Sign in Subscribe
Subaru

Use Tactrix to Read Your Subaru ECU for Flashing (Read/Write)

Read and Write your ECU for tuning or deleting a Check Engine Light.

Felix Lincuna

• 3 min read
Use Tactrix to Read Your Subaru ECU for Flashing (Read/Write)

Tactrix is a company that specializes in ECU (Engine Control Unit) flashing and tuning software and hardware. Their Openport 2.0 device is a versatile tool that allows reflashing, logging, and diagnostics for various vehicles. When combined with their EcuFlash software, it supports tuning and reprogramming for many Subaru and Mitsubishi vehicles, with additional car support in progress.

You can also use this in combination with RomRaider to enable or disable DTS codes.

The Openport 2.0 uses a built-in 32-bit ARM processor to allow fast communication with your ECU without burdening your PC - which means reliable faster reflashing and logging for you. Using built-in microSD (must be formatted to FAT32) slot, the Openport can log continuously from your ECU without a PC, day after day, to help work out those hard to replicate bugs in your tune.

Tactrix 2.0 Vehicle Compatibility

Vehicle:
 Flash Adapter Required:
Evolution 5/6/7/8/9 Requires Mitsubishi Adapter
Evolution X No Adapter Needed
2G DSM (*with compatible ECU*) Requires Mitsubishi Adapter
3000GT (*with compatible ECU*) Requires Mitsubishi Adapter
2002 WRX Requires Blue Subaru Adapter
2003-2005 WRX Requires White Subaru Adapter
2006+ WRX No Adapter Needed
2004+ STi No Adapter Needed
Forester, Baja, Legacy, N/A Impreza No Adapter Needed

Preparation before Using Tactrix to Flash

  1. Install EcuFlash software to Windows 10 or an earlier version.
  2. Locate green connectors on the driver's side under the steering column.
  3. If you have adapters, make sure you plug them in as well.
Subaru Test Mode with Green Connection
What is the two green connectors under the passenger side?
FelixFelix Lincuna

How to read ECU

  1. Plug in green connectors on driver's side connect. No need for passenger's side (should already be connected).
  2. Turn engine off and take the key out.
  3. Insert Tactrix to the OBDII slot of the car and USB connection to the computer.
  4. In EcuFlash, click Select Vehicle Type and select the model that applies to your car.
  5. Turn the car key to ON mode to go into Test Mode, which CEL will blink and fan will cycle on-and-off.
  6. In EcuFlash, click Read from ECU's flash memory and quickly press OK.
  7. When it is completed 100%, it should prompt you with a success pop-up, which read a copy of your current ECU.
  8. Turn off engine and take key out.
  9. Remove Tactrix from OBDII.
  10. Disconnect green connectors.
Read from ECU's flash memory
Select Vehicle Type
success pop-up

Save Your Read ROM

Simply Save As your rom into a .bin format into your computer to save the current read ROM. Make sure you backup your main ECU so you can flash as OEM ECU.

Open Rom to Read/Write Your ECU

If you have a ROM from your turner or you want to re-flash to your OEM ROM, you can re-flash your ECU by overriding your current ECU.

  1. Go to File / Open ROM..., to load your desired rom.BIN file.
Before flashing, best practice to not brick your car is to avoid interruption by having:
A full battery on laptop.
A full car battery.
Not to remove/interrupt Tactrix or USB connections.

TEST Write

A good practice is to TEST Write the rom you want to flash before Live Writing. This ensures the write to you ECU will go smoothly without problems.

LIVE Write

If Test Write is a success, then click Write to Live Write to your current ECU.

Sign up for more like this.

Enter your email
Subscribe