GIAC flash failed

I tried to have my ECU flashed by Autoscope in Dallas and they couldn't get the computer to read the ECU. They tried a few different connectors and couldn't get any to work. I'm pretty dissapointed as I was hoping to have it done today. I'll be heading back to Memphis on Sunday so this was my only chance. I only had about 2 hours to give them but they couldn't get it to work. Has anyone had similar issues or does anyone know what might be wrong?

they were probably using old interface software. Unless they just have issues w/ their hardware...i.e. bad cable or something. of course, I can only guess though...having not been there. dw

You could always say you did it and enjoy the 'placebo' effect that a lot of moders get... /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/dance.gifJust joking but it probably was old software.

That's why I'd recommend you come to KC for Croctoberfest and get it done right. I don't know what their issue was, either bad software, bad interface cable or both but I would call GIAC and let them know about it. Are you certain they downloaded the latest GIAC software for the Cayman? Perhaps they were trying to make something work that wasn't designed for the Cayman, I don't know, but I would call GIAC to see if they have an idea why. You may also have a cat code 421 or 431 in your ECU's flash memory and if you do, it has to be cleared before flashing with GIAC.

They tried three different GIAC usb interfaces and they all returned the same result. The process was that they would download the contents of the ECU, send it to GIAC, get the updated file back, and load it. They couldn't get my current ECU to read so that they could send it. They guy mentioned something about pin 16 not responding. He was able to hook up a standard obdII reader and it gave results, but the computer wouldn't read it. They said that their software was updated and that they would be sent or had the latest mapping. How would I know if I have a category 421 or 431 code? They had GIAC support on the phone once they started having problems and I have to imagine that they would have checked the version of the software, interfaces, etc. Maybe not ..... This does leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth about getting the GIAC flash done. Perhaps you are correct Ken, I need to come to Imagine Auto since they know what to do. I would be a little dissapointed however if they were one of few tuners that could actually get this to work.

If they put an ODBII reader on your car they would have detected the codes for the cats if they were there and GIAC would have told them not to flash with those codes present, that is assuming they didn't see the code and skip it because they didn't think it was important but if they were doing their job correctly which it sounds like they were then I would like to think that wasn't an issue. Really hard to say what went on, maybe GIAC has an idea. Since several of us have GIAC flashes and no one else has experienced this I would think it is either something with your tuner or your car, but without trying another Cayman at that tuner or another tuner with your car, hard to say which it might be.

<div> smounic [/quote] -I live in <st1 lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Austin</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">TX</st1:state></st1 lace>. last month, i had scheduled and appointment with Autoscope (<st1 lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Plano</st1:city></st1 lace> location)for the GIAC mod. at the last minute, they called and said their'designated' Porsche tech was unavailable and couldthey rescheduled?1st, this pissed me off tono end because i had to drive4 hrsget this done and 2nd, what kind of shop is dependent of ONE tech to service Porsche? [/quote]now hearing this happening to you only reinforces their lack of experience.<o ></o >[/quote] i am sorry it happened to you...caveat emptor!<o ></o >[/quote] [/quote] </div>

In all fairness to them, I gave them a pretty tight timeline with very little notice. I first called the Plano store, but they were booked up so I went to the Dallas store. The guy from the Plano store seemed pretty familiar with the scenario. I asked if he had done any Caymans and he said no, but he had done Boxsters and they were very similar. They also did not have the Evo intake in stock, but offered to order it for me. I hope they planned to order it in advance for you, mt647. I did get the impression from them that they had not done very many flashes for 2006my vehicles. My next shot will either be in a trip to Nashville, or when I go to Atlanta in November. Does Orton do a custom ECU or do they use the GIAC? I'm very tempted to bring it there in November. If the headers weren't 3K, I'd probably get them too. Oh well ..... thanks for all of the responses.

I'd give Autoscope the benefit of the doubt, they have donesome great work for me in the past andprobably given more time would have been able to figure out the problem.......who here hasn't had a similar computer glitch sometime in their past?? I'd also rather wait for their dedicated Porsche tech than have atech unfamiliar with Porsches screw something up. They are not a huge shop andcan't have several high paid techs standing around for GIAC loads, but they do better quality work than any of the dealers in the area.

Do you have a tiptronic? If you do then that's the reason. No updates yet.

No I don't use GIAC and yes Ido custom programming.

I just got my 9ff kit-2 installed. They require the ECU set off to San Diego for the flash. The first time they got it wrong (mine is the first US 9ff install and they put the wrong program in). Engine completely dead - must have triggered the security fault or something that prevented teh starter motor from working. After the second round trip to San Diego, everything works except the "check engine" light is on, so I may have to have it done again. Alex at Imagine Auto can read the error code and reset it, so I will know what the ECU thinks is wrong - most likely it is either an O2 sensor or the mass-flow sensor (one set of O2 sensors are disabled since only one cat is used, as is the mass-flow sensor in the 9ff ECU). So I may or may not have to have another ECU revision. Otherwise, my butt dyno says good things. We will get to see how the numbers stack up when Imagine Auto puts it on the dyno Friday at the Croctoberfest! If you like to hear your engine you will like the 9ff system. Charles

I have done a couple of tips with no problem. Neil

If they have not done any cayman's before, and do not have the updated can-bus GIAC loader, then they aren't going to be able to communicate with the ECU.

Answer from GIAC directly... I received an email today from GIAC... The contents are listed below: "Thank you for your email. The software we have is not for the tip transmission. We have a few projects on our plate, but as soon as we are finished with them we will be working on it. I will hang on to your email and let you know when it becomes avialable." I'll keep the forum informed when I receive an email from them stating the upgrade is available for the Tip... Thanks to this forum I didn't go out and spend the money only to have the upgrade fail!!

They had done newer Boxsters and what not. I'm pretty sure that the guy said it was the Can-bus Giac loader but I could be wrong. Oh well, I'm going for the Orton ECU. I talked to Neil last night and I like his approach much better.

smounic,You've seen the light I just got this email from a board member I had to laugh and a Doctor at that. ''Hey Neil, All I can say is WOW! I do not know what you guys did but this a totally new car. It pulls like a freight train and climbs the rev line like greased lightning! ''

I have done a few tips.let me know if interested. Neil