In order to Flash you will need the Following:

Laptop
Open ECU 1.0 WRX Version http://tactrix.com/
Flash Block Jumped (See Below)
ECU Flash (Warning!! Can be Dangerous! Use at your own Risk!) http://www.openecu.org/viewtopic.php?t=89
Flash GUI is a great utility for Backup/Comparing Images (but is not recommended for flashing)

(Note: Before Starting, Make Sure you have a Fully Charge Car Battery and Laptop Battery. When Jumping wires, and Connecting Connectors you should have the key out of the ignition.)

Before you being the flashing process you will need to provide the ECU with the 12 Volts needed to flash the ECU. This is done by "Jumping" the Flash Connector.

This is a picture of an 04 Flash connector (I believe 04+, not positive tho). Notice the tab is at the top and the pins are jumped Vertically in "Columns". I used 20 AWG stranded wire (which I had to remove a few strands to get it to fit). I then "tinted" to the jumpers get a snug fit. (this took a few tries). (This connector can be found under the dash on the drivers side).

After you have the "Flash Connector" Jumped you will need to connect the green diagnostics connectors show in this picture. I'm sure you saw them when installing the jumper wires on the flash block.

This is the OBDII connector. Your Tractrix Cable will connect here. Obviously the other end of the cable (USB connects to your laptop). At this point you are ready to Flash.

Now you should be able to start up your laptop. I am going to assume you have the drivers need for the Tactrix Cable installed. Now you will need to go to the Command Prompt and navigate the to the folder you have the ECUFlash software installed. <(Note: You really should read the Release Notes in Full)

The release notes state before you do anything back up your original ECU Image. (This is important. Something you don't want to lose). Secondly (you can Upload it to http://openecu.org) to help research! So lets start by dumping your stock ECU's contents (all this is covered in the release notes)

<--From Release Notes-->

* To dump a 2005 USDM WRX connected via com5, type

ecuflash /c com5 /m wrx2005 /dq my2005wrx

<---End Release Notes---->

(you will need to change the command line to fit your car. If you don't know which port you cable is installed on please use device manager to check).

As you can see in the screen shot. Once you get the command line correct, you will be prompted with directions. Just follow them.

Once this process is finished. You should have two files sitting in the program directory (where ever your ECUFlash program is). Back them up, and then back them up again (at least I did). Of course if you upload them to http://openecu.org you will always have a back up. Hint Hint.

That takes care of Dump and Back up, now the fun stuff. Before loading a image I would always test it first. (If a flash fails it possible it could render your ECU useless) so you really want to make sure it works before you try.

<--- Release Notes ---->

* To "test" flash an image file myimage.hex to flash memory of a 2003 USDM WRX on com3, type

ecuflash /c com3 /m wrx2002 /tfi myimage.hex

<----End Release Notes---->

On the left the first screen shot shows the end of a "Test". During a test the "Flashing Process is disabled" (it's only a test, no writing). So it ends with a Flashed Failed (but this means the test was successful)

In this screen Shot I show what a Failed Flash or Failed test looks like. Not sure what it means (would have to ask Colby) but I know it's not good (and the flash didn't finish). If you see this I wouldn't drive the car (or turn it on) till you get a correct flash on the car. (If you should see this do not disconnect the car battery).

And in this last screen shot I am showing a Successfully completed flash. (this is a nice screen to see!!)

Don't Forget after you flash to disconnect the green connectors (if you don't when the car ignition is on  you will get cycling fans and flashing CEL, this is normal).

I always make sure to go out and do one quick data log run (just to make sure everything is normal before I start to drive regularly.

I use tari which can be downloaded for free

http://www.tari.co.za/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

And last but not least. If there is any in accurate info in this write up, please correct me. If you have something to add that would help other users, let me know and I will added. Questions - Suggestions - Comments? [email protected]