HP Tuners is a popular tuning platform, but its Subaru support has been a source of frustration for many tuners. This article explores the challenges and issues encountered when using HP Tuners for Subaru tuning, offering insights for those seeking reliable Subaru Tuners.
Tuning a Subaru requires precision and a deep understanding of the vehicle’s engine management system. While HP Tuners offers a comprehensive platform for various car makes, its compatibility with Subarus, specifically, has been questioned. Numerous users have reported significant issues, ranging from software bugs to inaccurate data representation, leading to wasted time and potentially damaging outcomes.
One common complaint revolves around Custom OS implementation. Users have reported instances where Custom OS functionalities have inadvertently disabled critical engine functions like boost control and cranking fuel, rendering the ECU useless. The ambiguity surrounding table duplication within the software further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to discern which tables should be modified for specific fuel types like E85 or gasoline.
Further complicating matters is the discrepancy in injector sizing. Subarus typically utilize a flow constant for injector scaling, yet HP Tuners employs a pounds per hour flow number. This contradictory approach can lead to counterintuitive results, where increasing the flow number decreases fuel delivery, requiring tuners to spend significant time deciphering these quirks.
The Driver Demand feature has also been a source of concern, reportedly causing checksum validation and flashing process failures. This can leave tuners stranded with a non-functional vehicle, requiring extensive troubleshooting. Furthermore, HP Tuners necessitates a full flash every time, unlike open-source tools that only flash changed segments, increasing the risk of complications.
Inconsistent check engine light behavior adds another layer of complexity. While HP Tuners allows for turning off specific codes, the check engine light may remain illuminated without registering a corresponding scannable code. Open-source tools often resolve this issue seamlessly, highlighting a disparity in diagnostic capabilities.
Numerous reports also point to inaccurate units, incorrect scaling, and flawed axis representations within various tables. These inaccuracies can lead to significant tuning errors if not meticulously identified and corrected by experienced tuners.
While HP Tuners support acknowledges these issues, solutions and refunds have been elusive. Users have expressed frustration with the lack of accountability and the absence of a clear refund policy for a product that fails to deliver its promised functionality. Even experienced tuners with extensive HP Tuners credit balances hesitate to pursue refunds, fearing potential account repercussions.
For those seeking reliable Subaru tuners, thoroughly researching and vetting potential options is crucial. While HP Tuners remains a prominent platform, its current limitations with Subaru tuning necessitate exploring alternative solutions that offer better stability, accuracy, and customer support. Consider consulting with experienced Subaru tuning specialists or exploring reputable open-source tuning platforms known for their Subaru compatibility and community support.
