Pre-tuned WRX
Bought a used 2015 WRX from a Honda dealer which looks like it has been tuned (based on a mount / OBD2 connectors being present in the car) as well as modified (exhaust, injectors, air intake, etc). Looks like Cobb tuning was applied based on the mount and cabling left in the vehicle. I don't have an Access Port yet and Cobb says the device can only flash new ROM or see if a Cobb ROM was applied, but it can't pull the existing data off the ECU (to see what has been done). Cobb also says not to flash back to a stock Subaru ROM as this could cause engine damage or not run because of the existing mechanical modifications which may not necessarily work properly with the stock tuning. (Interestingly, they noted that the Cobb firmware specifically disables the Subaru ECU tools in order to prevent damage or overwriting values.) Who the original seller is is not available as vehicle was bought at auction. Any suggestions for how to proceed?
Posted May 23, 2016, 7:05 PM UTC · edited
You need to take it to a shop and have it protuned. They won't reverse engineer it but rather write a new tune based upon how it is now.
And fuck the seller for not including the access port. With these cars that's like selling with out a key.
Think I should buy an Access Port as well, or just have it pro tuned?
Yes you will need an access port.
I would really press the dealer into getting in touch with the seller. Find out if he flashed back to stock, un married it, or left the tune on there.
No way of knowing. You car could be running on an incorrect tune and just waiting to kill itself.
Seller might have unmarried it, flashed back to stock, just so he could sell his unmarried access port for $500.
Look up subaru pro tuners in your area and give them a call. COBB has a list on their website too.
Thanks for your help! Found out the vehicle was bought at auction so the original owner is unknown. I was referred to RS Motors in town. Didn't realize the tuners get married to the vehicle. I suppose they do that to prevent people from using the Access Port and then selling it... :/
Rs motors in Burnsville is a very good shop. They will get it running nicely for you. There should be no real need for an access port after you have it nicely tuned. Though they are nice to have for many reasons.
That is correct - the AP can only be used on one car at a time. Btw, Ron at RS Motors is an excellent tuner. They have a proper mustang dyno and are very experienced on Subaru's and Evo's.
Do you have the title?
Since I'm in just about the same position, why wouldn't the ecu be unlocked if it was flashed back to stock? I've just been operating under the impression that the car was tuned of it was locked
[deleted]
So I just got ahold of an AccessPort, and it told me that it detected a previous AccessPort installation, and would overwrite that if I proceeded to install. Mystery solved!