New to Tuning/Flashing ECU, need recommendations.

[egiese319]

Hello all,

First time doing a tune on my 2012 VW Golf TDI M/T. Got the kit from EOC Performance and the tune seems to be coming from MR Tuning. In the FAQ of the EOC website, they say this when asking about using a charger when the computer is being flashed "the charger needs to supply a solid and constant 14VOLTS and 10AMPs of power. "

This seems very specific for me and thought a trickle charger would do the trick but i dont want to brick my ECM so thats why im asking the seasoned veterans here. Any charger/power supply recommendations would be helpful and any other tips/tricks are much appreciated too.

Thank you!

 

[Bradm]

A trickle charger is just fine

 

[Nuje]

You just want to make sure that the computer (i.e. ECU) doesn't go into a low-voltage state and become unstable - writes of bytes that don't "stick" to the memory boards. 14V/10A assures that. A brand new battery full charged will also assure that. Somewhere in-between will work with something in-between.

 

[BobnOH]

Yes, the charger is a failsafe. If your battery is good and strong, your trickle charger should be fine.

 

[Speedmaster_102]

Which trickle charger? would 12v 15 amp be ok?

 

[Nuje]

15A would be more than sufficient. Just avoid doing it when the battery is weak (and turn off consumers like DRLs, fan blower, stereo, etc.).

 

[fatmobile]

Right, because they don't upload the program while the car is running.
The ignition is turned on and, at least with the MK4, the headlights and other loads come on.
I have a lame battery in my MK4 and a 6 amp charger wouldn't hold the voltage above the minimum.
Which is around 12 volts with mpps, maybe 12.2? Which has the voltage status low left on the screen. Which changes with warning colors when voltage gets low or too low.
So i hook jumper cables to my running Rabbit diesel.

 

[Speedmaster_102]

15A would be more than sufficient. Just avoid doing it when the battery is weak (and turn off consumers like DRLs, fan blower, stereo, etc.).

So, 15 amp is enough to keep the battery charging when the coolant fan kicks in during the flashing process? DRL, HVAC, radio, lights and other accessories will be off and the doors will be closed.

Just unsure about the coolant fan at this point.

 

[Bradm]

Yes it will be fine as long as your battery is in good health

 

[P2B]

So, 15 amp is enough to keep the battery charging when the coolant fan kicks in during the flashing process?

Why would the coolant fan kick in when the engine isn't running?

 

[x1800MODMY360x]

Why would the coolant fan kick in when the engine isn't running?

Some models just do that when the ECU is in programming mode. My passat does not do this but my Brothers MKV jetta does.

 

[P2B]

Some models just do that when the ECU is in programming mode. My passat does not do this but my Brothers MKV jetta does.

Huh... I guess VW wants you to brick your ECU if you have the temerity to attempt tuning it

 

[chaz_e_o]

my personal experience, i used the trickle charger off my Harley which is only 2 amp also had a brand new battery the trickle charger will be just fine. just make sure the trickle charger has been on there for a couple hours so the battery's at peak performance i just retuned mine last night eoc stage 3 battery went from 13.7 down to 12.3 once finished with the charger on. also i pulled my drl running lights too

 

[Speedmaster_102]

Why would the coolant fan kick in when the engine isn't running?

Nox Vidmate VLC​

bc on mk6, when you're flashing / writing a tune into the ECU, the car goes into a safe mode and the fans will run.

Here's a clip to show the fans turning on during the flash