Looking for someone w/a flash tool in MA to do a remote tuning correction. Happy to discuss $$. I can't be certain but it seems my RMW tune by Jan went south, and I can't cross-country to the source for correction. My best option is to try a remote. I'm in Shelburne Falls, Western Massachusetts (01370).

 

Contact Jan, I know he can now do a remote tune.

 

Thank you, but that is the point. To do so I require the flash tool, as I understand it. As far as contact, after his msg suggesting I purchase a flash tool I no longer receive replies from him, email or phone, to questions I ask about my problem. It may not be related to the tune in fact; but it seems likely... negative smoke test, new Brisk plugs, no codes, still no cold throttle possible.

 

The flash tool has to be compatable with the software used to tune the car in the first place.

Try mending the fence with RMW and get the remote from Jan.

 

let me see if i got this correct ; you got a tune , think it went south , called jan , he suggested you purchase xxx flash tool , you did this and now he wont return calls? or ; he suggested you but xxx flash tool and you're looking for someone who has the tool he suggested ?

 

 

Here we go again.

 

lol!

I was just getting my popcorn out and waiting for the fanboi's
Remember, we must never say anything bad about RMW
And for the record I love my RMW product.

On a serious note though, I do hope the OP gets his issues resolved one way or another, having problems with your car is no fun.

 

My goal here is to get my car right. I have no interest in trashing anyone or leaping on bandwagons. I am asking this group with shared interests if anyone has what I need.
Thank you, Bigshot, I am aware software needs to be compatible, that is why I mentioned it was an RMW tune done by Jan. To your second point, are you speaking as one who knows more about my circumstances than I do? What fence is this you suggest I ought to mend? -Buying the tool, well, it is the subject of my post that I'm looking for a helping hand about that.
Herbie, thanks also, it is your second scenario; smoke test was at his suggestion, plugs were mine, his last was, buy the flash tool.
I am trying to avoid paying twice for one tune.
Yes, I'm a cheap bastard if you like, I went over budget for the car and money's so tight now I didn't leave room for unsuspected problems.

 

My concern has to do with you statement that Jan no longer responds to your requests. This sounds to me like a problem between you and Jan. Solve this problem and get your car fixed.

I know of no other alternative as the remote tune product is a proprietary tool only available to those with the software. This is not something that you or anyone else can go out and buy.

 

i hear ya man . it's the big flaw with tunes from west coast when you reside on east coast . no one's fault caviat emtor or something like that . i'm sure if you lived in socal we wouldn't be talking about it . jan needs to franchise . remote is nice but not in addition to cost of initial tune . nothing like in person . hope you find somebody . or you can buy the flasher and get permission to replicate . but probably a one ecu deal only .

 

Thanks again, Bigshot, but again I am aware of the specific nature of the tool required, if I could go out and buy it I would not take up space here. It did seem to me from my reading here there are quite a number of people with RMW tunes and parts and I am, again, making an inquiry among these fellow enthusiasts whether someone has an appropriate flash tool. (!)
Other than the fact that I have thus far failed to purchase his flash tool, and I said that would be hard for me to do now, there is no problem between Jan and me that I am aware of, and no dispute that I am a party to. I intend it should stay that way, I have not given any cause at my end.
I admit I am struggling a bit with the silence. He is very busy. I understand and respect busy. All I want is to fix the problem.
Furthermore...There's some investment here in RMW products and services. I bought the car fresh from the tune, with RMW cam, RMW "Jesus" head, RMW header- and Jan's RMW tune. All good and exciting stuff (for me); it only remains, as Chopin said, to make it all work together "legato". I gather from his schedule Jan doesn't need to advertise, but as it stands this car is not an advertisement.
But that's enough discussion of Jan for me, I've not met him. I hope to work with him soon to straighten out my car so I can come in out of the doghouse. Flash tool, anyone?

 

You got more chance of catching him on www.minitorque.com than here at the moment, I was just talking to him on the forum.

 

Thanks for the clarification mea, was just trying to help asI was unaware that you needed to buy the tool. I thought it was sent out under a deposit from RMW and then sent back after the tune was done. Didn't know you could buy one.

 

i thought the flashing tool is 'married' to the car once it's flashed?!? correct me if i'm mistaken.

 

This is a little confusing. It sounds like you bought the car with all the mods, including the tune? That you personally did not make these mods yourself.

What makes you feel like the tune is no good?

 

If you use a "shark" to flash the car it is "married"....is that the tool you are talking about??? You buy it, ship it to JAN, he puts the update on it, and sends it to you to re-flash?? Or is he saying you need to do a full remote tune on a Dyano with data logging....basically a do-over?

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/
Turner Motorsport
16 Hunt Road South
Amesbury, MA 01913

phone: 978-388-7769
fax: 978 388-4202[/SIZE][/FONT]

These guys are kinda local to you...and might be able to help ya!! Good luck....and remember...you get more flies with Honey than Vinegar....you might need to get on better terms with JAN to get you car running right....I find it hard to believe he will not even tell you the EXACT too you need to do it!!

Also you might want to consult http://www.waymotorworks.com/
CALL US: 1-317-201-8670

They are an great source of MINI info...they might be able to tell you what you need!! they are also a great source of parts too!! Also they are some of the most honest people in the MINI community IMO when it comes to what is worth the money, and what is not! Good luck!!

 

Thanks, everybody, for your suggestions.
Bigshot, I like the scenario you describe, sending and returning tool under deposit. I don't know if it exists. Only possibility presented to me so far: Buy the flash tool. $300. Zippy, since that is ALL I know, it could be either of your suggestions. Onasled, you are correct, I bought the whole deal and considered myself lucky to find such a package, as it's unlikely I would have been able to put it together myself. I question the tuning because the behaviour did not occur before, according to owner, and it is definitely not right. Car will start but won't go, until fully warmed up, it backfires and falls
off a cliff if given even slight throttle. Once warm it's better. Plugs pulled @ warmup are black and fouled, once warm grey/normal. All other suggestions to date have made no difference.
Zippy, re "better terms" please see my previous posts. I should not have discussed it. I may be mystified and frustrated but I do not need to create a monster. Maybe we can let this be whatever it is.
Once I take any practical steps I can, I'll try to somehow get things going again and I expect we will be able to move forward.
Thank you to all, again, for suggestions thus far.

 

Way has Dimsport as well I read somewhere, so he should be able to check it out for you.

Have you got a scanguage on the car?

Good Luck

 

I don't, Paul. Have a recommendation?

 

meacoopa I understand your frustration. I believe that RMW should step up their customer service. If RMW wants to keep you as a loyal customer he should return phone calls and give you a solution to the problem. Customer Service "is" #1 priority for online business. It is hard to trust someone you have never met in your life so others like myself would become very skeptical about paying RMW for a tune when he can not return a loyal customers phone call or e-mail. If RMW believed and understood the problem they should offer a solution. After you spending thousands with him its sad to see a company as pristine as RMW let a $300 module get in the way of a loyal customer. Jan should offer to lend you the module so he can tune your MCS. If he did tune it the first time incorrectly then he should fix it. I don't believe RMW should even think about charging you for a mistake they made. I know their is many RMW followers here I can honestly say they would be as frustrated as you. If they say other wise they would be only lying to them selfs.... Good Luck and please keep us possible future RMW customers updated on the situation...

 

I would check for stored codes first. ie It could be a wonky coolant temp sensor(or thermostat stuck open) causing massive richness upon start-up and warm-up.

Jeremy

 

Pines, thanks for framing my sentiments on the matter, mostly, but I'm still holding on to patience as a virtue. There may be a window opening. Jhiggs, exactly my suspicion (one of them) but no codes are stored.

 

One thing.....the "shark" is generally used for canned tunes....not custom...it is probably not the tool you need...but it does offer you the chance to up-load a improved (overstock) tune to your car, and save the custom to to reinstall later....Possibly getting you back into the drivers seat IF you still have OEM or JCW injectors....While it says you can update it by USB, I think the updates must come from the makers of the unit. Did your car go to the dealer for work by chance? IF it did, they may have re-flashed it, and you may have lost your tune....that would explain the rich running if you have bigger than OEM injectors, and they are not scaled. Just a thought.......


Did the problem suddenly appear..or come on slowly??

MANY MANY MINI's have trouble in some parts of the country during the annual changeover to/from winter+summer fuels. Sometimes the symptoms are similar to what you describe for 3 or 4 seconds before it runs OK.
I would also check out your ingnition coil....#3 lead specifically...look for corrosion where the spark-plug leads connects to it....and polish it off, and add some Di-electric grease, or get a new coil. Might not be causing the problem....but it is a common ignition system problem on MINI's that can cause starting problems...."or rumbling rich starts."

 

I'm wondering if its a "tune" problem, maybe the front map sensor has gone bad.

Sensor is $50 and takes about 5 mins to change if you want to take the risk and long as you have a torx screwdriver to hand