Thundermax Autotune ECM - Harley Forum

ljurak · #1 10-15-2009, 02:27 PM

Hello to every body. I am new, but olready have questions.

I am planning to buy Thundermax, read manual bafore, have some questions.

Do I have to perform "Password learn" procedure (TSM/TSSM) when instaling new ECM like Thundermax from Zippers. What hapens with trouble codes from H-D, when I change the ECM with Thundermax Autotune? Are they still usable or not ?
P = ECM/ICM (Electronic Control Module [EFI] / Ignition Control Module [Carbureted])
S = TSM/TSSM (Turn Signal/ Turn Signal Security Module)
SP = speedometer
T = tachometer
Are they still usable after change or not ?

Has any one some experience with Zipper Thundermax Autotune ?

tommyglide · #2 10-15-2009, 11:39 PM

Hi ljurak, welcome. What year of bike is it going on? I had a Tmax with Autune on an 07 Electra Glide and it worked well. Plug it in to where the OEM ECM was, trouble codes remain the same, calibrate your speedometer like the manual says, play with and get used to the Tmax you will probably like it. Zippers has some installation and set up videos on You tube that are quite helpfull and can be accessed from Zippers web site.
Good luck!

ljurak · #3 10-16-2009, 09:36 AM

Hi Tommy,

I am glad to find someone with hands on experience.
My bike is 2004 Softail Deuce. Khrome Werks mufflers,
no other modifications yet. Planning to install K&N filter
RK-3910 - K&N Custom Assemblies, Filter Kit - Harley Davidson
I have ordered Thundermax, not installed yet. I ordered also piggy back cable, than I can ride with a Notebook PC and Monitor at the same time. If this makes any sense I dont know yet.

regards,
Ljubo

tommyglide · #4 10-16-2009, 01:35 PM

Good day Lj, you are going to install wide band 02 sensors in your headpipes? Riding and monitoring to your PC is a good feature, but, if the weather is cool and your engine isn't up to operating temp, 200 F or more, the air fuel ratios won't be what the fuel map is calling for so don't worry from that, just get the engine hotter.
DON"T throw out your original ecm because you will need it to calibrate a new TSSM should the original TSSM fail.
Happy Thundermaxing

sinolav · #5 10-16-2009, 01:58 PM

ljurak, does your bike have the O2 sensors in the header pipes?

I put a Thundermax with auto tune on my 03 Ultra last year. My 03 didn't have O2 sensors. I picked up a set of exhaust from an 07, which had the bungs to install the O2 sensors.

Also, be prepared to get creative in routing the wiring for the o2 sensors. Keep the wires away from moving parts and heat, (belts, heads and cylinders).

I installed my software on a laptop, that way I could connect to my Thundermax any time, any place.

IMPORTANT: When you pull off the mounting caddie for your ECM, make sure to heat the screw heads with a pencil torch, or you will have a problem with the fasteners breaking free and just spinning in their hole. (That's the round brass knuraled "nuts" that the screws thread into). The screws are locktited into the fastener, the heat will break down the bond.

When you select a starting map, the important items are engine size, exhaust, carb/EFI. If you don’t see a setting for air cleaner like you have pick stock.

Your bike should start and run on the basic map. Then after a few minutes, the auto tune will settle in. The more you ride it for the first few days the better. By the second day, my bike ran perfect.

Be sure to follow the instructions on connecting the power source, and loading the map. This unit is so user friendly, I almost think your bike would start, even if you didn’t load a map.

Good luck with it.

ljurak · #6 10-16-2009, 06:05 PM

Hi Tommy and Sinolav
In Slovenia is winter already here (two months earlier). I have now plenty of time to study all details about my future project. I think that Tommy also has cold weather already. I can try open loop operation, because my header pipes has not bungs for o2 sensors. Later I plan to weld bungs or get some header pipes 07-up. This is good advice too warm engine over 200 F else is she running richer. On Zippers download page are lot of basic files, but almost all with SE cams. Does any body has experience with Woods, S&S or Andrews cams in combination with Thundermax.
Regards,
Ljubo

tommyglide · #7 10-16-2009, 08:50 PM

Hey there Lj, I don't think you have to worry too much about cam selection for the base map, when my Tmax was first installed the shop put the wrong base map in and it still ran well. Two different cam sets with the correct base map and all was well. I hear people are liking a Woods 6 cam, good to begin with and accomodates future upgrades.
Stay warm Ljubo.

ljurak · #8 10-17-2009, 04:05 PM

Hello Tommy,

thanks for your support. I will be back after few weeks, when I install TMax.
If I find somthing new, I let You know. I have some considerations, which I have to test first alone. What hapens if power to TMax is lost, and what when the Voltage is to low. I go thru manual trougroughly and I must say that is this profesioanl work in aspect of computers. I hope that the HW is stable and will live long. I like veterans.

ride safe and I hope that You in Canada dont get too much snow this winter. Not more then 2 meters or are you mesuring snow in feet (seven)?

tommyglide · #9 10-17-2009, 10:25 PM

Hello lj, I can measure snow both ways but officially metric units are used here. If you lose power to the Tmax you must re initialize the unit. Key on for 30 seconds, key off for 30 seconds and do that 3 times.
I think you've got it figured.
The snow melted and +12 C 53 F today.

ljurak · #10 10-18-2009, 01:12 PM

Hi Tommy,
Did you ever hear about problem of voltage drop when starting? This should reset the TMax and you have to re initialize the unit again and again. I think that this is not true. I hope.
Are you running 13:1 or something else. With 13:1 does the engine need more gasoline or is the change minor?
Regards, Ljubo