Anyone got a big battery 'booster' I could borrow? Edinburgh

[Rockatansky]

Bit of an odd request perhaps...

In order to upload a new map to my car's ECU I need to hold the voltage at 13.8v or above (the car can't be running) for the ECU to enter 'write' mode.

I thought I could manage this by using jump leads from another running car, but this just holds it at 13.5v.

I'm figuring that one of these big boost starter things might do the job (or a decent bench PSU perhaps).

Would anyone have such a thing and be prepared to lend (rent?) it to me for a short period?

Thanks.

[JM]

What sort of current draw?

I'd imagine pretty small, but just checking.

[Rockatansky]

JM said:

What sort of current draw?

I'd imagine pretty small, but just checking.

Honest answer? - I don't know.

I'd imagine it will be small though. The ignition will be on but there is little to draw on the system apart from instruments etc. I'm told the cooling fan will run in this 'programming mode' but just to disconnect it's feed to stop it from putting a drain on the system.

[JM]

I have a booster pack, but it's not a large high capacity one.

I'm not even sure what voltage it puts out, or how long it would maintain peak volts for.

[Rockatansky]

Thank you very much for replying.

I may have worked out my own solution, so I *hopefully* will be ok.

Rockatansky said:

I thought I could manage this by using jump leads from another running car, but this just holds it at 13.5v.

It dawned on me that the car I was jumping from was a bit more modern with a well controlled and regulated charging system. I have just tried the same experiment with my trusty old Scudo van and that holds the voltage up above 14v, so with a bit of luck and a fair breeze I should be on my way.

Thanks again.

[davieboy]

i've got a battery support unit, thats designed for this. used it for plenty ecu programming.

no idea what voltage is, cos i never measured it.

if your stuck, could arrange something.

e-mail me if you need

cheers
dave

[Rockatansky]

That sounds like exactly the sort of thing required - never heard of these before!

I'll see how I get on with my home brewed solution, but if I have any issues I will get in touch.

Thanks for your kind offer.