AccessTUNER Race

AccessTUNER Race
FAQs and Installation Guide
v1.09
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Take a look at your AccessPORT package. In the following procedures, the AccessPORT package that
looks like the first picture is referred to as “Version 2”, the AccessPORT package that looks like the
second picture is referred to as “Version 2b”.
AccessPORT Version 2
AccessPORT Version 2b
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
Where do I go for AccessTUNER Race technical support?
All AccessTUNER Race technical support is provided online and you will need to go to the specified
section of our online forums in order to receive technical support.
What are the hardware requirements for the computer to properly run AccessTUNER
Race?
Required:
PC with a Pentium 100 MHz or compatible processor
512 MB of RAM
Windows 98 or newer PC OS.
Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution monitor.
Recommended:
Pentium II or compatible processor
1+ GB RAM
Windows XP / Vista (32 Bit)
What version of AccessPORT is the AccessTUNER Race compatible with?
The AccessTUNER Race software will only work with AccessPORT Version 2 and AccessPORT
Version 2b.
The AccessTUNER Race software is not available for the original AccessPORT (Version 1).
What version of AccessPORT firmware do I need?
You must be using AccessPORT firmware 1.2.8.1 or above in order to install this software. However,
you are recommended to update your AccessPORT to the latest firmware. Please update your
AccessPORT firmware by running the AccessPORT Updater. AccessPORT Updater can be found here.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
How can I learn about tuning my vehicle using the AccessTUNER Race software?
We have an online support forum that has extensive information including a Tuning Guide, Tuning
Guide Worksheet, and other helpful documents that are intended to assist you with the OEM Subaru
ECU tuning process. We also have a free EFI 101 class that we have hosted online.
Where can I find base maps to start with?
All standard Cobb OTS calibrations can be downloaded and used as a base calibration for your vehicle.
Our Map Database pages can be found in this link. Cobb branded .PTM maps are valid for
AccessTUNER Race. Any map you get from us is a good starting point for your tuning. When you save
your map, it will also save it as a .PTM, but it will no longer be a Cobb OTS branded map. Instead it
will be labeled "AccessTUNER Race User". So all you need to do is load a map (specific to your
vehicle) such as a Stage1 93 vXXX in your AccessTUNER Race software. You don't need to change
anything, simply save the map and the software will save it as a AccessTUNER Race file. Then you
will reflash this newly saved map (not realtime flash it) onto your vehicle via the AP and this should
then allow you to connect to, edit and log with your laptop using the usb cable and dongle that came
with your AccessPORT.
Mazda RX-8 AT users: We currently do not have any COBB calibrations on RX-8 Auto. You can use
the base map that comes with the software as your starting point.
How do I transfer tuned maps to my AccessPORT?
When you install the AccessTUNER Race software on your computer, the latest version of the
AccessPORT Manager software will also install. You can access this software by pressing
CTRL+ALT+M while in the AccessTUNER Race software. This is the interface software for the new
AccessPORT and this will allow you to transfer calibrations to and from your AccessPORT.
Does the AccessTUNER Race software have the ability to reflash my ECU?
The AccessTUNER Race software was developed to allow the user to develop custom calibrations for
their vehicle. The AccessPORT is what is used to Reflash the ECU. The reflashing process through the
AccessPORT is very quick. With the implementation of the Realtime tuning, we have made sure that
reflashing your ECU will happen with less frequency. You will most likely need to establish a base map
and reflash that to the ECU, then all of your tuning changes can be made in realtime.
Connecting to ECU
How do I connect to my ECU for live tuning?
You must first make sure an AccessPORT has been installed on your vehicle. We highly suggest that
you load the map that you reflashed to your vehicle after you have connected to the ECU for live
tuning. This will allow the software to show you the same information that is on your ECU and you can
edit from there.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
To connect to the ECU:
For AccessPORT Version 2:
You will need to have the COBB OBD Connector (otherwise known as the Dongle) to connect
to your vehicle. You do not need the AccessPORT for this process.
•
•
•
•
•
Connect the small end of the USB cable to the OBD Connector.
Connect the big end of the USB cable to your computer.
Plug the OBD Dongle into the OBD-II port in your vehicle.
Launch AccessTUNER software.
Viola!
For AccesPORT Version 2b:
You will need the AccessPORT and the OBD Cable to connect to your vehicle.
•
Connect the small end of the short USB cable to the AccessPORT
•
Connect the big end of the short USB cable to your computer.
•
Connect the OBD cable to your AccessPORT.
•
Connect the other end of the OBD cable to the OBD-II port in your vehicle.
•
Launch AccessTUNER software.
•
Viola!
What table changes can I make while live tuning?
Realtime table changes only take effect when you are connected for live tuning. Notice the indicator
box at the bottom right hand corner of the software. If the indicator box is green, then you are
connected for live tuning. When you make any change to a realtime table, you will see the software
immediately write those changes to the ECU. The indicator box will turn red at this point in time
indicating that changes are being made. When the indicator window goes back to green, then the table
changes are complete. Any base table changes will not take effect when you are connected to the
vehicle for live tuning. Any base table changes will need to be saved, the map will need to be
transferred to the AccessPORT, then reflashed to the ECU in order for those table changes to take
effect.
How do I manage my dashboard?
The dashboard functions will only work while you are connected to the ECU for live tuning. While you
are connected to your ECU for live tuning, use the Configure Options (CTRL+F) function and navigate
to the “Gauge” tab where you can select the variable that you would like to see on the dashboard. You
must first choose the variables that you want to view as a gauge or datalog before the dashboard will
display any data. The dashboard can be reconfigured by arranging the window to with your mouse
cursor.
How do I reset my ECU for live tuning?
While you are connected to your ECU for live tuning, you can reset your ECU by going to the ECU
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
drop down menu and selecting the “Reset ECU” function. You will then be prompted to temporarily
turn the vehicle fully off and back on to complete the ECU reset process.
NOTE: You will need to complete this process quickly in order to stay connected to the ECU for live
tuning.
External Sensors
What external WBO2 sensors are compatible with the AccessTUNER Race software?
Innovate Motorsports LM-1 or LC-1
MoTeC PLM
PLXDevices M-300
PLXDevices R-300 or R-500
PLXDevices iMFD WBO2
How do I get my compatible WBO2 to connect to the AccessTUNER Race software?
We have composed this link on our forums in order to assist AccessTUNER Race users with
connecting their compatible WBO2 sensors to the AccessTUNER Race software.
Data Logging
How do I set up my datalog?
While you are connected to your ECU for live tuning, you can use the Advanced Parameters
(CTRL+A) function, then go to the “Log” tab where you can check the variables that you would like to
datalog with the AccessTUNER Race software. You must first choose the variables that you want to
view as a gauge or datalog before the datalog will record any data.
How do I start and stop a datalog?
By pressing “CTRL+D” you can start and stop the datalogging function.
Where are my datalogs saved?
Datalogs are saved where you have directed them to be saved in the software. You can use the
Configure Options (CTRL+F) function, then go to the “Logging” tab where you can direct the software
to save the datalogs in the Log File Folder.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
How do I view my datalogs?
You have two means of viewing the datalog files generated by the AccessTUNER Race software. The
datalog files are saved as .csv (comma separated value) files. You can open the integral datalog viewer
by pressing CTRL+D, or use a spreadsheet program like Excel to open, view, create graphs, customize,
and edit these files.
Layout and Data Manipulations
How do I change the displayed data from standard to metric, or vice versa?
The dashboard, logging, and data values can be changed between standard or metric values by using
the Configure Options (CTRL+F) function, clicking on the “Display” tab where you can check the box
that designates Use Standard Units? You can remove the check mark to ask the software to use metric
units for the dashboard, logging, and data values. This can be done while the software is not connected
to an ECU or while during live tuning.
How do I copy and paste cell data?
The standard Windows functions work appropriately, CTRL+C for copy and CTRL+V for paste. Cell
information can be pasted to and from most spreadsheet programs as well.
How do I refresh my A/F Learning and Knock Learning tables?
These tables represent learned air/fuel and ignition correction information. While you are connected to
your ECU for live tuning, you can refresh this table information by pressing the F5 key. You will need
to have this table selected on the table list in order to see the changes from the refresh. The small
square at the bottom right of the software should change from green to red as the software queries the
ECU for this information.
How do I start and stop the Live Tracing function?
While you are connected to your ECU for live tuning, you can press “CTRL+T” to start and stop the
Live Tracing function. Live Tracing may not function on some tables.
How do I start and stop the Cursor Tracing function?
While you are connected to your ECU for live tuning, you can press “CTRL+Shift+T” you can start
and stop the Cursor Tracing function. Cursor Tracing may not function on some tables.
What is the difference between Live Tracing and Cursor Tracing function?
The Live Tracing function will highlight the cells that the ECU is using for the look-up function under
those conditions. The Cursor Tracing function will highlight the cells that the ECU is using for the
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
look-up function under those conditions, then it will also modify that exact cell if you attempt any
function that modifies data (+ or – keys, M for multiplier, E for direct edit, etc). This allows you to not
have to watch where the vehicle is looking up, you can focus on the effects of your changes by
watching the dashboard or chassis dyno only. If you see the Live Tracing cursor on a particular table
and you modify that table with no effect on how the car is running, then this means the ECU is using a
different table to look up what it is supposed to do for that function or that function is being controlled
under closed-loop conditions.
What does the Revert to Stock Map (CTRL+K) function do?
This will revert all shown data to a totally stock map. This can be used to get an idea how your vehicle
was calibrated from the factory, or can be used to compare your tuned map to a stock map. You can
open two versions of the AccessTUNER Race software in order to complete map comparisons.
NOTE: If this function is used while the software is connected to the ECU, it will change all Realtime
table information to stock settings.
What does the Revert to Working Map (CTRL+I) function do?
This will revert all shown data back to the last loaded map.
Common Errors
Why am I seeing duplicate data in my datalog?
This generally means that you are asking the ECU for more data than it is capable of outputting. You
can view or log less variables or change the datalog sample rate by using the Configure Options
(CTRL+F) function, then clicking on the “Logging” tab where you can choose to lower the Log Rate.
The lowest log rate we suggest you go to is 4 samples per second, or 4 Hertz (Hz). If you have too
many variables logged, then we suggest you focus the logging session on a specific group of variables
rather than logging everything possible. We suggest you log a maximum of 10 variables so you do not
overload the factory ECU. The ability for the ECU to output data is fixed and is something that cannot
be changed.
I cannot connect to my car for live tuning. The logfile says "Cannot validate ECU".
What's wrong?
If you upgraded from old firmware on the AccessPORT, but have not flashed a map to the ECU since
the upgrade, your ECU may have incompatible code on it. During the firmware upgrade, the standard
maps on the AccessPORT were updated with some new operating code which is essential for
AccessTUNER Race operation. Please flash any of these new/updated maps to your ECU and
AccessTUNER Race should function properly. If you have custom tuned maps on your AccessPORT,
they will need to be upgraded by your tuner. However, AccessTUNER Pro maps are generally not
compatible with AccessTUNER Race. Please speak with your tuner about this.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Why do I get the following error when loading a map?
This error occurs when the vehicle model supported by the software is not compatible with the map's
vehicle model. Check to make sure you have installed the correct AccessTUNER Race vehicle model.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Installation Guide
The following describes the procedure for installing AccessTUNER Race software.
1. Make sure you have your AccessPORT, OBD Connector (Dongle) (for Version 2) and the USB
Cable handy before you begin the software installation process.
2. Launch the AccessTUNER Race installer. You will be brought to the Welcome Screen. Click
on “Next”.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
3. Read the Terms of Service provided for this software by COBB Tuning.
○
○
Choose “I accept the above terms of service for this product provided by COBB Tuning” if
you agree. Click on “Next”.
If you do not agree to the Terms of Service, click on “Cancel” to terminate the installation
process.
4. Read the End User License Agreement. If you agree, click on “I Agree” to continue. Otherwise
click on “Cancel” to terminate the installation process.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
5. The installer will now ask you to choose the location to install AccessTUNER Race. Enter a
location of your choice or use the default location as provided. Click “Install” to continue.
6. The installer will begin the installation process. Next, it will install the drivers.
◦ If the AccessTUNER version is 1.8.0.0 or above, the installer will automatically install the
necessary drivers. You will be prompted to connect all COBB devices. Please connect all
devices and click “OK”. If you have AccessPORT Version 2, please plug in both the
AccessPORT and the OBD Connector (Dongle) to the computer.
◦
If the AccessTUNER version is below 1.8.0.0, the installer will prompt you to install the
drivers. Click “Yes” if you have not already done so in the past. If you already have
AccessPORT drivers on your system, choose “No” to skip this step.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
7. Once driver installation is conplete, the AccessTUNER Race installation will continue. You
will be prompted to plug in your AccessPORT to the computer.
8. The following dialog box will pop up during the installation as a reminder that once
AccesTUNER Race is installed for your vehicle and AccessPORT, you will need to reflash your
vehicle with AccessTUNER Race map. AccessTUNER Race can open all COBB maps as well
as maps created by AccessTUNER Race software (with same vehicle make/model/year).
9. Next, the installer will prompt you to install AccessPORT Manager. You may skip this step if
you already have the latest AccessPORT Manager on your system.
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.
10. When installation is complete, click “Next” to finish. You are now ready to use AccessTUNER
Race software! Happy Tuning!
V1.09
Copyright © 2009 Cobb Tuning Products, LLC All Rights Reserved.