Warning Rant: HP Tuners Disabled 2 of my PCMs

[GoblinGuyZ]

Trying to think outside the box…you now have two ECUs, correct? There are a few forum members that have had success with HPT. Would it be worth the effort to see if someone would be willing to try and write to one of yours if you sent it to them? That should verify if it is indeed locked. Or you could try a vendor for programming like ZZP but I think that can get expensive quickly. Or you could get really out of the box and see if someone with the older HPT version would travel to you. Many areas are getting into “Park the Goblin” weather and a trip to Barbados could get the wife to agree to a winter vacation.

Alas I live in Barbados in the Caribbean. I may literally be the only person with an LSJ in the whole island lol. So shipping is prohibitive since it would not simply be a one off. I asked ZZP about literally sending them the ECU for remote tuning but they said it would take several tries back and forth which would get expensive fast not to mention the down time. Plus I dont want to send it then hear they are having the same issue as well. It seems right now my only option is 1) to wait on HP Tuners to fix the issue but they have no ETA which might mean never. 2) Stay stock forever 3) Find another ECU solution 4) Change to a completely different engine. My engine is working great and after having just dumped money on the mods for it (3) seems like my best bet,

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

I think you can do that Saturn Vue EPS thing. Basically the Vue EPS is bolt in, and there are aftermarket controllers that are adjustable off of speed (via included GPS module). Might be worth looking into if you want to try standalone.

Saturn Vue Chevy Equinox Electric Power Steering Electronic Controller Box EPAS | Power Steering Pump | Electrical

This kit allow you to install Saturn Vue electric power steering to any other vehicle. Saturn Vue - from 2002 to 2007. Saturn Vue 2002 - 2007. In these steering columns the ECU (electronic box) is mounted in the steering column.

www.ebay.com

Hmm ok nice so this basically plugs into our EPS and separates it from the computer. I would try this regardless if it offers adjustability.

 

[Gtstorey]

Does not work on the Cobalt EPS. Has to be a specific model Vue or a few other vehicles.

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

If you swap to the Vue eps there isn’t much need to go with gps based system. I never adjust mine from its minimum setting.

Do you know if the Vue EPS mounts back the same way to the chassis and the original steering column/rack? I converted to a RHD setup so I dont want to have to re fabricate stuff if it can be avoided. Splicing the harness ends is no big deal if they dont plug back in directly.

 

[Gtstorey]

The Vue EPS was a direct bolt in to the Goblin, it just uses a different control module that can be/has been “hacked”

 

[Gtstorey]

You will need to add in a resistor to the GLAM network wiring since one of the required resistors is located in the Cobalt EPS.

 

[devianteng]

For what it’s worth, I was able to write to my PCM the other day using VCM Editor 5.x and my MPVI2. All I did was disable a CEL, but the write went through ad expected.

If you’re still not having any luck here, reach out to the guy that I sent you his contact info via PM. I’d bet dollars to donuts that your base OS on the PCM is corrupted (maybe by the MPVI3 or by some erroneous update in newer versions of VCM Editor…I dunno) and needs to be restored from the backup; easy to do with the right hardware and he can give you info on buying that hardware yourself, or you can send one PCM for him to try. Worst case you’re out shipping costs and a few weeks of time, but at least you’ll know.

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

For what it’s worth, I was able to write to my PCM the other day using VCM Editor 5.x and my MPVI2. All I did was disable a CEL, but the write went through ad expected.

If you’re still not having any luck here, reach out to the guy that I sent you his contact info via PM. I’d bet dollars to donuts that your base OS on the PCM is corrupted (maybe by the MPVI3 or by some erroneous update in newer versions of VCM Editor…I dunno) and needs to be restored from the backup; easy to do with the right hardware and he can give you info on buying that hardware yourself, or you can send one PCM for him to try. Worst case you’re out shipping costs and a few weeks of time, but at least you’ll know.

Yeah I wish I Could get my hands on a 2 now I think all my problems would be over, just dload and older software version before they did all that crap. Just nowhere sells the 2s now. At this point I would trade my 3 for a 2 and pay extra lol

 

[WYGoblin]

Supposably Amazon has 2 MPVI2+. They are way overpriced but it said they had them as of right now. Listed at 679.98.

https://www.amazon.com/M021-008-00-...fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb&th=1

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Tried to buy a 2 - twice - and was sent the 3 both times. I was very specific I wanted the 2, was told I would get a 2 - nope. Once was from Amazon.

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

Tried to buy a 2 - twice - and was sent the 3 both times. I was very specific I wanted the 2, was told I would get a 2 - nope. Once was from Amazon.

this is what I’m afraid of. I emailed a company today that had the two advertised before I purchased and they also told me it was actually a 3 now

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

Tried to buy a 2 - twice - and was sent the 3 both times. I was very specific I wanted the 2, was told I would get a 2 - nope. Once was from Amazon.

Was that from the same overpriced $6xx cost from Amazon as well czuse they have it specifically listed as the 2 altho they do offer the 3 and the price is twice as high

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Ordered the 2 at $498 from Amazon about 3 weeks ago, got a 3, sent it back. Bought a 2 from a local tuner shop, sent me a 3 - said 2s are no longer available.

I'm still checking around but can't locate a 2 anywhere now

 

[Sluggonaut]

I think a lot of the places mentioned are just drop shiping those from HPT, so you'll just pay more for what you can get from HPT (reads: only going to be 3's going forward).

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

I asked if anyone in HpTuners forum would be willing to swap a 3 with 2 credits for a 2 but admins deleted my post.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

That's telling...maybe there is truly a problem with the 3 and they are just not admitting anything just yet.

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

So I just spoke to someone from a Cobalt forum and they have the same exact PCM and issue as me and they updated their firmware and ran the Beta version and its now working for them. However as my luck would have it his updated to FirmwareVersion: 5.3.17 and mine will not update past FirmwareVersion: 5.3.17

There is no manual file download or way to get the file it;s supposed to be automatic when you resync the device but mine will not download that update at all sigh.

 

[Ross]

Sorry to hear of your HP Tuners issues. I am debating purchasing a race ECM for my race engine...
So I could be persuaded to sell my HP Tuners MPVI2. It cost me $375 when I bought it... make me an offer.

I have done about 100 tunes to my P12 ECU, so I know it works.

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

Sorry to hear of your HP Tuners issues. I am debaiting purchasing a race ECM for my race engine...
So I could be persuaded to sell my HP Tuners MPVI2. It cost me $375 when I bought it... make me an offer.

I have done about 100 tunes to my P12 ECU, so I know it works.

Sounds good, give me till Tuesday cause I asked HP tuners about the firmware and if they will allow me to get the upgrade and it works then my issue is solved. If not then I will take you up on the offer. Thanks

 

[Gtstorey]

Tried to buy a 2 - twice - and was sent the 3 both times. I was very specific I wanted the 2, was told I would get a 2 - nope. Once was from Amazon.

Jannetty Racing just posted on HPT forum that they have plenty of '2+ in stock. HP Tuners MPVI2+ – JRE Performance Parts (jannettyracing.com).