GIAC Flashloader handheld switcher

GIAC's Flashloader Handheld Switcher allows users to switch between GIAC-tuned software programs with the touch of a button. The product is a pocket-sized,hand-held device that plugs directly into the DME port. It uses serial flashing technology and requires no additional hardware within the DME.

Note: No Flashloaders come with tunes included, they are purchased separately. 

Switching is performed by selecting the desired mode with the touch buttons. Cycling the ignition will save the new mode to the ECU's memory and retain its state until switched again.

GIAC's Flashloader Handheld Switcher allows users to switch between GIAC-tuned software programs (sold separately) with the touch of a button. The product is a pocket-sized, hand-held device that plugs directly into the DME port. It uses serial flashing technology and requires no additional hardware within the DME. Switching is performed by selecting the desired mode with the touch buttons. 

The READ button lets you know what you have purchased and what program mode is currently active in the DME. After pressing READ, the red “Busy” LED blinks and the green LEDs of available program modes blink. The LEDs stop blinking after a few seconds and the “current mode”will remain lit. The first time READ is pressed there is no “current mode”.

Pressing STOCK activates maps in the DME that are similar to stock settings. In this mode your car will perform as it would with your OEM software. Fuel requirements for this software are the same as your original OEM software.

Pressing PUMP activates GIAC-tuned performance maps that are optimized for pump gas. Use the highest octane available at the pump and a minimum of 91-93 octane. Specific features of GIAC PUMP software such as boost settings, rev limits, speed limits and fueling maps, vary by application.

Pressing RACE activates GIAC-tuned performance maps that are optimized for high-octane race gas. For RACE programming, use at least 100 octane fuel. 103 octane fuel may be required depending on the application. Verify octane requirements with your GIAC authorized retailer at the time of purchase.nSpecific features of GIAC RACE software such as boost settings, rev limits, speed limits and fueling maps, vary by application.

Pressing KILL prevents the car from running. GIAC software program design prevents KILL button activation when operating above 0 RPMs.

Pressing VALET activates programming with substantially lower power.

The MTO1/MTO2/MTO3 buttons provide extra functionality during boot-up and act as boost control buttons for selected big turbo kit applications. Boost control buttons have preset values that can be reprogrammed by GIAC dealers. Only selected GIAC software applications are compatible with these boost control features.

Pressing any button of an available program mode causes the corresponding green LED to remain solid. If the button’s LED continues to blink, the selected mode may not be available or the connection to the DME may have failed.

Although some modes can be selected while the car is moving, GIAC does not recommend using the FHH switcher while driving. For driver safety and the safety of others, drivers should ensure that the car is parked and out of traffic while operating any switching product.

Cycling the ignition will save the new mode to the ECU's memory and retain its state until switched again. The most recent mode selected will remain active even when the car is turned off.

The Flashloader Handheld Switcher can be used with any GIAC engine software featuring multiple program mode options.

As of v7.0, users may take their Flashloader Handheld Switchers to GIAC dealers for firmware updates. These updates may include support for new vehicles, bug fixes, code optimizations, or other new features. To find out if your switcher is updatable, look for the SW1 or SWK sticker on the back of the device. If you are still unsure, please contact us. 

Exposure to water, extreme temperatures, or excessive trauma will damage your Flashloader Handheld device.

All GIAC software is for racing or off-road use only.
The Handheld Switcher has three additional buttons available labeled MTO1,MTO2,and MTO3. These buttons provide extra functionality during boot-up and act as boost control buttons for GIAC performance software that supports them. Boost control buttons come preprogrammed with preset values, but they can be reprogrammed by GIAC dealers. The Handheld Switcher supports all GIAC software applications sold with performance mode options. The "Kill" button can only be selected while the car is on and the RPMs are zero. Although the other modes can be selected while the car is moving, we do not recommend using the switcher while driving. For driver safety and the safety of others, drivers should ensure that the car is parked and out of traffic while operating any switching product.

For dyno testing the difference between stock and performance, we do not recommend switching between stock and performance mappings with the handheld switcher while on the dyno. Many data values are held in RAM while the ECU is running. When the user switches performance settings, the maps that are being used by the ECU are changing. However, the maps in memory and the adaptation values are not immediately replaced. For the maps to be completely replaced, the user may need to cycle the ignition, run at wide open throttle and let the motor cool a few times.

Flashing completely back to stock and then to performance with a GIAC dealer allows for faster adaptation, as all previous maps and adaptation values will be wiped from memory during the process of flashing the ECU. For the most accurate dyno testing, use the original stock tuning vs. the GIAC tuning.

Note: It is against the law to use a computer, cell phone, or other device of distraction while driving. GIAC's pump performance software requires the highest octane gas available (91+). GIAC's race programs require race gas (100+ octane). GIAC does not endorse its software for street use.