BlackBear tune, still not right

[JennaBear]

I'll chime in here...reluctantly.
I drove to TX and had Justin tune my Yukon.
Added headers and exhaust and purchased an Autocal.

Tried multiple times to get the data, but the instructions were vague. I was asked if I read the instructions on the website, which I had.
Sent multiple e-mails and finally got a step-by-step e-mail on how to log the data.
That info I got at that point was not on the website.
Call me crazy, but if there is a step-by-step method, I don't want to guess what it is. The instructions on the website did not provide those details.
Finally got the data after the 3rd or 4th try and sent it in.

Got the updated file back and tried to load it on the truck.
Same thing. Multiple steps and screens that were definitely not in the instructions.
More e-mails sent. Asked several times if someone could help me via phone. No luck there.
The entire loading process only takes a few minutes.
I was disappointed that I couldn't get someone to help my dumb@$$ with a 5 minute phone call after all of the e-mails that didn't get it done.

I had multiple screens that I did not know what to do with. I didn't know whether to hit the back arrow or the OK button or what.
Folks, if it is a step, you should have that step listed in an instruction somewhere. Vague generalities are just that. This really burns my behind.

At the end of the day, I don't know if it loaded correctly or not. I know I had an error code at the end and assume it's not right.
This all happened MONTHS ago. I gave up. A good chunk of money spent on an Autocal that I haven't been able to get right.

I was impressed with Justin's work in TX. Far less impressed afterwards. Been keeping my mouth shut, but decided to speak up.
Not trying to intentionally "bash" BBP, but if my honest experience is taken as such, I guess I can't help that.

I think BBP could and should have better detailed instructions that actually take you through the process, so no guesswork is required.
Maybe even an instruction video.

Not knowing your exact situation, it is hard to comment on the issue, but I do know that the guys work with the customers through their issues. It is always best to provide details on the issue as well as error codes. The AutoCal doesn't "not work", it will spit out an error code which tells the issue.

With thousands of people having used the AutoCal successfully, there are certainly a few who have issues with the instructions, typically due to a dive in the way people process info. The guys are happy to help, I would hate for you to throw in the towel. Send an email with your error codes and they will get you up and running.

Sent from my fone.

 

[DPGDirk]

Not knowing your exact situation, it is hard to comment on the issue, but I do know that the guys work with the customers through their issues. It is always best to provide details on the issue as well as error codes. The AutoCal doesn't "not work", it will spit out an error code which tells the issue.

With thousands of people having used the AutoCal successfully, there are certainly a few who have issues with the instructions, typically due to a dive in the way people process info. The guys are happy to help, I would hate for you to throw in the towel. Send an email with your error codes and they will get you up and running.

Sent from my fone.

I'd kind of like to make sure how to install the data correctly first. The website instructions are simply not clear on that.

I had to ask more than once before I was sent proper instructions on how to log initial data. THEN, it was no problem.

I've asked more than once for the same info regarding the download. I don't remember what the error code was. I'd have to download the new files again to get the error code, but since I don't know whether that was done right or not to start with, I'm not excited about doing it again.

Like I said, my MAIN problem is that there are more screens that pop up during the process that don't say anything understandable and don't tell me what to press next to continue.
Call that a "dive" on my part if you like, but I can't guess what buttons to press when the instructions don't tell me.

 

[JennaBear]

I'd kind of like to make sure how to install the data correctly first. The website instructions are simply not clear on that.

I had to ask more than once before I was sent proper instructions on how to log initial data. THEN, it was no problem.

I've asked more than once for the same info regarding the download. I don't remember what the error code was. I'd have to download the new files again to get the error code, but since I don't know whether that was done right or not to start with, I'm not excited about doing it again.

Like I said, my MAIN problem is that there are more screens that pop up during the process that don't say anything understandable and don't tell me what to press next to continue.
Call that a "dive" on my part if you like, but I can't guess what buttons to press when the instructions don't tell me.

Like I said, the guys are happy to help. I suspect you are not looking at the right set of instructions online, as they do have step by step instructions. But without the error codes they are at a loss, you have to help them help you. Either way, give them a holler.

Sorry for the autocorrect, meant difference rather than dive.

Sent from my fone.

 

[JennaBear]

The guys can even remote into your computer to check on proper set up.

Sent from my fone.

 

[Rocket Man]

I have the Autocal and found the online instructions clear and step-by-step so like Jenna said, maybe you're following the wrong ones. I've installed 3 different tunes and sent data to Justin twice. He helped me diagnose a faulty MAF sensor as well.

 

[Fifty]

I have the BB autocal and I like the results.
But I have to agree, the instructions leave a lot to be desired. It seems like it's a one stop list for every car or potential event. Unloaded autocal, loaded autocal, etc etc. it includes many steps that you actually don't have to do.

I had tons of trouble getting mine sorted and the guys got me sorted, but it took a week of back and forth.

Once I finally got it done, logged and then the files copied and then the new tune loaded, I just shook my head at all the extra steps listed in the instructions.

It was way confusing. (To be honest I googled as many videos on the autocal as I could find, mostly diesels...but that helped because the vids showed users using the plug and play instructions instead)

 

[DPGDirk]

Like I said, the guys are happy to help. I suspect you are not looking at the right set of instructions online, as they do have step by step instructions. But without the error codes they are at a loss, you have to help them help you. Either way, give them a holler.

Sorry for the autocorrect, meant difference rather than dive.

Sent from my fone.

As I stated before, the "step-by-step" instructions do not include all of the steps that pop up on the screen and therefore, one is left to guess what to do next.
I asked more than once for clarification on this and did not get it.

 

[Rocket Man]

Are you guys going to www.blackbearperformance.com/autocal.asp and logging in with your email and serial number to get instructions? There's examples along with the step-by-step instructions and I don't recall seeing extra steps that aren't in the instructions. I didn't have a problem as far as I remember but maybe mine's different since it's for an 02.

 

[Fifty]

Yeah. I logged in there. I followed their instructions as best I could and it had me reset the autocal for some other set of vehicles...even though the autocal
Was already sent to me set up for my specific vehicle.
So after I screwed it up, the guys sent me a program to reset it exactly how it was needed.
So yeah. There are a few extra steps here and there that, if your not a computer guy, make it quite confusing.

I mean. It made some programable Ecu and dash programs instructions look crystal clear and set up for the lowest iq!

But I eventually got it sorted and once I did, it started to make sense as to which steps I could skip and why.
But I just don't know why they are in the instructions.
I guess they could make an instruction page for each generation Ecu if that's what makes the difference in steps needed...

 

[DPGDirk]

I may not be a professional tuner, but I'm not such a dumb@$$ that I can't figure out where to log on and find instructions...especially when I was instructed to do so from the beginning and the log-on instructions are on their website and come printed with the Auto-Cal. My problem has nothing to do with being able to find the instructions.

My point remains that I simply cannot trust whether a tune was installed correctly if I had to freakin' GUESS at several of the steps in the process because they were definitely not part of the instructions. For all I know, the tune wasn't installed right and the error code is because of that. I have no way of knowing....and after asking more than once, I never got the information.

 

[Rocket Man]

I may not be a professional tuner, but I'm not such a dumb@$$ that I can't figure out where to log on and find instructions...especially when I was instructed to do so from the beginning and the log-on instructions are on their website and come printed with the Auto-Cal. My problem has nothing to do with being able to find the instructions.

My point remains that I simply cannot trust whether a tune was installed correctly if I had to freakin' GUESS at several of the steps in the process because they were definitely not part of the instructions. For all I know, the tune wasn't installed right and the error code is because of that. I have no way of knowing....and after asking more than once, I never got the information.

I didn't mean to suggest you were dumb, just thought maybe you had different instructions included with your Autocal that sent you to a different website. Apologies. Damn.

 

[DPGDirk]

I didn't mean to suggest you were dumb, just thought maybe you had different instructions included with your Autocal that sent you to a different website. Apologies. Damn.

No problem. Just keep getting comments that I must've screwed it up and couldn't even find the correct instructions. It's frustrating. That's why months have gone by and I'm still sitting here with issues. I can only ask for proper instructions or a phone call so many times...

 

[JennaBear]

No problem. Just keep getting comments that I must've screwed it up and couldn't even find the correct instructions. It's frustrating. That's why months have gone by and I'm still sitting here with issues. I can only ask for proper instructions or a phone call so many times...

Looked into your situation, the guys sent the last email to you and haven't heard back since. They are happy to help you.

Sent from my fone.

 

[DPGDirk]

Looked into your situation, the guys sent the last email to you and haven't heard back since. They are happy to help you.

Sent from my fone.

The last e-mail asked what the error code was. I couldn't remember. I'd have to do the upload again to find out.
Don't have full instructions to do it again. Never did.

How can I trust the error code or any other part of the process if I'm guessing at steps along the way and just pressing buttons?

Your website did not offer complete instructions for the initial autocal download. After several requests, I actually got a complete list in an e-mail. It clarified a step that the website did not. Pretty simple.

All I've asked for was the same thing to upload the data again or a quick phone call during the upload to make sure it went right. Haven't been able to get either. Months have gone by.

 

[JennaBear]

The last e-mail asked what the error code was. I couldn't remember. I'd have to do the upload again to find out.
Don't have full instructions to do it again. Never did.

How can I trust the error code or any other part of the process if I'm guessing at steps along the way and just pressing buttons?

Your website did not offer complete instructions for the initial autocal download. After several requests, I actually got a complete list in an e-mail. It clarified a step that the website did not. Pretty simple.

All I've asked for was the same thing to upload the data again or a quick phone call during the upload to make sure it went right. Haven't been able to get either. Months have gone by.

Perhaps answering their last email from Nov would be a start.

Sent from my fone.

 

[DPGDirk]

Perhaps answering their last email from Nov would be a start.

Sent from my fone.

You mean this e-mail?

It might be $0281 or $0280 which means no connection is being made to the vehicle. If you have already loaded the tune files to the AutoCal, you will now plug the AutoCal into your vehicle and turn the ignition to the Run position with the engine off. Hit Next on the AutoCal until you see the Prog function with the tune file name ModTune. Then you will hit OK. You should see on the screen that it is flashing in and then it will say Completed or something along those lines and to Turn off the ignition now.

If you hit OK when you find the Prog function with the file name and it gives you an $0281 or $0280 error, please ensure the engine isn't running, the cigarette lighter fuse is not blown, and if you have any aftermarket electronics, have the radio fuse pulled as that can block communication with PCM.

This skipped right over my repeated question and started dealing with a code. The sequence given above does NOT address the additional screens that popped up during the upload or how to deal with them.
How can I make that any more clear?
I don't know why everyone keeps avoiding this ONE question...
This is exactly why I gave up back in November.

 

[Rocket Man]

You simply skip through any additional screens by hitting the "Next" until you get to where the instructions tell you to be. On all the menus, whether in programming mode, downloading files into the Autocal, etc. If the screen doesn't apply to you or what you're doing, press "Next".

 

[JennaBear]

You mean this e-mail?



This skipped right over my repeated question and started dealing with a code. The sequence given above does NOT address the additional screens that popped up during the upload or how to deal with them.
How can I make that any more clear?
I don't know why everyone keeps avoiding this ONE question...
This is exactly why I gave up back in November.

Yep, that would be the email. I am confused as to what your question still is?

A few points:

-the instructions specifically say to hit "next" until a specific page comes up (in the Tune File Installation section)
-if you have an error code, then you did not complete the process correctly, and your tune has not been loaded

 

[DPGDirk]

That's funny. One of the things I was told specifically when I finally got the enhanced instructions last time, was to hit the "BACK" button when a certain screen came up.
Since the original instructions included no mention of it at all, I was hitting the "OK" button.

...and you can't see what my point is?

 

[JennaBear]

That's funny. One of the things I was told specifically when I finally got the enhanced instructions last time, was to hit the "BACK" button when a certain screen came up.
Since the original instructions included no mention of it at all, I was hitting the "OK" button.

...and you can't see what my point is?

Looking at the emails the guys sent, that was written for recording data.

The only place where a PREV button is to be used is within the "recording a datalog" portion of the instructions.

I don't think I can be of further help to you. Sorry.

Sent from my fone.