New S200B, datalogging works, car runs, upload file, CRASH!?

HybridKOOP · Post by **HybridKOOP** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:21 am

:evil:

Good morning...

I'm a little pissed at my car/setup at the moment. I have tuned other systems, but I am new to Hondata. I chipped the ECU (P28), bought a USB to serial adapter for my Dell laptop (the one Hondata recommends), and then headed out to the car last night to get everything up and running.

With the key in the on position but not running, my S200 is a solid red light... great.

I can start the car and it runs with no CEL with my romulator connected, but the second I try to upload ANYTHING, you hear the car clicking near the cluster a few times, then the car stumbles and dies as it goes into limp mode. What gives?

I tried disconnecting the romulator while the car is running... it immediately goes into limp if I pull the 28 pin connector out... but I don't see why. Does the romulator store whatever is uploaded to it? At first I thought my car is just running on the stock P28 program, but if that were the case, I'd be getting a CEL for no VTEC (my car is an LS).

When I open the P74 basemap and start the datalogging, I see my cursor flying around the map as I drive like it should, with the datalogging working as well. Any thoughts or suggestions? THANKS.

- Louis

HybridKOOP · Post by **HybridKOOP** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:27 am

I forgot to mention that as soon as I try and upload to the ECU, the S200 box goes from a solid LED to a flashing LED as the car goes into limp.

Post by **Spunkster** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:28 am

When using the Romulator, you cannot remove it while the car is running. THe program is stored in the Romulator. When you are done tuning you must burn an EEPROM with the program you are using and put that in place of the Romulator. What is your s200 serial number and what version of software are you using?

HybridKOOP · Post by **HybridKOOP** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:19 pm

Everything is brand new. Dealer kit just shipped to me last week.

I understand how the Romulator works... but why am I unable to upload files through it? Car shuts down right away and goes into limp the second I press the upload button.

HybridKOOP · Post by **HybridKOOP** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:54 am

HybridKOOP wrote:Everything is brand new. Dealer kit just shipped to me last week.

I understand how the Romulator works... but why am I unable to upload files through it? Car shuts down right away and goes into limp the second I press the upload button.

Another thing. I called Hondata yesterday and spoke to a "Mark" I believe. Hopefully Spunkster doesn't = Mark, because Mark was not a very nice person... (very condecending).

Anyway. Mark told me the initial file needs to be uploaded while the car is off with key on. Then turn key off, and start car. With Real-Time Updates on, I would be able to tune the car while running. That did NOT work.

I am able to upload to the Romulator all day long if the ignition and car are off and not running. The second I do it with the key on, the car is forced to limp mode whether it's running or not.

I called Mark back (actually his name is Matt I believe), and he said that I'd have to go to the Transtronics site and download their proprietary software to upload to the ECU... but why? I want to be able to use RE 4.0 to do that, like the way it's designed!

I went to the Transtronics site and got v1.44, tried it while the car is running, boom, same problem. Car stumbles, shut off, solid CEL, S200 flashing.

WHAT GIVES?

The Emulator is obviously getting correct code when the key is off. The car runs perfect with no CEL after each upload. Why is the car flipping out if it's running or the ignition is on?

Sidenote: When I upload with the ignition on or car running, I hear a ton of clicking as the system flips out... the check engine light flutters with the clicking and then everything dies together. Not sure if the clicking is normal as a new ROM is sent thru the Romulator. HELP! Thanks guys...

- Louis

Post by **Spunkster** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:52 am

The reason you were asked to try this with the Transtronics software was to test the function of the Romulator. Since it is having the same problem it sounds like there is a problem withteh Romulator itself. I would suggest contacting Transtronics at his point to further troubleshoot the issue.

When you tested with the Transtronics software, what was the file size of the bin file you were trying to upload to the Romulator?

HybridKOOP · Post by **HybridKOOP** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:09 am

Has anyone else experienced the same problem? I have not solved this issue yet and it's preventing me from loading up a few Hondata equipped customers on the dyno.

Post by **Spunkster** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:13 am

For each car, the first time you load a calibration to the Romulator the car must not be running. You should have the key to the on position and upload to the romulator, then turn the key off and they back on and start the car. If you have realtime update enabled you can now make realtime changes to the maps.

You may find the Romulator Instructions helpful at http://www.hondata.com/downloads/Romula ... ctions.doc

You may also find these trouleshooting steps helpful
http://www.hondata.com/techconnectivity.html

Post by **Hondata** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:06 pm

First clarify what USB-serial cable you are using. You mention buying a USB-Serial cable in your first post, then later mention RomEditor4. RomEditor4 uses its own USB-Serial adapter.

Second make sure that you are saving .bin files from RomEditor4. Check the size is 32k as suggested.

Last use the Transtronics software to determine if the problem lies with the Romulator or not.

redline32 · Post by **redline32** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:29 pm

sounds like you are trying to upload after each adjustment you make..once you upload the first map turn key off then start the car,,,don't hit the upload again just make your adjustments. I have uploaded on accident when the car was running and it did what explained,,their is no conformation key for a adjustment,,it is real time..hope this helps