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No, you cannot do the ECM flash yourself! The downside is that you will be wasting performance potential and your bike may not run as well as it could.
My question is are they actually downloading anything or are they installing a new cartridge in the ECM? I just had the repairs finished on my bike and the service manager wanted to use a new "download" that is supposed to be a race version, not epa compliant, and richer than previous Stage 1s. I can go to Zanotti, enter the part number, and add it to the cart. Plus it's $108 vesus $149. The description on the dealer invoice and at Zanottis calls it a cartridge. Additionally, from every picture I've seen it looks like a cartridge. I can't complain about this download, because, so far, it's running better than with the previous stage one download (different part number) or with the PCIII installed (when the bike was running correctly). Also, from what I can tell so far, I won't have to install the PCIII again. The bike was running very strong and feels like it would have given my lighter FXD a run for it's money.
I didn't know there was an update 'cartridge' or whatever, for the 1550 stage 1. Is this a 'factory recall type fix'? or just something you have to buy if you're unhappy with your current imprecise download. Was there a memo & # for this? Will this help you at off idle parking lot speeds? And does this apply to 04's?
No, you cannot use the cartridge. The cartridge is a one-time-use item, and must be used with a scan tool. The scan tool is mainly a diagnostic tool used to retrieve real-time data (with the engine running) and stored diagnostic trouble codes from the ECM. It is also used to apply the "download".
Since I had used an automotive scan tool before, my mechanic let me do the download on my bike, using his scan tool. It's pretty simple, really:
(To the best of my recollection)
1) Plug the cartridge into the scan tool.
2) Remove right side cover.
3) Connect the scan tool to the data link connector.
4) Power on bike ignition with engine off.
5) Follow the prompts on the tool to "flash" the bike's ECM to the new configuration.
6) Power off bike and tool.
7) Disconnect tool.
8) Replace right side cover.
So, the cartridge is useless, unless you have the tool.
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