can a ROM go bad randomly when being used? i reflashed my ECU last week and had to disable the Immobilizer code. my car started up fine. yesterday after class i tried to start my car and it wouldn't start. it cranks, but it wont turn over. i checked all my fuses and concluded that it wasn't a mechanical/electrical issue. i figured it might be a software issue. i tried to reflash my ECU, but it wouldn't let me read/write in ECUFlash. i tried using ECU Unlocker, but that didnt work either. so can a ROM randomly go bad while being used? that's the only thing that i can think of that could be the reason why my car wont start.

 

How's the battery?

Mine does the exact same thing if the battery is pretty low.

 

If your battery voltage drops too low you won't be able to write to the ECU.

 

I use what I learned from factory flashing, and it's to ensure the battery has 12 volts + before you flash. Guys will even hook a battery charger up to the battery to make sure it doesn't drop below 12 volts. My instructors always warned about "bricking" the ECU when flashing a computer without the proper voltage.

 

I'll also side with the voltage crowd for now pending any other information.

Some bizarre beta versions of patched roms have at times gotten funky - but it was usually bad from the get go and it just takes a little while for you to notice the issue, or drive the car to where you run into it. I've never had a flash just suddenly go 'bad'. But I have had a flash - flash bad maybe once or twice.

Next up is the possibility of a fuse went that took out the power to the EFI but not the starter.

Your other option is that your ecu managed to take a dump.

 

im charging the battery right now. i'll let you guys know how it turns out. thanks for the replies.

 

okay so charging the battery didnt work. any other ideas?

 

Seen it happen because of a bad cable

 

just tested the cable on a friend's Evo IX and it worked perfectly. i'm picking up a used Evo IX ECU later today. hopefully that solves my problem.

 

When it comes to electrical and ECU tuning, make sure you have someone that is credible and knows what they are doing.

 

wow so i replaced the ECU and it still doesnt want to read/write! i'm trying to check the INIT/OBD II connectors right now to make sure the wires are still good.

 

fixed it. fuse #8 under the hood kept blowing. i guess one of the wires got crossed when i extended my o2 sensor wires.

 

Good stuff, glad you got it sorted