine exactly what the changes are. The "use at own risk" disclaimer is there for a reason.

12-22-2003, 06:16 PM	#21
Desolate One Scooby Newbie Member#: 22797 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Wow, thanks for the info! Just another quick one if I may. I've noticed the maps are in text documents so this leads me to believe I can open up the files in a text editor and view them side by side, is this correct? If not how would I go about comparing the maps? Also, do you guys think I should hold off completely untill I have EGT and wideband 02 guages before any tuning is started. I'm sure it's the smart thing to do. Any other recommendations on guages/things to monitor? I already have the boost gauge. Thanks again.

12-22-2003, 07:12 PM	#22
gpatmac Scooby Guru Member#: 18446 Join Date: May 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Stratford, CT Vehicle: 2002 WRX wagon psm	http://www.clegg.us/utec/UTECMapCompare.asp Be careful if you choose to use Notepad or something similar. I'm not computer savvy enough, but I have had problems when I've tried to edit my maps with it. Something about a checksum error. I'd strongly urge you to wait until you had the tuning tools before you tuned. You have 2 pretty important ones in the boost gauge and the UTEC's knock detection, but the WB is crucial.

12-22-2003, 09:58 PM	#23
T-WRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 2468 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: South East Location: JAX	There is a very nice UTEC map editor tool available from WRX hackers. I open two versions of it at once, place the windows on top of each other, and then ALT-TAB between the two to compare. The other nice feature on the map editor is that it always gives the proper checksum, and highlights any changes that you make (until you save-file). Thanks for the link to the map comparison tool - I'll check it out!

02-01-2004, 11:47 AM	#24
Desolate One Scooby Newbie Member#: 22797 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Okay, I'm real slow (hey it's been busy!) at getting my parts on and I had another couple basic questions. A) Is the UTEC remote map selector switch lit? B) When installing the ABC how do I set it? All the way counter-clockwise and adjust accordingly? I have some time off work this week so I'm going to give it a go! Thanks again for all your help.

02-03-2004, 11:19 AM	#25
cdvma Scooby Specialist Member#: 21980 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Central MA Vehicle: 2002 PSM WRX (Sold) 2017 BMW X5	A) No. B) Screw in all the way, back out two turns, go for a run, adjust, run, adjust ect...