FAQs

Q: What if there is no specific map available for my combination?
A: Please read this file for additional information on selecting a map Map_selection

Q: When I try to communicate with my Power Commander I receive the error "File and Power Commander versions incompatible". I know that I have chosen the correct map for my bike, so why is this happening?
A: The main reason for this error is having the incorrect "Com" port selected. On Power Commander software versions prior to 2.7.7.3 it was possible for the software to auto select the "Com" port that the modem is on. The software would then try to communicate. Since there is not actually a Power Commander attached to that port the "incompatible" error is displayed.

On the latest version of software this has been addressed. Download it now.

To correct this problem in previous versions of software do the following.

1) Connect the cable to the Power Commander and to the computer
2) Switch the bike's ignition on and make sure the kill switch is in the "run" position. The light on the Power Commander should be lit.
(as a side note, GSXR1000/600, Triumph, and Aprilia models must either be running or have the "power up adapter" installed in order to communicate with the software).
3) Make sure that any other software that uses the 9 pin serial port, such as Palm Pilot, is shutdown.
4) Open the Power Commander software.
5) Click "ports" then select "Com1".
6) You should now have communication. If not, do step 5 again but select "Com2" through "Com4".

For more detailed information, download the Communications Problems guide

Q: I plug my Power Commander into my Harley and it does not start, but with just the stock ECU it starts fine. Is the Power Commander defective?
A: We have found in most cases that the crank position sensor is defective even though the Harley "Scanalyzer" shows that it is good. The PCII needs a near perfect crank signal to work properly. The bike may run ok with a sensor that is marginal, but over time the performance will degrade and eventually the bike will not run.

Q: I took my Twin Cam 88 to the dealer to have it serviced. When they plugged in the Scanalyzer (HD shop tool) it would not recognize the ECU (electronic control unit). Did the Power Commander II damage my ECU.
A: The Scanalyzer will not work correctly with the Power Commander II in place. For diagnostic work that needs to be done using the Scanalyzer, the Power Commander II needs to be disconnected for the duration of the testing. Also, the Power Commander II is internally fused. If a short circuit did occur the fuse would blow before any damage could be done to the ECU or the sensors.

Q: Occasionally when I start my bike the engine light comes on, then goes off, then comes back on again for a few seconds then goes out.
Is this a problem?
A: This is not a problem. Disconnecting and connecting your ECU may trip a trouble code. When the check engine light comes on after start-up it means that a trouble code has been tripped, if it goes back out it means that the problem is not occurring at the moment and the code is stored as a historic trouble code. Historic trouble codes clear themselves after 20 starts.

Q: The message "Com port opened, but Power Commander not found" comes up on my interface. What does that mean?
A: The software is not communicating with the Power Commander. Make sure that the ignition switch is on, the kill switch is in the run position, and the serial cable is firmly connected to both the Power Commander II and the computer.

Q: When I type in 15 in the ignition table, it changes to 11 by itself.
A: The maximum timing allowed is +/- 11 degrees. If a value is entered that is larger than +/- 11 the software automatically reduces the value to the maximum allowed.

Q: Why can I not adjust the timing at 2000 rpm on my Suzuki?
A: On Suzuki models timing changes can only be made from 4000 rpm and up.

Q: File and Power Commander version incompatible error appears when I try to load a map.
A: This message will appear if you try to load a map from a different make or model than the Power Commander II is connected to. (i.e. attempting to load a Harley map to a Suzuki).

Q: I have installed the power commander software from the CD but I cannot find any maps.
A: The maps are stored on the CD-Rom in a directory called maps. You can either: [1] With the Power Commander software running, select File from the top drop down menus, then pick the load map file option. This will bring up the open file window and you can select the CD-Rom drive and directory in the top menu box. [2] Run the Dynojet CD-Rom and select the map tables option. In the top window select your bike model and then highlight a map you wish to install. This will show the associated map notes and selecting the install map option will copy the map into your c:\pwrcmdr directory alongside the software.

Q: I want to alter the map in my power commander but I cannot get my computer close enough to my motorcycle.
A: We offer a power up programmer module which allows the power commander be programmed from the computer without being connected to the motorcycle. This is available direct from Dynojet for $100. Part Number Description 76423001 110v for US 76423002 220v for Overseas.

Q: The buttons on my Power Commander II don't feel like they are moving.
A: Because of the special compound used to seal the units, the buttons may feel like they do not move, even though they actually do. You can verify that they work by going through the "How to adjust your Power Commander II" procedure in your instruction manual.

Q: I have had my stock ECU modified with the YAFM box. Will the Power Commander II still work?
A: The Power Commander II will work if you have your stock ECU reset back to its original settings using the YAFM box.

Q: When I adjust by Power Commander II using the on board buttons and then do a "get all" with the software I do not see any changes to the map. Is this normal?
A: Yes, this is normal. While the buttons do adjust the fuel curve, they do not write these changes to the ".map" file. As a side note, any time the map is modified using the Control Center Software the buttons are reset to "0".

Q: When I first start my bike (Harley only) after it sits for a while it seems to run different than after I ride it for a mile or two. Why is this?
A: The Power Commander II monitors engine temperature and only modifies the fuel curve after the bike has reached full operating temp. This keeps the bike from being overly rich during its cold start cycle.

Click here to go to the FAQ section on Dynojet's website.

All parts sold by MPS are for off road closed course use. They are not intended for use on public streets or highways.

Motorcycle Performance Specialties
5350 McIntosh Point #132 - Sanford, Florida - 32773
Phone: (407)330-9727 - Fax: (407) 322-8632
Sales E-Mail: sales@mpsracing.com