How likely is it that my PFC is just dead?
 

Is there a way to verify my PFC is actually working without a commander/datalogit? I was having problems with startup/boost(not starting, fuel cut when going into boost) and went back to a stock ecu (mechanic was not familiar with the PFC and I was tired of messing with it).

I think the problem was due to my battery going dead a few times over the course of a year corrupting the PFC's map. I'd like to test my PFC but I don't have a commander (or else this would probably all have been solved very easily). Prior to the problems it had worked beautifully for 5+ years, since I purchased the car from Fritz (this guy is awesome).

Is there any way to test it with just a PC or do I just need to find someone with a Datalogit or Commander and ask them to be a pal? I think I know the answer to this question, but it can't hurt to ask. I wouldn't mind reinstalling the PFC and getting a datalogit if it is in fact working, but I don't want to sink the $200 in a used datalogit before verifying that.

Fuel cut going into boost is probably a tps that is out of spec. I've seen it before where it seemed to be boost related but was not. The startup again might be tps related. Any PowerFC should have a commander, it makes diagnosing so much easier. You only need a datalogit if your going to tune it.

I haven't seen a PowerFC lose a map to this day. I have seen owners play with the commander though and accidentally reset back to base map.

thewird

Thanks. I just see the commander as subpar to the datalogit at the same price point. So if I was going to get a commander I would just as soon get a datalogit, not that I plan on tuning, just that if they cost the same and one does more than the other, why bother with the other? Trust me, I would much prefer if it had a Commander, but it didn't when I purchased the car and thats that. I didn't really have a need for it before, or at least there were no problems that made me feel like I did.

Since switching back to a stock ECU there hasn't been a problem. I don't drive the car hard and never have. I rarely go into boost (only noticed the boost issue when passing someone on the highway on the way back from my parents to my apartment). I'm pretty much a granny. I just want a car that will start up when I need it to. Jesus at Kilo Racing was the one that took the PFC out for a stock ECU he had available. He does not use the Power FC with his cars and instead uses the microtech I believe, so he wasn't able to help me with the PFC, which is why I'm here!