Hondata

You will need to return the ECU to stock and unlock it from the FlashPro. Then purchase an ECU from Arial so that it is programmed properly and can be used with the FlashPro.

Returning to stock and unlocking the Flashpro from the ECU is no problem.

Do I definitely have to buy a replacement ECU from Ariel? Do they do something to the standard Honda 37820-RRB-316 ECU before installing it? It would be much simpler and cheaper if I could just order an ECU from a USA Honda parts supplier and cut out the middle man eg from somewhere like this:

https://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine/h ... b-315.html

Hi again :-)

Following on from my last post, I've spoken to Ariel and I'm a bit confused. They've advised that I need to buy the ECU from Ariel as it will be supplied to them from Hondata after being "jail broken." They've advised I won't be able to map the ECU unless it's "unlocked" by Hondata first, so if I bought a 37820-RRB-315 ECU through a Honda dealer it won't work as it's "locked". Is this correct? Surely other people purchasing Flashpros for other Hondas don't need to first take the ECU off and send it back to Hondata to get it jail broken? Or is this a quirk specific to Ariel? If the ECU used is a standard, albeit North American market only, ECU then I'm not following why it has to go to Hondata first?

Also, and this is clearly my ignorance, but to unlock my existing Flashpro to enable it to work with a new ECU, do I have to physically send it back to Hondata USA to unlock it? Ariel advised me that this is the case. Sorry if this is a real basic question but I (mistakenly?) thought that once my current ECU was returned to standard map, I could unpair the Flashpro to allow it to pair with a new ECU?

Apologies for my lack of understanding

Update.

I managed to buy a used ECU from an Atom owner who had upgraded to a Syvecs ECU. I returned my ECU to standard map, unpaired my Flashpro, and then paired it to the replacement ECU and uploaded my custom map. Car now drives without issue (although I still need to replace the faulty lambda sensor). Data logs show consistent ECT and IAT temperature readings and no loss of VTEC, so it was definitely the ECU that was at fault.

I'd still appreciate clarity on why any replacement Honda ECU used for the K20 in an Ariel Atom supposedly HAS to be bought from Ariel after it's "jail broken" by Hondata, I really don't see how that adds up. Incidentally, Ariel advised me that they don't have a Flashpro anymore. They have one ECU left, and that's £1200 + VAT (UK closest equivalent of a sales tax and charged at 20%), so approximately £1440 or $1900. The same ECU is $500 if buying from USA. I'd be amazed if that didn't work just fine.

Anyway, at least I got the running issue resolved.