Trouble with X-Cal, computer won't accept programs

[djbartu]

I recently received my X-cal tuner from the group buy, but I can't get the car to accept any of the new programs. It seems simple enough following the directions, but nope. Here's the story: The first time I plugged it in, the LED showed the F (factory programming). I tried to install program 3 and everything went as the instructions said it would - lights sequentially from outer to middle then middle to outer. When it was done just the LED for program 3 was lit. I turned the key off removed the OBD plug and took the car for a test ride. No difference. When I plugged the X-cal in again, it showed F (factory programming). I've tried it over and over again same results - even trying different programs. No difference. Any ideas?

 

[SHOGrabber]

You must not have paid extra for the BFH option to come in the box did you! :laugh_ti: Just kidding man!

This sounds like something Doug will have to answer.

 

[naval-avi8or]

Might want to go to SCT's web site. You can find a welth of info there as well as talk directly to the brains of the little black box on their chat forum.

www.sctflash.com

 

[avocadoman1]

i can tell you this...

you said, "When I plugged the X-cal in again, it showed F (factory programming)."

that is standard for how the box works. even after you set to another program (1,2, or 3), the next time you plug in & go you re-program to another setting, it only registers as F (Factory).

at least this is how mine works.

so....if, for instance, you have the vehicle programmed in setting #3, the unit will not tell you that the vehicle is currently programmed in setting #3. it'll just show "F" the next time you plug in.

from there you can program to another setting (1,2, or F...or even 3 again). when you do that, the lights only go one way (middle to outer) and it takes half the time because the F mode is already stored into the programmer.

i think i'm explaining this correctly.

now, if you genuinely notice no difference in performance (no firm/quick shifts and higher RPM's before shifts) after you program it correctly to 1,2, or 3, then there may be a problem.

 

[SHOZ123]

Does it act like it's adding programs if you switch to another on the Xcal? Where do the leds end up?

How about putting back to factory and then back to an Xcal tune. Does it take longer to do this?

 

[djbartu]

Does it act like it's adding programs if you switch to another on the Xcal? Where do the LEDs end up?

How about putting back to factory and then back to an Xcal tune. Does it take longer to do this?

Yeah, it seems as if the programs are being uploaded to the PCM, and when it's done, the LED for the program I picked stays lit. Today I set it back to factory again (it doesn't take very long, just a minute or so), so what I'll do is make some exact notes on shift points, firmness, etc. and then try program 3 to see if there are any differences.

When I had my '96 SHO, I bought a chip from AmericanMotorsports and that thing really made the shifts feel great! It also knocked a few tenths off my 0-60 (measured with a G-Tech Pro). With the x-cal, after I attempted to upload program 3 (remember, I'm not even sure the computer took the change) 0-60 actually got a little slower. Before even attempting the X-cal program I hit 0-60 in 7.08 and 7.01 - after attempting program 3, I got 7.20 and 7.18. All of these runs were done in the exact same spot in similar weather/temp conditions. I realize this tuner is not going to dramatically reduce times but I hoped it wouldn't make them worse. I think I have to do a little more testing before I can make a conclusion.

 

[djbartu]

With the x-cal, after I attempted to upload program 3 (remember, I'm not even sure the computer took the change) 0-60 actually got a little slower. Before even attempting the X-cal program I hit 0-60 in 7.08 and 7.01 - after attempting program 3, I got 7.20 and 7.18.

?????
I set it back it factory and got a 6.91. Next I guess I'll have to try all three programs and note the times.
?????