Putting a lock code on an ECM!!!
 

Here's my story. I bought an running engine last year and installed it in my boat. Basically a 500 EFI clone from a Volvo penta/OMC setup. ECM was remapped 17 years ago on a dyno and the Engine put out 530HP. Engine ran well last season but I want a little more! So I purchased a 500EFI throttle body to replace the LT1 style that was on the engine. I had the Throttle body machined to accept the mono blade and flow more air. I figured with more air introduced I should have the ECM remapped (Mefi 1-2) to add more fuel right? Well this is where this story goes to $hit. The company that did the tune 17 years ago locked the ECM and will not give me the code so I can remap. Their code ius 17 YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!! I called the company and asked if they could give me the code so I can get it remapped and the gentleman on the phone got an attitude and said no way! This "Tune" is proprietary to their company. Once again....it's 17 YEARS OLD! He added that I should bring the engine down to his place in Fla. and have him set it up. Not going to happen. No time and limited funds. I have spoken with a good friend that has the hardware/software to tune the ECM and he has said that we could repin the connectors from the OMC/VP wiring to Mercury wiring and use the ECM off my other engine. (502 MAG/MPI). Problem with that is that I had the wiring harness redone last year to hide the wiring from view.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is that why can't I just get the code and be done with this? It's not like it has any national security implications! Thanks for reading to my rant.

I would ask if he would return it to factory specs and send it back to you unlocked. its ECM piracy! If he won't help you out I would call the BBB, post his name on every website you can find and write reviews on google when his name/company is searched. But he needs to be given a fair chance and warned about the repercussions

Some tuners and engine builders will do this to force repeat business. They want you to come back to them so they can make more money. As far as I know it is legal for them to do it. Its just a crappy way to garner business.

Sounds like something Arizona Speed & Marine or Ed Wright would do.
You own your tune and ECM because you paid for them. Unfortunately, it's less of a hassle to just go buy another ECM and have it flashed. I've ran into the same problem before and that's what I did.

Can you just get another ECM that is stock and unlocked?

I could get a new ECM but it can cost as much as $1400.00 Pisses me off since I own this one!

Call Mark at Precision Marine in New Orleans. I think he can help.

Used on ebay $1900.00

I ran into this EXACT problem when my motor was sitting on the dyno. I called the previous tuner and he got an attitude and said that I must be crazy to think that he would give me the password so that we could steal his program. NEWS FLASH... your program was the whole reason that my motor had to be rebuilt so I don't care what your program is. I dont get it either but whatever. Lesson learned.

Derek, What did you end up doing?

If your engine guy is tuning with mefi burn you can erase the existing tune then download a merc 500 tune and start from there bob from mefi burn has a lot of tunes that can be set thru e-mail

Have to get it unlocked first.

You don't need to unlock it in order to wipe it clean.

Did you say that it's a Mefi 1 or 2? It's been a LOOOONG time since I messed with a 1 or 2, but I don't think they are password protected. Are you sure it's not a Mefi 3 or 4. If you can give me some specs on the engine, I would be glad to see if I have a cal that will get you close so that you can tune it from there. Give me a shout if I can help.
Eddie

Eddie, you never seem to amaze me when it comes to your generosity of helping others.

Mefi2 Eddie. Thanks I will get back to you.

I had the same thing happen when I re-flashed my 575's. I have MEFI burn and wanted to enhance the program a bit after finding that it was set to idle at 1200rpm (my boat has bravo XR's and this would murder them). Called the shop and was told to send them back and they would fix them it was most likely my IAC controllers (2) per motor that were bad. Long story, and arguing, I replaced the IAC's @ $120 EA and still have a high idle. Send the ECM's back, and boom... fixed. Mind you, I plugged into each motor and could see what in the CAL was causing it but couldn't unlock them to "fix/save/flash" them. Asked for the password and got the same story... its a highly sought after flash, you will sell it, ect... Ummm... no, I want to tune my boat even better, you are multiple states away, I have the knowledge and hardware to finish tune it to my liking.. nothing more... nothing less. Never got the code... very disappointed considering I think there is more in my motors based on my AFR's...

Mind you... my motors are no longer near stock form...:whistle:

Exactly ! I just want to tune MY ECM and MY ENGINE to run the best i can. Not justthow a tune at it and hope for the best! I've heard and read the horror stories about this. I am holding back on saying who the company that locked my ECM is until I give them a chance to right this.

Could a Volvo dealer wipe it/ overwrite with a stock tune to get you back to square one?

Seeing if this can be done. I have people looking into all aspects. Beleive me!

awesome......