I have recently purchased a 2008 Sportster custom that has a Thundermax ECM fitted. Allegedly it is the full auto tune unit #309-365 but, I haven't actually been able to locate/identify the auto tune unit for it.

Unfortunately, it didn't come with software or a cable (mini DIN to Serial). I have downloaded the software but, now I need a cable.... can anyone advise the specific configuration of the cable & where I might get one?

Secondly, once I get a cable & hook up to my laptop, will I then be able to determine beyond doubt that it has an auto tune module attached? How will I know this?

I'm a complete novice when it comes to this sort of thing but, willing to read the tuning manual, connect up & have a careful play at updating firmware, resetting base map, etc... Then deciding whether the Thundermax stays or not...

Thankyou in advance 

 

Hi there mate, I have Thundermax tuner for my Softail.  Check Recalibrating Softail speedometer thread in this section.   Another forum member posted a pic of the USB to thundermax data cable, it will connect to the original data cable that should have been supplied with the bike.  You can get the USB cable from auto stores like Jaycar. 

 I can't remember the name of the store in Adelaide, where I purchased mine from.

 If you have any queries, contact Zippers Performance.com, or give site sponsor Rollies a call.  I purchased my TMax through them a couple years ago. 

Good luck.

 

Cheers for that but, I'm after the original data cable to connect to the unit. I'm coming to the conclusion that it's a proprietary cable & suspect I will be ringing Rollies tomorrow...

If your sporty has 02 senors in the headers it has auto tune but if no 02s the bikes running a caned map.

I fitted a Thundermax to my Dyna a few years ago and if you have a look at the unit, the auto tune part will have 2 cables going to the 02 sensors. If it doesn't then its not auto tune.
Although, if its hidden like in the Dyna, that could be difficult.
I think I still have the Thundermax cable with the serial to USB attached, in a box somewhere at work.
I will have a look when I get in this morning and if I can find it, you can have it.
I will let you know by lunchtime.

Thanks HogBag, that information is most useful. The bike most definitely has O2 sensors in the headers. I haven't been able to trace fully where they terminate at the other end.

Thanks Drac, the model TMax I have comes in two parts, the ECM & Auto tuner are separate. Auto tuner is plugged in to the bike's data port from what I am reading & should be attached to the backbone of the frame. I'm struggling to see it but, there are definitely O2 sensors & there seems to be something plugged in to what I think is the bikes data port next to the battery.

Your offer to send me the TMax data cable (if you find it) is most generous, thank you for that

I have found the cable so if you want to text me your address on 0413303519 I will drop it in the mail later today.
Cheers

Cable is on its way.

Cheers

There is alot of information on this forum and the internet about how to load and work the software. Have a read....

Make sure you have read at least the tuning manual [download from Zippers] and back a copy of your loaded map to a usb stick or your computer from the bike before you go messing with it.

It is not that much of a brain strain to get your head around the thundermax tuner.

I've had a Tmax on my bike for 3 years and have changed my setup a few times eg: bigger bore, different pipes and cams.

No problems.

There are people here that will go out of their way to help...just search the forum first as the answer could be on the forum already.

Cheers.

 

 

 

When you first plug into your bike and have the link established go to the map section and you can find what map has been loaded to the bike.

You should be able to see what mods they have allowed for when they loaded the map...

It should be close if the bike is still running well.

Cheers

Okay... progress report

The cable arrived from Drac (again, thank you). Bit of drama with USB - Serial software but, got there eventually & successfully connected to the TMAX unit.

First thing that pops up is an error message stating that current map was corrupted & a new base map should be installed. I selected yes coz there really didn't seem like any other option.

Next step was to upgrade firmware which was simple. Once all these steps were completed I started to look closer at whether or not there is an auto tune unit. To be honest, I don't think there is.

When I selected 'auto-tune on' a message came up saying it couldn't find the O2 sensors. There are O2 sensors fitted (I can see them) but, either they aren't the wideband TMAX units & hence no auto-tune unit or, there is a faulty sensor causing issues.

My next move is to go to the local TMAX dealer (bike shop) & ask them to have a look over the bike, plug in & tell me unequivocally what is fitted to my bike. From there, I will have decision to make on whether to live with what is there or, upgrade the TMAX or go another route.

Thanks again to all who have proffered advice & I'm sure will continue to do so. This is a fantastic forum which is filled with very generous & helpful people.

Ride safe

I have now determined beyond reasonable doubt that I don't have an auto tune unit. So, what I really have is a TMAX #309-340 open loop ECM..... hmmm, not sure I see the point of that modification on its own but, since the previous owners earnestly believed they had an auto tune unit, perhaps they were conned by the shop... who knows.

I'm gonna move my discussions on what next for my sportster to the sportster thread...

Again, thank you to all & especially thank you to Drac, without whom I would have had to wasted money to find out where I'm at.