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Buell Forum » Old School Buell » Archive through July 09, 2013 » My first ECMSpy experience « Previous Next »

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Harfend
Posted on Monday, June 24, 2013 - 01:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Greetings,
Thought I would share some experience I learned from my first ECMSpy encounter ever!
I currently have a 2001 S3T with around 11K miles currently on the clock. This bike is bone stock with the factory muffler and air box in place. This is the second Buell for me but the first with electronic fuel injection. Being a bit of an old guy tinkerer and pretty confident around a carburetor, this EFI stuff is still pretty new (and scary!) to me. I have read many posts regarding ECMSpy tuning here on the boards and I have been impressed with the ease of adjustment to change the functionality of the bike. My bike had been experiencing a bit of a stumble only when the engine is cold, that feels like the engine is starving for fuel and requires a gentle throttle increase to get over the hump, so to speak. Again this issue is only when the bike is cold. Otherwise it starts and runs fine.
So, I ordered an ECMSpy cable off the internet and downloaded the software and drivers to my laptop. I also downloaded an instruction manual which all assured me this is standard stuff and most folks who have turned a wrench and operated a mouse can do some basic tuning, and reset's to see if this cold, lean condition might be rectified. I read the manuals and watched a couple YouTube videos on resetting the TPS. So, feeling confident I grabbed the computer and headed to the garage to see if this stuff was as easy as it was made to appear…
I plugged in the bike, started the ECMSpy program, turned on the key, and hit the stop switch and sure enough, once the program found the cable, the information started to display! I checked that the throttle position read out was functioning and proceeded to unscrew the throttle adjustor so the value would decrease to 0%. Then just a couple more turns as instructed. No one said “be careful to not unscrew the adjuster too much or it will come out.” (That would have been good information!) So after searching for the little spring and reattaching it and the adjuster to the throttle body I checked the ECMSpy program and there was no function. Of course, the little beads of sweat broke out on my forehead and the curse words started to mumble out! It turns out that the program had just “timed out” after a period of inactivity. (The second helpful hint I learned!)
So I rebooted the program, finished the TPS reset, and started the bike. Success! I set the idle after warm up and took a quick ride to make sure I didn’t screw something up! I am happy to report that the cold engine stumble has decreased in severity but is still evident when the bike is cold. I see that the AFV should be reset to 100% (mine is currently reading 110%) and I have not done that yet. Remember, I am brand new at this so one step at a time! All in all, the process was easy and I would encourage anyone who has a Buell and is hesitant to give this “new fangled” computer stuff a try! I know there are many super savvy ECMSpy users out there tweaking fuel maps and such but even a basic TPS reset and the ability to read trouble codes and reset them is worth the investment and education you can learn.
Good Luck!
HARFEND
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Akbuell
Posted on Monday, June 24, 2013 - 04:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Good for you! You are about 3 baby steps behind where I am. As to the AFV, just hit the reset for that value, and done. Will be worthwhile to keep an eye on that. Your particular bike, at your altitude, temp, ect, may want to be there. If follow-up checks show the same value, cool. If it changes to 120%, or 87%, for example, further investigation is warranted.
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Airbozo
Posted on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 - 01:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I too am a newb to the ECM Spy. I even paid for the program (donated), but after installing the database, it will not connect to my ECM. I ended up downloading an earlier version that is free and it works perfectly.

I did the TPS reset and I am actually getting a bit better MPG now. I will try the AFV next. Once I have more time (getting ready for a big party in a couple of weeks), I will be working on some maps. I know I can get better gas mileage and better performance. Just need to learn. The mechanic that did the work on my Sportster (stroker engine and porting)has offered me some dyno time in exchange for showing him and his techs the ECM Spy software. Deal!
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Firemanjim
Posted on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 - 02:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Just be aware that the Learned Fuel Area needs to be at 14.7 air fuel ratio when your are dynoing or it will skew entire map. And to really do a Buell properly you need a dyno with an inertia brake so you can hold an rpm. Be happy to talk any dyno guy through this. Also can give you guys tips on smoothing your map before hitting the dyno. Call any time. 707 548-7906. Jim.

And be sure you do not have leaking intake seals before all else!
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