1989 Dodge RamCharger 5.2l Tuning

I have a 5.2L 1989 RamCharger, with an SMEC. I can't seem to get MPTune to download the tune from the stock SMEC. It will connect and I can pull sensor data, but I can't get past the "connected, received xx bytes" part of reading the chip. It fails and gives an error message that basically says "can't read the boot program, turn the key off and try again." I'm using a 9v battery with 12V on pin #11, and a BoostButton.com SCI cable.

What am I doing wrong?

The goal here is to retune the engine management for the cam the previous owner installed in the truck, without going megasquirt. Hopefully I can contribute some more useful basemaps to the v8 folks. I used to tune Hondas back in the day and many of the terms are similar so it's easy to understand.

http://i.imgur.com/N1gdBes.jpg

I don't think anyone has dissembled the V8 codes yet...

So does that mean I won't be able to dump the code through the MPTune program, or just that I won't be able to edit the fuel and spark tables?

I have a couple SMEC and SBEC computers lying around. Unfortunately I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of practice with IDA Pro, so I probably can't be of much help on the disasm.

Well, I got the bootstrap pin installed into the connector correctly, apparently there is a little bit of black plastic that got in the way of the pin originally, only took 20 days to find the time. Maybe I'll have time to dump the code soon.

if you get the bin pulled post it up and i'll take a look to see if i can help.

I just got a couple minutes to run outside and pull it. How do I post it up? I don't see the ability to attach files.

I have it uploaded here:
http://s000.tinyupload.com/?file_id=...32854129344762

I'm not sure about the number on the chip inside the SMEC, I haven't opened this one yet, and I have no idea on the type, so it's not named correctly. It's named 89_52_unk_727_unk.zip currently.

disassembled and took a quick look.

ecu number is 4379887 which is for an 89 ramcharger, 318 cu in, a727 trans.

i'll see if any of the existing cals that rob lloyd has done match up at all with this one. is so i can start working on it in several weeks. i need to finish working on the jeep 781 cal and review a 91 v6 cal first. i'll keep ya updated.

Sweet. You're incredibly generous for committing your time to this.

I have a Mopar computer in my 93 Dakota I would love to be able to adjust also....

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Originally Posted by MILKCARTON

I have a Mopar computer in my 93 Dakota I would love to be able to adjust also....

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Post up a thread with the info on it. I have a 91 w250 that I'm going to see about modifying next.

Wowzer, Have you had time to make heads or tails of it yet?

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Originally Posted by awptickes

I have a 5.2L 1989 RamCharger, with an SMEC. I can't seem to get MPTune to download the tune from the stock SMEC. It will connect and I can pull sensor data, but I can't get past the "connected, received xx bytes" part of reading the chip. It fails and gives an error message that basically says "can't read the boot program, turn the key off and try again." I'm using a 9v battery with 12V on pin #11, and a BoostButton.com SCI cable.

What am I doing wrong?

The goal here is to retune the engine management for the cam the previous owner installed in the truck, without going megasquirt. Hopefully I can contribute some more useful basemaps to the v8 folks. I used to tune Hondas back in the day and many of the terms are similar so it's easy to understand.

http://i.imgur.com/N1gdBes.jpg

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When you bootstrap it, are you applying the 9v before key-on? Are you leaving the 9v on? I think it needs to be left on. Final question, when you bootstrap it, does the fuel pump prime (I assume V8's still do this?)?

EDIT: Nevermind, looks like you figured it out...

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Originally Posted by awptickes

Wowzer, Have you had time to make heads or tails of it yet?

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no, sorry. i'll put it on my schedule to review it more before month end.

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Originally Posted by ShelGame

When you bootstrap it, are you applying the 9v before key-on? Are you leaving the 9v on? I think it needs to be left on. Final question, when you bootstrap it, does the fuel pump prime (I assume V8's still do this?)?

EDIT: Nevermind, looks like you figured it out...

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Yeah, I figured it out eventually. Timing is key.

Speaking of which, are you totally out of boostbutton.com? I was hoping to buy a reflashable module for an SMEC before you finally closed up shop completely.

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Originally Posted by wowzer

no, sorry. i'll put it on my schedule to review it more before month end.

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Awesome, thanks.

Wowzer, Any update?