Ralliart Colt ECU Flashing: A Beginner's Guide

The Ralliart Colt ECU Flash: A Noob-Friendly Guide

So, you've heard the whispers of the community-developed Macca flash for your Ralliart Colt and you're eager to get involved. This guide is designed to demystify the process of ECU flashing for your AUDM Ralliart Colt, with a focus on copying and modifying maps. While tailored for the Ralliart Colt, some of this information may prove useful if you have an XML file for a turbo Colt.

Before we dive in, a massive disclaimer is in order. ECU flashing involves direct interaction with your car's Engine Control Unit (ECU). Incorrect procedures can lead to a "bricked" or non-functional ECU, rendering your car undrivable. If you are not comfortable with computer software, or if you tend to rush through technical processes, it is highly advisable to seek assistance from someone experienced. Patience and meticulous attention to detail are paramount.

Essential Warnings and Precautions

Let's get the critical safety information out of the way:

• Familiarise yourself with ECUFlash: Before attempting any real-world flashing, spend time in ECUFlash. Practice opening ROMs, copying values, and understanding the interface.
• Close all Open ROMs: When reading your car's ECU for the first time, ensure all other ROM files are closed within ECUFlash. This prevents accidental uploads of the wrong file, which could lead to a bricked ECU.
• Immobiliser and WGDC Codes: Double-check and triple-check that you have correctly copied the immobiliser code and any Wastegate Duty Cycle (WGDC) maps. A misplaced immobiliser code will prevent your car from starting, and you'll need to permanently disable the immobiliser system (instructions are provided later in this guide).
• Laptop Reliability: Ensure your laptop is stable, has sufficient battery power, and is not prone to crashing. A mid-flash interruption can have dire consequences.
• ECUFlash Version: Avoid the very latest versions of ECUFlash. Several users have reported their ECUs being bricked by newer versions. It is recommended to use a stable, older version. A link to a recommended version is provided below.
• Community Resources: If you are unsure about any step, consult the community forums (like rcolt.com) and re-read Macca's `info.txt` file. Knowledge is your best defence against errors.

Getting Started: The Tactrix OpenPort 2.0

The first piece of hardware you'll need is the Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 interface. You can purchase this from www.tactrix.com. Expect to pay around $250 AUD, depending on the exchange rate and delivery costs. A significant development is that the separate pin-out cable is no longer required, thanks to the work of community members. The standard OpenPort 2.0 package, including its USB cable, is all you need.

Software and File Setup

Once your Tactrix device arrives, you'll need to set up the necessary software and files:

1. Install EcuFlash: Download and install ECUFlash from the following link. Remember the warning about newer versions:
   ECUFlash v1.44.4247 (Beta Recommended)
2. Create Directory: Navigate to `C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenECU\EcuFlash\rommetadata\mitsubishi` and create a new folder named 'Ralliart Colt Turbo'.
3. Download XML Files: Place the following two XML files into the newly created 'Ralliart Colt Turbo' folder:
   • 39670016_RColt_merlin-3.xml
   • Coltbase.xml
4. Download Macca Flash Files: You'll also need the Macca Flash files. Be sure to read the accompanying notes:
   • Macca Flash Notes (info.txt)
   • Macca 3 Port Rom (Good 3 port Stage 1 flash.bin)

Connecting and Initialising the Tactrix Device

Connect your Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 device to your laptop using the supplied USB cable. Launch ECUFlash. The software should automatically detect and begin flashing the firmware onto the Tactrix device. This process is how it bypasses the need for a separate pin-out cable.

Understanding ECUFlash: Immobiliser and WGDC Maps

This section will guide you through using ECUFlash to understand and manipulate your car's ECU maps. This is a crucial learning step before you attempt to flash your actual car.

Opening and Comparing ROMs:

1. Start by opening the stock ROM file you downloaded from Macca's files (`Stock Rom.bin`). Go to `File -> Open ROM`.
2. To view the immobiliser code, tick the relevant checkbox (refer to screenshots in the original guide if available) in ECUFlash.
3. Now, open the Macca Stage 1 flash file (`Good 3 port Stage 1 flash.bin`) as a second ROM. You can now have multiple ROMs open simultaneously in ECUFlash.
4. Compare the immobiliser codes. You'll notice they might be different. The values are displayed in hexadecimal format.

Copying Immobiliser Codes:

If you need to copy the immobiliser code from one ROM to another (for example, from your downloaded stock ROM to the Macca flash file):

1. Navigate to the immobiliser code field in the source ROM.
2. Go to `Edit -> Select All`, then `Edit -> Copy`.
3. Go to the corresponding immobiliser code field in the target ROM.
4. Go to `Edit -> Paste`.

Understanding WGDC Maps:

WGDC maps control the wastegate solenoid. They are critical for managing boost pressure.

1. In ECUFlash, tick the checkboxes for `Turbo -> WGDC #1` and `Turbo -> WGDC #2` for each open ROM.
2. Observe the differences between the stock and Macca's 3-port maps. The stock maps typically show the wastegate solenoid operating at near 100% capacity. Macca's tune, designed for a 3-port solenoid, uses lower duty cycles (around 50-70%) to manage higher potential boost levels and prevent overboost.

Copying WGDC Maps (for 2-port Colts):

If you have a 2-port Ralliart Colt and are using the Macca 3-port tune, you'll likely want to replace Macca's WGDC maps with the stock 2-port maps to achieve expected boost levels. If you have a 3-port, leave Macca's WGDC maps as they are.

1. For the stock ROM, click into any cell of the WGDC #1 map.
2. Go to `Edit -> Select All`, then `Edit -> Copy`.
3. Go to the target ROM (the Macca Stage 1 flash), click into the first cell of the WGDC #1 map (e.g., at coordinates 500,10).
4. Go to `Edit -> Paste`.
5. Repeat this process for the WGDC #2 map.

After copying the stock WGDC maps over the Macca 3-port maps, your Stage 1 flash file should be customised for a 2-port setup. Save this modified file with a new name, such as 'Good 2 port Stage 1 flash.bin'.

Exploring Other Maps:

Take this opportunity to explore other maps within ECUFlash, such as rev limiters and MIVEC maps. However, for this initial guide, we're sticking to the core functionalities. Ensure you are completely comfortable with these operations before proceeding to flash your car.

The Flashing Process: Writing to the ECU

When you are confident and ready to flash your car's ECU, follow these steps carefully:

1. Connect Tactrix: Connect the Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 to your car's OBD2 port. A helpful video demonstration can be found here.
2. Prepare ECUFlash: Open ECUFlash. Ensure all other ROM files are closed using `File -> Close ROM`. This is a critical safety step.
3. Read from ECU: Select `ECU -> Read from ECU`. This will download the current factory ECU map from your car.

Important Note on Reading/Writing: Some users have experienced issues with the Tactrix device connecting. It may require a few attempts or even trying with the engine running (though ignition mode is generally preferred). If the engine cuts out when reading, don't panic; it often resolves itself. A slight "wobble" of the Tactrix device connection might also help.

Saving Your Original ROM: Once the read process is complete (it takes a few minutes), save your original factory ROM file. Macca recommends saving this file in multiple locations to ensure you never lose it. This is your backup!

Transferring Immobiliser Code: Now, copy the immobiliser code from your just-downloaded factory ROM to your prepared flash file (e.g., 'Good 2 port Stage 1 flash.bin'), as practised earlier. Save the modified flash file again.

Writing to the ECU: With your modified ROM ready, select `ECU -> Write to ECU`. Follow the on-screen prompts. The process is similar to the reading stage. Once complete, turn off the ignition, then turn it back on, and attempt to start your car.

Troubleshooting: Uploaded Wrong Immobiliser Code?

If your car won't start due to an incorrect immobiliser code, don't despair. You can fix this by disabling the immobiliser in the ROM:

1. Open the ROM file that you intended to upload.
2. Navigate to `ECU Options #2`.
3. Locate `Bit.03`. You'll need to change its value to '0'.
4. Click into a cell that already has a '0' value, then go to `Edit -> Copy`.
5. Select the `Bit.03` value and go to `Edit -> Paste`. Ensure no other values have been inadvertently changed.
6. Upload this modified ROM to your car. The immobiliser will be disabled, and your car should start.

Note: Disabling the immobiliser reduces security, but for modern cars, the risk of hotwiring is generally low.

Further Tuning: More Boost for Non-3-Port Setups

This guide primarily focuses on adapting the Macca 3-port tune for 2-port Colts by swapping WGDC maps. If you have a 3-port setup, you can flash the Macca tune directly after ensuring the immobiliser code is correct.

For those without a 3-port system seeking more boost:

• Consider adjusting the stock WGDC maps. Setting the 3-row area between 2500-3500 RPM and one row at 6000 RPM to 100% duty cycle can increase boost.
• Caution: Increasing boost may require retarding ignition timing slightly to prevent engine knock. This is a more advanced tuning step.
• Some maps feature lower duty cycles in the 25% and 30% Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) ranges, likely to mitigate pinging.
• Adjustments to the 6500-7000 RPM range to slightly higher, but still under 100%, settings are also possible. Remember that Macca's files have a rev limit of 6499 RPM; changes above this won't take effect unless the rev limit is also increased.

What is a Stage 1 Remap for a Mitsubishi Colt?

A Stage 1 remap, as discussed in the context of the Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 CZT (147 bhp standard), is an ECU software modification designed to safely increase power and torque without requiring hardware upgrades. For the CZT, a Stage 1 remap can typically push power figures up to around 200 bhp, an increase of approximately 53 bhp, and torque can rise to about 210 lb/ft, a gain of 55 lb/ft. These tunes are developed on rolling roads to ensure accurate power delivery, maintain safe fueling, boost pressures, and exhaust gas temperatures, prioritising reliability alongside performance. It's an ideal upgrade for those seeking enhanced performance for daily driving without the need for additional hardware.

Disclaimer: As with the entire Ralliart Colt ECU Flash Guide, all modifications are performed at your own risk.

If you want to read more articles similar to Ralliart Colt ECU Flashing: A Beginner's Guide, you can visit the Tuning category.