MHD Flasher Tune Questions

cochran · 03-16-2016, 08:32 PM

I recently purchased the MHD Flasher and have a few questions on how to properly flash. I've spent a good amount of time searching threads and haven't found clear-cut instructions. Just the other night I attempted to 'Back-up my ECU' and after about ~90 minutes, it failed.

Questions:

Does my car need to be on? Can windows/door be open?
When should airplane mode be on?

I've read that ECU back-ups should only take a couple minutes, is there a reason why mine took ~90 min and still failed?

Off-topic: I recently sold my Jb4...how does Stage 1 MHD without FMIC compare to Map 1 on the JB4?

I drive a 2009 E90 335i.

JustDriveIt · 03-16-2016, 08:39 PM

Car needs to be "on" without the engine running (Press start once after inserting key WITHOUT foot on the brake)

Windows can be open, I've heard to keep the doors shut.

Airplane mode on before you do any flashing or backing up. I put mine on once I attach my phone to the OBD cable.

Something didn't work if it took 90 min to back up ECU. It took me 35 seconds.

Aplx · 03-16-2016, 08:48 PM

My experience on the backup was similar to yours, about 80 minutes. As for the flash, i rolled down the window and flashed with the ignition on, the whole process took 35ish minutes. I turned on the airplane mode and kept the doors closed. Do make sure you hook up a charger, i was using a 10 amp charger and my voltage dropped quickly while flashing. I suspect the fuel pump was to blame.

cochran · 03-16-2016, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDriveIt

Car needs to be "on" without the engine running (Press start once after inserting key WITHOUT foot on the brake)

Windows can be open, I've heard to keep the doors shut.

Airplane mode on before you do any flashing or backing up. I put mine on once I attach my phone to the OBD cable.

Something didn't work if it took 90 min to back up ECU. It took me 35 seconds.

Thanks for the response. This might sound like a dumb question but I currently have a 'Service Engine Soon' light that is pretty much permanently on due to the VRSF DP Fix that I think fucked my DME up...I'm planning to get it sorted soon but if I back-up my ECU with the current SES light, then later get it fixed...if i flash back to stock after its fixed will it go back to the previous state in which my DME was all f'd up? Hopefully that made sense...

CanadianTSi · 03-16-2016, 08:58 PM

MHD has stock maps built in. You don't even really need to do a backup. Also you can check/clear the cel with MHD

cochran · 03-16-2016, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianTSi

MHD has stock maps built in. You don't even really need to do a backup. Also you can check/clear the cel with MHD

Is their stock map reliable though? I was told you should for sure back-up your ECU...and yeah I cleared the CEL but it comes back in like 5 minutes of driving. I took it to a shop and they had no idea what was wrong.

The codes apparently say that the O2 sensors are swapped but they quadruple checked/found them to be in the right spot: 2C7E, 2C32, 2C6A, 2C31, 2FC6, 2C6B

E92KS · 03-16-2016, 09:42 PM

I see that you drive a 2009 model as well. Keep a good eye on your battery voltage. It should be 12/12.1 Volts when the engine is not running. It should be around 14.7/14.8 if the engine is running. I would highly suggest investing in a battery charger(before you flash your car) if you are significantly below those voltage levels.

cochran · 03-16-2016, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92KS

I see that you drive a 2009 model as well. Keep a good eye on your battery voltage. It should be 12/12.1 Volts when the engine is not running. It should be around 14.7/14.8 if the engine is running. I would highly suggest investing in a battery charger(before you flash your car) if you are significantly below those voltage levels.

Yeah i purchased a cheap charger a few days ago

sloweste9x · 03-17-2016, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochran

Yeah i purchased a cheap charger a few days ago

It really needs to be around 10 amps or so. A trickle charger may not cut it

BSM n54iS · 03-17-2016, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochran

Yeah i purchased a cheap charger a few days ago

I just flashed the other night with a 10 amp charger, took 80 min to backup...It depends on which stock software you. Martial had said this in some posts, it's normal, some take seconds to backup others are the 80 min. Then 18-38 min for the flash. Doors closed, ignition on. You can roll the windows down and come back and forth if you'd like instead of sitting for hours. And you can pull the fuse to keep the pump from whirring away on you

Ravenseal · 03-17-2016, 11:13 AM

nvm...

AK. · 03-17-2016, 12:30 PM

Read the pages on the MHD thread. There's a lot of info on there. As for flashing, I suggest letting the battery fully charge before you do any flashing. Just a precaution that I take before flashing. You should always have a back up copy of your ECU just incase. I flash with doors closed, airplane mode on, and windows down incase I need to go so something. You can just come back and check up on it later.

cochran · 03-17-2016, 08:24 PM

Getting mixed respones...Some say ignition on, others off? is there a definitive answer lol

BQTuning · 03-17-2016, 08:36 PM

Car on = Put key in, DO NOT PRESS BRAKE PEDAL or CLUTCH PEDAL OR GAS PEDAL, and press start button once where all the lights on the dash light up and then eventually some go away, while the "engine remains" OFF OFF.. OFF OFF OFF

During flashing DO NOT close doors, open doors, press brake, press clutch, mess with windows, trunk or open or close hood.

Driver door can stay open but DO NOT CLOSE IT. If it starts to rain well pick your choice for fail

cochran · 03-17-2016, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Car on = Put key in, DO NOT PRESS BRAKE PEDAL or CLUTCH PEDAL OR GAS PEDAL, and press start button twice where all the lights on the dash light up and then eventually some go away, while the "engine remains" OFF OFF.. OFF OFF OFF

During flashing DO NOT close doors, open doors, press brake, press clutch, mess with windows, trunk or open or close hood.

Driver door can stay open but DO NOT CLOSE IT. If it starts to rain well pick your choice for fail

Gotcha. Thank you!

BQTuning · 03-17-2016, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochran

Gotcha. Thank you!

Post updated: ".......press start button once..."

Aqid · 03-17-2016, 11:11 PM

Yeah pretty much don't do anything while flashing. I forgot what I did wrong, but I did something. I knew about the door thing, I must have accidentally hit the brake getting out of the car or something. Anyway afterwards I started the car and it was super weird, started reving weird and dash lights were flashing. Scared the fuck out of me. Went to the MHD topic and read everything again, flashed again (luckily I could) with the windows open and the doors closed. Cable was long enough that I could have it outside. Pressed start and put the tablet on the roof, didn't touch it for the full 18 mins and afterwards everything was fine. Been enjoying the stage 1 tune ever since. Really made a nice difference, but I was coming from driving my car stock for 2 years so it was a big change for me!

joeinsd · 03-18-2016, 06:17 PM

Used MHD to add a Back-end flash for JB4 a few days ago. It was simple. I recently got a new battery, so I just chanced it w/o a battery charger (wouldn't suggest doing this to others, though). Plugged the cable into the port, then into the phone (airplane mode). Turned the car on (no brake, engine off, accessories on). Turned off my fan, idrive display, and headlights. Came out of the car and worked with the cable through the window, left phone on the roof or dash. Did a back-up first and it was quick, maybe under 2 mins... Proceeded to flash the BEF and it took 38mins 27secs. Turned the car off, then back on. Updated JB4 settings to take the BEF. Car started up just fine. My lpfp was running the whole time, which was concerning because I thought that would definitely kill my battery, but I had already started so I didn't stop the process. I've read somewhere you can pull the fuse for it though.

03-16-2016, 08:32 PM	#1
cochran Second Lieutenant 38 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 09 335i (E90) Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (0)	MHD Flasher Tune Questions I recently purchased the MHD Flasher and have a few questions on how to properly flash. I've spent a good amount of time searching threads and haven't found clear-cut instructions. Just the other night I attempted to 'Back-up my ECU' and after about ~90 minutes, it failed. Questions: Does my car need to be on? Can windows/door be open? When should airplane mode be on? I've read that ECU back-ups should only take a couple minutes, is there a reason why mine took ~90 min and still failed? Off-topic: I recently sold my Jb4...how does Stage 1 MHD without FMIC compare to Map 1 on the JB4? I drive a 2009 E90 335i.
	Appreciate 1 Tweet Quote

03-16-2016, 08:39 PM	#2
JustDriveIt First Lieutenant 324 Rep 388 Posts Drives: 2025 Z4 M40i 6MT Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Car needs to be "on" without the engine running (Press start once after inserting key WITHOUT foot on the brake) Windows can be open, I've heard to keep the doors shut. Airplane mode on before you do any flashing or backing up. I put mine on once I attach my phone to the OBD cable. Something didn't work if it took 90 min to back up ECU. It took me 35 seconds.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2016, 08:48 PM	#3
Aplx Enlisted Member 5 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2011 335is Coupe Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	My experience on the backup was similar to yours, about 80 minutes. As for the flash, i rolled down the window and flashed with the ignition on, the whole process took 35ish minutes. I turned on the airplane mode and kept the doors closed. Do make sure you hook up a charger, i was using a 10 amp charger and my voltage dropped quickly while flashing. I suspect the fuel pump was to blame.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2016, 08:58 PM	#5
CanadianTSi Captain 207 Rep 607 Posts Drives: 2014 535 xDrive Diesel Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	MHD has stock maps built in. You don't even really need to do a backup. Also you can check/clear the cel with MHD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2016, 09:42 PM	#7
E92KS HashSlingingSlasher 12 Rep 60 Posts Drives: E92 335I Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I see that you drive a 2009 model as well. Keep a good eye on your battery voltage. It should be 12/12.1 Volts when the engine is not running. It should be around 14.7/14.8 if the engine is running. I would highly suggest investing in a battery charger(before you flash your car) if you are significantly below those voltage levels.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2016, 11:13 AM	#11
Ravenseal Lieutenant Colonel 3094 Rep 1,897 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	nvm... __________________ 2023 G87 M2 - Toronto Red \| 6MT \| M HAS \| CF Roof \| BMW 826M Forged Wheels \| Mishimoto Skid Plate \| Active Autowerks Single Midpipe Retired: 2022 M240i xDrive \| 2021 Audi RS5 \| 2019 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT \| 2016 428i GC \| 2011 BMW 335is
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2016, 12:30 PM	#12
AK. Lieutenant 138 Rep 592 Posts Drives: E90 M3/E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: California iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 E90 335i [10.00]	Read the pages on the MHD thread. There's a lot of info on there. As for flashing, I suggest letting the battery fully charge before you do any flashing. Just a precaution that I take before flashing. You should always have a back up copy of your ECU just incase. I flash with doors closed, airplane mode on, and windows down incase I need to go so something. You can just come back and check up on it later.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2016, 08:24 PM	#13
cochran Second Lieutenant 38 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 09 335i (E90) Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (0)	Getting mixed respones...Some say ignition on, others off? is there a definitive answer lol
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2016, 08:36 PM	#14
BQTuning Banned 475 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	Car on = Put key in, DO NOT PRESS BRAKE PEDAL or CLUTCH PEDAL OR GAS PEDAL, and press start button once where all the lights on the dash light up and then eventually some go away, while the "engine remains" OFF OFF.. OFF OFF OFF During flashing DO NOT close doors, open doors, press brake, press clutch, mess with windows, trunk or open or close hood. Driver door can stay open but DO NOT CLOSE IT. If it starts to rain well pick your choice for fail Last edited by BQTuning; 03-17-2016 at 11:06 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2016, 11:11 PM	#17
Aqid Private First Class 24 Rep 117 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW X6M Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Yeah pretty much don't do anything while flashing. I forgot what I did wrong, but I did something. I knew about the door thing, I must have accidentally hit the brake getting out of the car or something. Anyway afterwards I started the car and it was super weird, started reving weird and dash lights were flashing. Scared the fuck out of me. Went to the MHD topic and read everything again, flashed again (luckily I could) with the windows open and the doors closed. Cable was long enough that I could have it outside. Pressed start and put the tablet on the roof, didn't touch it for the full 18 mins and afterwards everything was fine. Been enjoying the stage 1 tune ever since. Really made a nice difference, but I was coming from driving my car stock for 2 years so it was a big change for me! __________________ 2007 335i e92: Avant Garde M310 • MHD Stg2+ • Mr. 5 intake • VRSF DP • VRSF FMIC • Dtec v7 Angel Eyes • iJDMTOY 6k HID 2017 X6M F86: Still stock
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-18-2016, 06:17 PM	#18
joeinsd Captain 288 Rep 899 Posts Drives: Stock 2010 e92 335i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: San Diego iTrader: (9)	Used MHD to add a Back-end flash for JB4 a few days ago. It was simple. I recently got a new battery, so I just chanced it w/o a battery charger (wouldn't suggest doing this to others, though). Plugged the cable into the port, then into the phone (airplane mode). Turned the car on (no brake, engine off, accessories on). Turned off my fan, idrive display, and headlights. Came out of the car and worked with the cable through the window, left phone on the roof or dash. Did a back-up first and it was quick, maybe under 2 mins... Proceeded to flash the BEF and it took 38mins 27secs. Turned the car off, then back on. Updated JB4 settings to take the BEF. Car started up just fine. My lpfp was running the whole time, which was concerning because I thought that would definitely kill my battery, but I had already started so I didn't stop the process. I've read somewhere you can pull the fuse for it though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote