Ktuner flash error on car side?

Tiny
MIKEMOLIK
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
I’ve been using a ktuner for a couple months and it’s worked great. However now every time I try to flash a tune onto the ecu it gives a message that says, “voltage error on pin 12” and it won’t flash. I’ve replaced the cables to the tuner. I’ve even bought a Obd2 replicator thinking it would fix the issue, but it didn’t. I have no idea what to do.
Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 3:54 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,122 POSTS
Hello, when it comes to programming if there is lower voltage than what is specified, most scan tools are not able to even start programming. This is why when programming any modules, it's always very important to have a battery maintainer on the vehicle. This way battery voltage will stay up at around 13volts. That might be the case here. Either your battery might be getting weak, or there could be a low voltage condition to the ECM. Is there a reason you are changing the software so often?
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
MIKEMOLIK
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  • 6 POSTS
I am trying to tune it back to stock so I can sell the tuner. And I like upgrading my tunes to match my car upgrades. The battery is fine because I tried doing that too.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,122 POSTS
Do you have a scan tool that can monitor the voltage feeds to the ECM? A Ground that the ECM uses that is either corroded or loose can also cause voltage errors. Ill pull up the ECM connectors so you can check the voltage right at the connector pins. You can also do some voltage drop testing from Battery positive to each ECM power feed as well as on the Ground side while its running. That will indicate if there are any wiring issues or corroded connectors. If you check for voltage, drop while its running, there will be more of a load on the electrical system and trouble areas will stand out more. If there are any connectors that you disconnect during troubleshooting or installs, recheck them for any pin fitment issues.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
MIKEMOLIK
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Well, the thing is pin 12 has never had a cable going to it. So how can I check it?
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
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I don't see any connector with a Pin 12 power feed either. I have all the ECM connector pinout diagrams already for you. So, you can check all the 12-volt power feeds. The pin may not be correct in the Tuner software if that is what setting the error code. Just notice on the first page of each connector the labeling for the 4 cylinder is on the left and the V6 is on the right.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
MIKEMOLIK
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  • 6 POSTS
Thank you, could you explain to me how to check the pins in very simple terms? I’m very new to cars and don’t have the electrical portion down.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,122 POSTS
Okay, if you're not familiar with back probing connectors, especially an ECM connector, I would recommend using a wire piercing tool that you can put onto a multimeter lead. This is my wire piercing tool that attaches to a meter lead end. The 2nd picture is a back probing tool that can also go onto a meter lead. If a back probing a connector with a pin or tool is not done correctly it can damage the connector pin at the end of the wire or even short out the pin next to it. That can actually fry the ECM if a ground wire is shorted to a power wire. After using a piercing tool, you can cover the tiny hole in the wire with some liquid electrical tape which you can get at Walmart. This video is a really great video on these techniques. They are the guys from motor-age mag and have a ton of great videos on automotive diagnostics. This will help to show the pros and cons, but you would be best to get a wire piercing tool. Then you don't have to worry about damaging the ECM connector or anything else, plus ECM connectors usually have a plastic cover on the back of them that needs to come off to access the wires. The video is only 9min, but it will help a lot. You have a basic multimeter I assume; you just need to set it on DC volts on a 20v scale when checking for 12volts on power feeds. The key must be on as well. And verify the wire location in the connector by the diagram's pin number but also by color.
If you have any questions while doing your checks just post them here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfGa3hFSg7U
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
MIKEMOLIK
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  • 6 POSTS
Okay, I will do the tests tomorrow since it’s late. Thank you for your help.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, let us know what you find. Check the grounds on the vehicle as well, make sure they are not green with corrosion or broken.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 8:20 PM

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