Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Power Commander Support F.A.QS
Note:
Please click on the plus (+) sign on the categories below to expand selection and access frequently asked questions for that particular category. Click (-) sign to collapse category. 
Power Commander Unit General Questions
Applicable to PCIII USB
What does the Accelerator Pump feature do?
Please read this file for additional information the Accelerator Pump feature Accel_Pump
I see your PCIIIusb software works with Windows 98 “SE”. What does the “SE” mean?
The “SE” means Second Edition. The first version of Windows 98 did not properly support USB devices. If you go into “Control Panel” in Windows and double click the “System” icon the version number is displayed. If the version number is 4.10.2222, it is the “SE” version.
When I connect my PCIIIusb to my computer running Windows 98SE, it asks for “drivers”. Where do I get these?
The drivers required are found on the install disk for Windows 98SE. We have also put copies of the necessary drivers in a folder named Win98 on the Power Commander CD.
I am trying to communicate with my PCIIIusb using the supplied 9 volt adapter, but the computer does not see it. What should I check?
A low battery will keep the PCIIIusb from communicating. The PCIIIusb can quickly drain (about 20 minutes of use) a new battery, so make sure to not leave it plugged in longer than necessary. Also, make sure the cable is pushed all the way into the PCIIIusb’s port. Sometimes the connector needs a fair amount of pressure to fully seat it.
PC III USB
I have my Power Commander III USB plugged in and powered up, but it will not recognize it. The software says "No Power Commander." Solutions:
a.) Windows 98/ME -
  • 1. Make sure that you are using a version of Windows newer than 98 SE.
  • 2. If you are using 98 SE or ME, make sure that Windows has loaded the drivers for the unit in the "Device Manager" in the "System" control panel. The unit will be listed under HID (Human Interface Device) Compliant Devices and it should say Power Commander 3 (III) in the listing or HID compliant device with Power Commander 3 (III) in the description. If not, load the latest driver for the unit off the Power Commander CD through the "Driver Wizard".
b.) Windows 2000/XP -
  • 1. Make sure that Windows recognizes the unit when you plug the USB port in. If Windows sees the unit, it will make a chime noise and bring up a balloon at the bottom of the screen that says the device is connected. If it doesn't recognize the unit, than you may try leaving the Power Commander plugged in and re-booting the computer and see if the unit is recognized at that time. Sometimes Windows needs to be re-booted so that the USB driver gets "refreshed."
c.) Hardware -
  • 1. The USB plug can be difficult to plug into and in a lot of cases may not "click" into place. Make sure that the plug on the Power Commander is secure and has "clicked" into place. It should start to communicate.
The software has a "Device Error" showing below the serial number.
Answer: The Power Commander is able to display trouble-codes through showing different device errors. To "Reset" the Power Commander, go to the "Tools" menu and select "Environment Options." In the Environment Options screen, hold the control key (Ctrl) down on the keyboard and hit "R". This will bring up a "Reset Power Commander" button. Select this option and let the software reset the unit. After the unit is reset the error should go away. In most cases the Power Commander can be reset and the error will go away, but if that is not the case, than the unit may need to be sent in for testing. Contact Dynojet for technical support regarding a recurring "Device Error".
The Power Commander software says "Serial: N/A" at the top right hand corner of the screen and does not show any serial numbers or "TP" readings.
Answer: The Power Commander USB needs to be powered up by either the bike or a brand new 9 volt battery via the battery adapter. If the unit is not powered up, the computer will only see a USB device being plugged in, but will not allow the software to communicate. If a battery has been plugged in for around 5 minutes, it may be too low on power to allow good communication.
The message "Power Commander not found" comes up on my interface. What does that mean?
The software is not communicating with the Power commander,. Make sure that the ignition switch is on, the kill switch is in position, and the USB cable is firmly connected to both the Power commander and the computer.   Make sure that the unit is staying powered up (gree light will be lit on the face of the unit) and the your cable is connected.  The USB cable needs to "snap" into place.  Applying ample pressure is sometimes required.
All Models
I bought a bike that had a Power Commander on it. Can I buy the software and cable I need to program it from you?
All of the software, map files, etc., can be found on the web site at Power Commander EX Downloads
The USB cable is a USB to Mini-B cable and it can be purchased at any computer store. If you would still like to purchase a CD you can do so by going to:
Power Commander EX Replacement Parts Purchase
File and Power Commander version incompatible error appears when I try to load a map
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).
I want to alter the map in my power commander but I cannot get my computer close enough to my motorcycle
Using the 9V power adapter that comes with the PCIII allows you to remove the PC from the bike and bring it inside to your computer.
What ranges (low, mid, high) do the face plate buttons affect my fuel curve?
The button ranges of the PCIII break your RPM up into thrids. If you are using a PCIII USB then while communicating to the software press one.
The firmware program does not appear to work and I get an error code that has a "0x005, 0x008, 8001" or something similar.
Answer: These errors appear to be communication related. Unplug the USB cable from the programmer and switch USB ports on the computer. If the error still comes up, try switching the USB port to another one and restart the computer while the programmer is plugged into the USB cable. This should refresh the USB port. Power to the programmer does not need to be attached.
The Start-up Fuel and Rev Xtend features are not showing up in the Power Commander III  USB software's features dialog box.
Answer: When installing the firmware, the "Update Settings" function of the firmware loading process did not go through correctly.
How can I tell what PCIII USB Control Center Software version I have?
Open the PCIII USB Control Center application on your computer, and go to the "Help" menu at the top. From the "Help" menu click on "About Power Commander 3 USB Software" to find your version.
Open the PCIII USB Control Center application on your computer, and go to the "Help" menu at the top. From the "Help" menu click on "About Power Commander 3 USB Software" to find your version.
 
 
Power Commander (Other)
All Models
If I disconnect my battery will the Power Commander lose it's map?
No, all Power Commanders utilize a nonvolatile memory (it does not require constant power to maintain it). The only way a map can be “erased” is to use a computer to load a new one in place of it.
What ranges (low, mid, high) do the face plate buttons affect my fuel curve?
The “SE” means Second Edition. The first version of Windows 98 did not properly support USB devices. If you go into “Control Panel” in Windows and double click the “System” icon the version number is displayed. If the version number is 4.10.2222, it is the “SE” version.
I have had a Power Commander on my bike for quite a while and it has been running great. One day it just started running rough (like it was a cylinder was misfiring) so I disconnected the Power Commander and it went away. What could be the problem with the unit?
The most common problem we see with returned Power Commander is damage to the wiring harness. If the Power Commanders’ wiring harness is cut or nicked by the frame or sharp bracket it can short to ground. Once this happens a number of symptoms may be present, overly rich running, hesitation, stalling, etc. We suggest very closely inspecting the harness for any signs of damage. Small cuts may be difficult to see. If any damage is found, you can simply retape that area, unless the wiring is significantly shorted.
I ride a lot in the rain. Do I need to wrap my Power Commander in a plastic bag?
No, the Power Commander is a fully sealed unit. It is not necessary to cover the unit to protect it from water.
Does the Power Commander raise my rev limit?
No, the Power Commander does not affect the bike’s factory set rev limit.
 
Linear Shifter
Bike will not start with the linear shifter installed.
  • a. If the LED on the shifter is on and red, then the spacing is incorrect and the shifter is engaged which will keep the bike from starting. Change the spacing until the light is green and the bike should start.
  • b. If the light is not on, then the placement of the wires in the white connector on the shifters harness needs to be checked.
 
 
Bike Model Specific Issues
Applicable to 108-411
I installed a Power Commander on my Honda CBR600 F4i and it will not run
There are two sets of Gray connectors in the stock harness. You have most likely connected the Power Commander to the wrong set, and if you refer to the pictures in the installation guide, you can determine the correct set.
Applicable to 108-411
Problem: The bike will not start with the unit installed.
Solution: Verify where the injector connectors have been hooked up. There are two identical sets of connectors on this bike. There is a set next to the fuel rail and there is one set next to the shock under the seat and battery. If they are plugged in down by the shock, the unit will not work. The unit should be plugged into the set next to the fuel rail.
Applicable to 109-411
Problem: Bike runs rough regardless of what map is used or fuel value entered.
Solution: Verify the placement of the Throttle Position Sensor wire tap. It should be installed on the red wire with a yellow tracer on the GRAY connector side of the ECU. There is a yellow wire with a red tracer on the BLACK connector for the ECU that can easily be mistaken for the correct one. Also, verify that the connector is securely fastened and has not cut through the wire. If it cut through the wire, the Power Commander still may get a throttle position signal, but it may be erratic.
Problem: The bike randomly cuts out or sputters while riding.
Solution: If custom LED tail lights are being used, they may give off interference up the line that causes the Power Commander to loose its 12 volt reference for power and shut off. The power wire (Red wire with bullet connector terminals) will need to be relocated to a keyed, solid 12 volt power source.
Applicable to 115-411/117-411/121-411/125-411
Problem: While in the Power Commander 3 USB software, the RPM reading does not show up when the bike is running.
Solution: The injector connectors have been installed into the secondary injectors (on top of the air box), rather than the primary injectors (underneath the tank).
Problem: The bike randomly cuts out or sputters while riding.
Solution: If custom LED tail lights are being used, they may give off interference up the line that causes the Power Commander to loose its 12 volt reference for power and shut off. The power wire (Red wire with bullet connector terminals) will need to be relocated to a keyed, solid 12 volt power source.
Problem: Bike will not start or runs rough.
The TPS connectors from the PCIII may be connected to the wrong location. The Throttle Position Sensor on this bike is located on the left hand side of the throttle bodies. There is the same connected on the back side of the throttle bodies that is for the MAP sensor, this is the incorrect location for the PCIII to be connected to. Please verify in the instructions.
 
Applicable to 201-411/202-411/203-411/205-411/215-411
Problem: The bike is hard to start and cuts out while riding with the Power Commander installed.
Solution: This issue can be related to improper placement of the ground wires. The ground wires for the Power Commander must be placed exactly per the instructions for the unit. Any other locations may not supply a secure ground path and cause issues.
Applicable to 209-411
Problem: Bike may or may not start, idles rough, and the TPS does not set correctly.
Solution: Verify where the connectors are hooked up. Start at the throttle bodies and trace down to the first set of connectors that you come to. This is the correct set. There is another set further down the harness that the connectors will fit into. The correct set is on the left hand side of the frame.
Applicable to 212-411
Problem: Unit will not light up or allow the bike to start.
Solution: Verify where the injector connector is plugged into. There is an identical connector on the left hand side above the air box, right next to where the TPS connector is located. The correct connector is on the right hand side, between the #3 and #4 throttle bodies.
Applicable to 216-411
Problem: The unit communicates fine by reflecting a Serial number but does not reflect RPM or TPS. The light bar appears to stick at the top.
Solution: There is two sets of connectors on this bike but one is grey and the other is black. The Power Commander needs to be plugged into the grey one for proper operation.
Applicable to 321-411
Problem: Unit will not light up or allow the bike to start.
Solution: This connector is actually the cylinder head temp sensor and the injector is right near it. The injector does only have 2 tabs on it and the connector that plugs into it is grey.
Applicable to 212-411
Problem: Unit will not light up or allow the bike to start.
Solution: Verify where the injector connector is plugged into. There is an identical connector on the left hand side above the air box, right next to where the TPS connector is located. The correct connector is on the right hand side, between the #3 and #4 throttle bodies.
Applicable to 801-511/802-511
Problem: The bike will not start after washing the bike or running in rain for an extended amount of time.
Solution: These models have a rubber boot that needs to be transferred from the bike's OEM connector to ours. This keeps water out of the computer and if not installed, the sides of the ECM have openings that allow liquid right into the circuitry. In some cases, the computer can be removed and dried out for a couple days and it will function like normal, but this is not guaranteed. Make sure that the rubber boot, if it was installed, does not have any holes and is securely placed to keep water out as much as possible.
Applicable to 807-511
Problem: The Power Commander connectors have water in them after riding through rain or wet weather.
Solution: The stock connector on this model does not have pins in every single space and therefore Harley-Davidson put little rubber plugs in their place to seal up the open spaces. These plugs still seem to allow water by and it causes corrosion to start on the Power Commander connector. We recommend putting di-electric grease in our connector before plugging them together so that the moisture is blocked. Also, relocation of the connector to under the right side cover, on top of the ECM, may be beneficial.
Map Related Questions
If I live in the United States can I use one of the European maps?
Dynojet offers different maps for the US market and the European market due to the differences in the fuels. In most cases the fuel available in Europe will make a bike run much richer than the fuel available in the US. For this reason we recommend that you use a map that coincides with the region in that you live in. Although we have seen some European maps work well for US bikes so it may be worth trying.
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