EcuTek ProECU FAQ

Would EcuTek custom-map my car?

At EcuTek we provide the technology to re-map ECUs, but we don't do the actual
mapping except for mild fixes of standard ECU versions such as for drivability etc.
There are EcuTek tuners all around the world who can custom map your car for
you, and you can use our dealer locator to find the best-placed distributors for you.

I am transferring my EcuTek software to a new PC and have copied all the

files across, but I’m now getting an error message saying something about
the Licence Key not being found. What do you think is wrong?

Download the EcuTek Application Installer and use it to do a fresh installation of

the ProECU software. Once that's done, run EcuTek Update from the Help menu,
which will install any updated files or drivers that are needed. If you still have the
problem, check that the new PC meets the far-from-stringent system requirements
listed below and, if it does, get in touch with us and specify your operating system
version and the exact wording of the message being displayed.

What kind of PC do I need to run ProECU programming software?

Our software products require far less memory and processing power than most
modern applications you would run on a Windows PC. They have been specifically
designed to run efficiently lean so that live data can be logged as fast as possible.
The faster your PC, the quicker you can log and graph data; the more memory and
disk space you have, the more data you can log, and for longer.

The minimum system requirements are:

 Operating system – Windows 10 is recommended. Windows 7 and

Windows 8.1 are supported, but some features may not be available. Both
32-bit and 64-bit versions are supported. Windows 8.1/10 RT is not
supported. Running the software inside a virtual machine such as
VMWare, VirtualBox or Parellels is not supported.
 Processor — 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit or 64-bit
 Memory — 1 gigabyte (GB) or greater
 Hard drive space — 250 MB on C: drive for ProECU programming kit.
2,000 MB on C: drive for ProECU tuning suites.
 Display — 1024x768 minimum screen resolution.
 Ports — Two free USB ports are required for the EcuTek Vehicle
Interface and the Licence Key.
 Internet Access — Required to enable software update downloads.
 Language — EcuTek software is only available in English, but will run on
other Windows region versions.
Will ProECU work on a laptop?

Absolutely, in fact we envisage it being used with a laptop in most instances, and
have purposely designed it to work with restricted screen space and Windows
Small Fonts.

On how many PCs may I install the software?

You can install the software on as many PCs as you like, but you will only be able
to log data from your car with one PC (the one with the hardware plugged into it!).
So you can install one copy on your laptop for logging, and have another copy on
your desktop PC for subsequent analysis. You can even give a friend a copy so that
they can peruse your logs.

I can buy OBD-II reader software from any number of sources, so why
should I purchase ProECU?

It depends on what you're wanting to do. If you intend performance-tuning and/or

adding greater functionality, an OBD-II reader won't help you; it's certainly much
too slow and cumbersome for the kind of engine development work that's done by
EcuTek. If all you intend doing is reading/clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes,
however, then yes, it may make more sense to acquire a reader if it's much cheaper
than ProECU. If you intend purchasing OBD-II software you should seek
confirmation that it will work with your make and model of car; you can't assume
that it will.

Can I use ProECU on a car with a UniChip or some other 'piggyback'-

style ECU?

Yes you can, but keep the following in mind: a 'piggyback' ECU works by altering
the signals that go into the ECU, changing sensor voltages and altering the ECU's
outputs, for instance, so as to get the standard ECU to behave differently. This is
why some of the values read from ProECU don't represent the true current
running-state of your engine; they are the values the ECU is using, certainly, but
they might not reflect the real-world reality.

I want to leave ProECU plugged into my car for most of the time, but as
the interface cable plugs in very near to my knee, I'm wondering if there's
any way of relocating it?

On many cars the diagnostic socket can be unclipped for relocation, and can be
secured in a more suitable position using cable ties.

Is it complicated to install and wire-up ProECU in the car?

There's no wiring involved, you just connect the cable between the diagnostic port
under the dashboard, and your laptop. And there's no need for any external power
unless you want to run your laptop from the lighter socket.

In what format are the log files saved, and can I load them into other
programs?

Each time you save a log from a car it is saved as two files. One file (the .txt) has
comments in it that you entered while logging; the other file (the .csv file) contains
all the data. The data is in comma-separated variable format (hence the filename
extension 'csv') and can be imported into many other programs for further
analysis, including Microsoft Excel and Access.

I have my interface plugged in but the software does not see the car. Any
idea why?

Check that the car's ignition is on (rather than the key just being in the auxiliary
position) and that the engine is not running. Also check that the interface is
properly plugged into the laptop.

Occasionally when I'm logging data, the graphs pause, leaving gaps in the
retrieved data. Why is this?

There are two likely reasons:

 At high RPM the ECU may be too busy to return all the data you've
requested while simultaneously running the engine. Try reducing the
number of parameters being logged, and try increasing the data-capture
interval.
 Interference from the vehicle's electrical systems, including the ignition
system, may interfere with the communication, so try using a shorter
cable between laptop and interface.

Why should I reprogram the standard ECU rather than buy a new,
aftermarket one?

For the following reasons:

1. Specification — The standard ECU has a very powerful processor and can
run at very high speed.
2. Development — Car makers spend millions of pounds on software
calibration, from which we can benefit. As we need only work on, say, 3%
of the data contained in the ECU, we retain all of the complex and time-
consuming mapping for the more obscure functions such as warm-up, cold
start, overrun etc. This also allows us to concentrate on mapping beyond
 the conservative parameters set at factory. Aftermarket replacement
ECUs cannot compete with the speed, power and complexity of the
standard factory control unit. The ability to re-map in the way we do
makes aftermarket units and add-on signal modifiers obsolete.
3. Functionality — All of the factory ECU functions such as ECU-controlled
climate control, vehicle immobiliser and diagnostic trouble codes are
preserved unharmed. You'll find none of these functions with the
replacement programmable ECUs, and the add-on signal modifiers that
are spliced into the vehicle wiring can actually introduce faults due to the
ECU's interpretation of the incorrect signals.
4. Security — EcuTek programming is done via the car's diagnostic socket,
so no hardware or wires are either added or removed from the ECU, and
the standard factory diagnostics report an unchanged and fault-free ECU.

What happens if I find an ECU that isn't supported by your software?

The ProECU tools allow you to dump the data from the ECU and send it to us so
that we can investigate and add support for the ROM. This process usually takes
up to seven days, depending on the complexity of the vehicle, but sometimes we
receive submissions we cannot immediately support and, in such fortunately rare
cases, it takes quite a bit longer.

As our vehicle support is constantly updated we can provide a comprehensive

list of supported vehicles for all our software upon request. Please email
[email protected] for further information.

Why is EcuTek not willing to sell tuning software direct to enthusiasts?

EcuTek tuning software makes it possible to edit and reprogram the standard
ECU, but safe and successful recalibration very much requires the input of an
experienced tuner, who will know what should be changed and understand where
the limits lie.

The price of EcuTek tuning software suites is spread across the multiple cars tuned
by each of our trade customers, and the pricing structure is not suitable for a
single car-tune purchase. EcuTek is always busy researching and developing new
features and products, and supplying this complex software to the enthusiast would
involve devoting a significantly larger amount of time to email and telephone
support, which would have a very detrimental impact on our research and
development.

But having said all this, you CAN buy the ProECU Programming Kit from any
EcuTek Master Tuner if you wish to program your car with a tuned ROM
prepared and provided by an experienced tuner. Also, we have end-user tuning
enabled on our Subaru BRZ and Mazda MX-5 Tuning Suites, and this facility may
be extended to certain other suites in the future.

Does ProECU work with the old-style serial-port interface cable?

No. We have removed support for the serial (COM port) Vehicle Interface cable in
the latest version of ProECU (and DeltaDash). However, you can download the
older version of DeltaDash that DOES support the serial cable, at
www.ecutek.com/downloads/deltadash-serial.zip . You will first need to delete the
existing DeltaDash.exe file from the C:\EcuTek folder.

What exactly is RaceROM?

RaceROM is a powerful additional feature created by EcuTek to add extra features

to the standard factory ECU. These typically include such things as Launch
Control, Flat-Foot Shifting, Speed Density… and many others. RaceROM's
additions can open-up almost unlimited tuning options and totally transform a
vehicle.

The added features are listed on the webpage relevant to each of the ProECU
products that support RaceROM, so you can look up the exact list of added
functions that RaceROM brings to each car model.

Where can I find EcuTek third party licence compliance?

You can find the latest version of our third party licence compliance and related
documentation at: www.ecutek.com/thirdpartylicenses

What Operating Systems are NOT supported by EcuTek software?

Windows versions prior to Windows 7 are not supported.

You can find a detailed description of the operating systems that EcuTek software
supports at: www.ecutek.com/os-end-of-support

Before programming an ECU

Mobile phones can cause interference with the CAN signal.

ECU programming is the process of taking a ROM file and writing it into
permanent storage in the engine management ECU.

If something goes wrong during that process it can cause serious problems, but the
following tips will help ensure that your reprogramming is a success.
Minimise battery drain
We strongly recommend that you switch off all non-essential electrical devices
before embarking on reprogramming, as this helps to minimise local electrical
interference caused by various vehicle systems and other devices in the immediate
environment, that could impede reliable communication between ProECU and the
car ECU.

Devices that could cause problems and are an integral part of the car include…

 Headlights
 Interior lights
 Air Conditioning, fan cooling and heating
 Any devices powered from the cigarette lighter socket, including mains
inverters or laptop power supplies

As an example of the seemingly unlikely problems you may encounter when

reprogramming, it is not possible to program the Nissan GT-R if its interior
heater blower is in operation… and the doors of the same manufacturer's Juke
model must all be firmly shut before programming, or failure is almost
guaranteed!

Devices that are not integral with the car but could be problematic include…

 Mobile (cell) phones

 Nearby industrial equipment, such as welders, high-power fans, three-
phase electrical systems

Third-party devices
Remove any devices that could interfere with the CAN signal. Third-party devices
such as the HKS Velocity Advanced Computer Type CM speed delimiter function
by interfering with the CAN signal. Such a device causes programming errors if
it’s attached to the CAN bus while programming the ECU.

Devices such as the delimiter are not normally needed when tuning with EcuTek
ProECU, as speed delimiter and boost-cut delimiter settings can be modified using
ProECU.

ECU programming guide

ECU programming guide
Nissan GT-R on EcuTek's in-house dyno

ECU programming is the process of taking a ROM file and placing it into
permanent storage inside a vehicle's engine management ECU.

The following information is an overview of what's typically involved in

reprogramming a car. Before you attempt it for real, please make a point of
reading our the Knowledge Base article Before Programming an ECU in this
section.

Programming overview
Reprogramming involves taking the following steps, but there may be car-
model-related variations so only do the job for real with the specific EcuTek
instruction manual alongside you.

1. Connect the vehicle interface cable to the OBD-II connector and turn
the ignition switch to ON
2. Open the ProECU software and choose Tools then Detect Vehicle
3. Select Program Engine ECU
4. Choose Query ECU to identify the ECU version fitted to the car
5. Select Choose ROM File and pick the relevant modified ROM file to
program into the ECU
6. Enter the ROM filename or your unique name for the ROM file in the
Comments box so that in future you know exactly which ROM is in the
ECU
 7. Ensure that all electrical consumers about the car (such as interior
lights, heater blower, stereo etc.) are turned OFF and that mobile
phones are kept away from the car
8. Choose Program ECU
9. After programming the ECU, follow the on-screen instruction to cycle
the Ignition
10.Start the engine

If the ECU programming sequence is interrupted, ProECU might not recognise

the ECU automatically, in which case you will need to apply a manual recovery
procedure. This involves selecting the exact model of car in the software, then
programming a standard ROM for it.

Connecting to the ECU

Plug the EcuTek OBD-II vehicle interface cable into the vehicle's diagnostic
socket, which is usually located on the lower section of the dashboard above
the pedals.

The diagnostic socket is always sited inside the car's cabin and within one
metre of the steering wheel. Connect the other end of the interface cable to a
free USB port on your laptop.

Insert the vehicle interface cable into the car's diagnostic socket.
Entering programming mode
From the Tools menu, select Detect Vehicle to begin

Ensure the OBD-II vehicle interface is properly connected. Switch the ignition
to ON but do not yet start the engine.

Choose Detect Vehicle… from the Tools menu, then select Program Engine
ECU when the window appears, and click OK.

Select Program ENgine ECU to enter programming mode.

The following message will be shown if ProECU cannot establish

communication with the ECU.

ProECU cannot communicate with the ECU

Follow the instructions in the above message to try to establish a connection.

If these steps do not resolve the connection problem, close ProECU, unplug
the EcuTek vehicle interface, then plug it back in and restart the software.
The ProECU Programming Tools window (below) will only be displayed once
ProECU has successfully established a connection to the ECU.

ProECU has successfully established a connection to the ECU.

ProECU employs two different methods of programming depending on the

vehicle and ECU types:

 Query ECU — The most common method of programming the ECU, as

shown in the above screenshot
 Enter Utility Mode — The method used for most Subaru and
Mitsubishi Diesel ECUs

Please read the section below for more information on the differences
between the two programming methods.

Programming option 1 — Query ECU

Before attempting reprogramming, first select Query ECU to identify the exact
ECU version. The ECU software version (ROM filename) is shown in the box
below the Query ECU button; in this example it is EU BRZ Manual High
(ZA1J700G). Other compatible ROMs are shown below the ECU version box.
Click Query ECU to identify the exact ECU version.
Programming option 2 — Enter utility mode
Before attempting to reprogram the ECU, select Enter Utility Mode to identify
the ECU version. The ECU software version (ROM filename) is shown in the
box below the Enter Utility Mode button; in this example it is US WRX 2011MY
(ad021 0000). Other compatible ROMs are shown below the ECU version box.

The correct communication protocol will be selected automatically.

NOTE: If you have entered the Utility mode but are not going to program the
ECU, you will have to click the Restart ECU button.

Click Enter Utility Mode to identify the ECU version.

Choosing a ROM file
Now select the ROM file with which you intend to reprogram the ECU. You can
only select a modified ROM file that's based on the original ECU ROM or is a
compatible ECU ROM.

It is only possible to program a RaceROM patched file into the ECU or a

completely standard ROM provided on EcuTek Update.

It is not possible to program a ROM into the ECU if it is not one shown in the
Compatible ROM files window.

Program the ECU

Click on the Program ECU button after choosing the correct ROM. After
programming the ECU, follow the on-screen instruction to cycle the ignition
ON, OFF and back ON; it is important to do this in sequence with the correct
time delays. Different ECUs will have different sequences, so be sure to read
the instructions carefully, and to stick to them.

Programming Errors and messages

ProECU displays error messages if programming can't start for some reason,
are vehicle specific guides on DC's like this one for BRZ Have a look to see
the meaning of some of the different tpes of error messages that may be seen.

Programming failures (ECU recovery)

Programming failures can happen on any vehicle, and occasionally do — for a
variety of reasons. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as a cable falling
out or the laptop battery running out of charge, but at other times it can be
hard to find the cause.

There's good news though, as in almost all cases the ECU can be fully
recovered. Please refer to the relevant brief Knowledge Base article, and the
appropriate section at the end of the car-specific manual.

Entering a comment
After choosing your ROM file it is highly recommended that you enter the
filename in the Comment box under the ECU Registration Details section. This
field should be used to store the name of ROM file used, the brand name or
the version or state of tune. This is stored inside the ECU so that if the vehicle
returns at a later date you can see exactly which ROM file you used in the
ECU. Incidentally, the Comment is limited to 18 characters.

The Comment is accessible by any ProECU user but is not viewable using an
OBD-II reader/scanner or the factory diagnostic tools.
Reading a ROM
It is possible to read the ROM from the ECU using the Read ROM feature ONLY
if the ECU has never previously been reprogrammed using EcuTek software.
As this can take quite some time though, you have to be patient.

If you have previously programmed the ECU using ProECU you will be allowed
to read the ROM, but if your programmer ID (licence key ID) does not match
the previous programming dongle ID, you will not be allowed to.

The ROM file saved when the Read ROM feature is used can be opened for
programming and editing using ProECU.

Reading registration details

The following stored information will be retrieved and displayed from the ECU
by clicking on the Read Registration Details button:

 Comment — The comment field as described above.

 Programmer ID — The ID of the user who programmed the ECU. Each
licence key has a unique ID so the authenticity of an ECU can easily
be confirmed.
 Program Count — The number of times the ECU has been
reprogrammed. The rated life of the memory chip is said to be in the
region of 100 reprograms, although this limitation applies more to
older ECUs (1990s/early 2000s) than it does to today's products.
Manufacturers usually quote a deliberately low re-flash limit but in
our experience there is no deterioration in memory-chip performance,
even after 300 or more reprogrammings.
 ECU Version — For example JF01C, ZA1J700G, AN330_0182. This will
tell you on which basic ROM file any tuning should be based. This
function does not reprogram the ECU but only retrieves information
from it.
 Clear DTCs — Click on the Clear DTCs button to clear all the stored
trouble codes in the vehicle’s various ECUs. This should be done
after programming to ensure that all DTCs caused by the
programming sequence are also cleared.

Progress window data box and log files

On the right of the Programming Tool window is a progress display. This area
provides information throughout the reprogramming process. It records and
stores information such as the ROM filename you've used, your dongle ID, the
version of software you are using and the unique ID code. All this data is
recorded in a log file that updates every time you are in Utilities Mode.
The log file is stored alongside the ProECU executable in the C:\EcuTek
folder…

ProECU log files are stored in the C:\EcuTek folder

An EcuTek Software Log file is created for each software product, and can be
read with Windows Notepad if required.

As an example, the file containing all Subaru BRZ/Toyota FT-86 ECU

programming data has the name ProECU-SubaruBRZ.log.

Sometimes the log file or file extensions may be hidden by the Windows
operating system. You can tell windows to show the log files and extensions
through the Folder Options window, but the method to open this window
depends upon which version of the Windows operating system you are using.

 Windows 7 — In Windows Explorer, click on Organise, then Folder

and search options.
 Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 — In Windows Explorer, click View, then
Options. In the window that appears, go to the

In the Folder Options window that appears, go to the View tab and in the
Advanced settings section, make sure Hidden files and folders is set to Show
hidden files, folders and drives and that Hide extensions for known file types
is unchecked. We also recommend you cange the view in Windows Explorer to
Details as shown above.

Another tip is that you can right-click on the bar in Windows Explorer that
says Name, Size, Type and choose the More… option, then add the very useful
column marked Product Version.

EcuTek information dump

It is possible you will come across an ECU version that EcuTek has not yet
seen, and where this is the case you will not be able to program the ECU until
EcuTek has been supplied with certain information about it.

The Dump Details for EcuTek button saves certain information from this ECU
in a file that is saved into the C:\EcuTek\RomDumps folder. The name of the
file will be displayed as it is saved.

This information should be sent to EcuTek using the EcuTek ROM Dump Form,
together with a clear photograph of the ECU label and full details of the type
of car from which the ECU originates, including its Model Year and
transmission type. EcuTek will then supply an updated version of ProECU that
will be capable of programming the ECU.

This is not something that can be done on a while-you-wait basis. Turnaround

time is likely to be between three and seven days for support of a new ECU. It
is vital therefore that the tuner checks the ECU version is supported well
before the car is scheduled to be reprogrammed. Note also that it is not
possible to open ROM Dumps in ProECU until the file has been emailed to
EcuTek.

ProECU applications by car

ProECU application by car
Vehicle applications
Using the ProECU Programming Kit, the ECUs of a variety of car models from 11
different motor manufacturers may be tuned, programmed or data-logged. The
vehicle makes in question are:

 Citroen
 Great Wall
 Honda
 Infiniti
 Isuzu
 Mazda
 Mitsubishi
 Nissan
 Scion
 Subaru
 Toyota

The following table details the ProECU product coverage:

 Vehicle Engine Model Model sub-
Model years RaceROM available
make type series type
Mazda Petrol 3 DISI 2005 – 2015  
    6 DISI 2005 – 2015  
    CX-7 DISI 2005 – 2015  
    8MPV DISI 2005 – 2015  
    MX-5 NC 2005 – 2015 Yes
2016
      ND  
onwards
Mazda Diesel 3   2007 – 2015  
    5   2007 – 2015  
    6   2007 – 2015  
Mitsubishi Petrol EVO 5 1998 – 1999  
    EVO 6 1999 – 2001  
    EVO 7 2001 – 2003  
    EVO 8 2003 – 2005  
    EVO 9 2005 – 2007  
    EVO X 2007 – 2014  
    Ralliart   1998 – 2014  
    Colt CZT / Ralliart 2005 – 2014  
    Outlander   Assorted  
    Airtrek   Assorted  
Mitsubishi Diesel L200   2005 – 2015  
    Triton   2005 – 2015  
    Challenger   2005 – 2015  
    Shogun   2005 – 2015  
    ASX   2005 – 2015  
Great Wall Diesel Steed   2012 – 2015  
    Haval   2012 – 2015  
    V200   2012 – 2015  
Nissan Petrol 370Z   2008 – 2015 Yes
    GT-R R35 2008 – 2015 Yes
    Skyline   2008 – 2015 Yes
    Juke Dig-T 2008 – 2015 Yes
Infiniti   G37   2008 – 2015 Yes
    Q50   2008 – 2015  
    M37   2008 – 2015 Yes
Yes (select cars 2004 –
Subaru Petrol Impreza   1999 – 2015
2015)
Yes (select cars 2004 –
    Forester   1999 – 2015
2015)
Yes (select cars 2004 –
    Legacy   1999 – 2015
2015)
Yes (select cars 2004 –
    Outback   2004 – 2015
2015)
    Exiga   2004 – 2015  
    Baja   2004 – 2015  
    BRZ   2012 – 2015 Yes
 Vehicle Engine Model Model sub-
Model years RaceROM available
make type series type
    Tribeca   2004 – 2015  
Yes (select cars 2004 –
    Liberty   2004 – 2015
2015)
    Group N      
2014
    DI Turbo DIT  
onwards
Subaru Diesel Impreza   2008 – 2015  
    Forester   2008 – 2015  
    Legacy   2008 – 2015  
    Outback   2008 – 2015  
    XV   2012 – 2015  
Toyota Petrol FT-86   2012 – 2015 Yes
Scion Petrol FR-S   2012 – 2015 Yes
Citroën Diesel Aircross   2012 – 2015  
Isuzu Diesel Rodeo   All models  

To avoid ambiguity, the following cars are not supported by the ProECU

Programming Kit:

 Subaru models requiring additional programming cable hardware (1999-

2003 model-year Subarus and some later JDM Subarus with cable-type
throttle control, up to 2007)
 Mitsubishi models requiring additional programming cable hardware,
including Mitsubishi Evolution versions 5-9 and their related variants