What is an Accessport, and why do I need one?
A Cobb Accessport for WRX is the ultimate performance upgrade for WRX enthusiasts. With the Accessport, owners can take advantage of a variety of features that put even more power at their fingertips. The Accessport increases engine output through remapping and comes complete with an ECU flash utility so users can customize their ECU settings.
Additionally, the Accessport allows owners to monitor vital engine parameters like boost pressure and air/fuel ratio via its intuitive display. Not only does this give drivers the ability to make fine-tuning adjustments in real time, but it also creates a safer driving experience by allowing drivers to respond quickly to changing conditions. With the Accessport WRX, you're sure to get more from your vehicle than ever before!
WRX Accessport Installation
Installing your WRX Accessport is incredibly easy and will have you up and running in no time. You'll just need your OBD2 cable to get connected. It’s generally under the center console of the driver’s area, within reach of the driver’s seat.
It’s a little white connector. You'll connect the corresponding end of your Cobb interface cable to the OBD2.
From there, you’ll connect the other end into your Accessport.
Once you have that plugged in, go ahead and turn on the car. The Cobb Accessport will boot up for you. (If it doesn’t, there’s a button on the top of the Accessport. Click that once and it should turn on.)
From there, you’ll be greeted with a welcome message. You’ll then use the center button to click continue. Note that the buttons on the top and the bottom are for going ‘up’ and ‘down’, the center button is for selecting, and the smaller button is for going back.
After you make it to the welcome page, you’ll be greeted to the Accessport marrying to your vehicle. From there, you’ll select what map you’d like to flash on the vehicle.
Stage 0 - Unmodified factory run
Stage 1 - Modified factory run using factory hardware. It’s a little bit more “gains over stock” but you’re still using factory downpipes, intake, unmodified cat-back exhaust, etc.(Also ships with a 91 and 93 stage 1 map. Be sure to know what you’re usually filling up on, then flash it onto that corresponding map.)
Once you select the map you’d like to flash to your WRX, the next prompt is going to let you know to make sure that your battery voltage is above 12 volts. We don’t want the vehicle to die while it’s flashing the ECU, leading to some bad, costly results. If your battery is a little flaky, or you just want to be on the safe side, hook your car up to a battery tender, letting it charge while doing this process.
After you go through the battery disclosure, next comes the fun part. You get to wait on your phone and watch TikToks. The process for marrying and flashing your car for the first time isn’t very long. After you finish the first section of waiting, the Accesport will prompt you to turn the vehicle into the off state, meaning the key-off state so the screen/dash goes black.
You’ll then press “Continue” on the Accessport. It will go through another cycle, then prompt you to turn the vehicle back on. This is part of the ECU reset process, resetting all the monitors, and all the learning lists in the ECU so it’s a fresh start. Everything is set to 0.
After that, the Accessport will prompt you to turn the vehicle off one last time and to wait 15 seconds to turn your vehicle back on.
Mounting your WRX Accessport
So now that you’re done scrolling through all the menus, flashing your car, and having a little fun with performance, you might ask yourself, “where am I gonna put it?”
Cobb includes a small, short adapter with double-stick tape that you can attach anywhere on the dash of your car to mount it and mount your cables, in a way that’s not intrusive to the driver. However, there are many options here at MAPerformance for mounting your Accessport. We have different dash mounts, like glass mounts and dash mounts. These just allow you to set your Accessport in a place where you can view it, but you’re not having to hold onto it or throw it on the flow of your car. Just tidies it up and makes it look like it’s supposed to be there.
We mounted ours to the right of the steering wheel, where our hands aren’t gonna run into it, and we can still see and use the dash.
Shop Accessport mounting options
Features and benefits of the Cobb Accessport for your WRX
Choosing to install a Cobb Accessport on your WRX will bring with it many benefits and ultimately empower you to extract the maximum potential from your engine. With the Accessport, unlocking hidden potential is as simple as downloading and loading the specialized map onto your car’s computer. Whether you are looking for more horsepower or a smoother ride, you can customize the driving experience to best fit your needs and push your car to peak performance.
Even with these maps that come pre-installed with different stages from Cobb, they will improve the driving quality of the vehicle immensely. We installed a stage 1 map on our WRX at MAPerformance’s shop. Immediately we noticed that:
- The car was a TON more fun
- The car ran a little more boost
- The car had more responsiveness
- And the car had a more crisp throttle response
There are still many benefits to using pre-installed maps. And even going forward, getting an OTS map or full pro map, all of that can be done with the WRX Accessport.
Things to keep in mind
With the Accessport, you have everything you need to maximize your car’s potential. Whether you are simply tuning and configuring your vehicle or taking a look at your data logs, the Accessport has you covered.
You can run up to six data log monitors at the same time, giving you an incredibly comprehensive look at exactly how your vehicle is performing in any circumstance. Data logs can be started and stopped with ease and then be shared with professionals for modifications or studied by car enthusiasts alike for personal satisfaction.
Regardless of the use, the Accessport gives you unlimited potential to modify or simply better understand all areas of your car.
And a scan tool..The Cobb Accessport doubles as a scan tool as well. With the Cobb Accessport for your WRX, you have everything you need to keep your car running its best literally at your fingertips.
This device not only helps you upgrade your engine performance, but it also acts as a sophisticated scan tool so that should an error code pop up, you don't need to worry about visiting a dealership or auto store to diagnose the problem. Instead, you are able to quickly and easily read the codes yourself and even erase them if necessary.
Whether you're an avid tinkerer or just starting to figure out how your car works, utilizing this amazing technology can save a lot of time and money down the road.
Don’t be afraid of this device
Owning an Accessport can be a bit intimidating for anyone. After all, this device is the key to unlocking many of your car’s hidden features and hidden potential—which can be daunting. But, instead of feeling overwhelmed, remember that an Accessport isn't your enemy—it’s a tool to help you get your car to where you'd like it to be. From small tweaks to pro tuning, there are plenty of ways the Accessport can make life easier and more enjoyable when handling DIY car modifications. It’s here to be a friend, not an enemy!
Have a little fun (not on public streets)There’s a ¼ timer and 0-60 timer belt so you can go out and get some bragging rights. This sweet little tool is super cool.
FAQ
Why should I buy the Cobb Accessport for the WRX? (post-Cobb Green Speed Update)With the recent Green Speed Update to Cobb’s Access Tuner Programs, map devices are now limited in their ability to modify emissions devices due to tighter restrictions mandated by the government. However, power-seeking Subaru enthusiasts need not despair, as many tuners have still been able to squeeze plenty of vigorous energy out of their engine while honoring the tightened regulations. This means that car lovers can still get their thrills with the Cobb Accessport without having to break any rules a win-win situation for responsible Subaru guys everywhere.
Does the Accessport void my guarantee?Probably. If you bring your car in with the Accessport flashed or sporting the Accessport on the dash, it’s most likely they will remove you from having warranty work done. Keep in mind that with most vehicle mods, you’ll fall under some level of scrutiny if you try to get some warranty work done.
Can you unplug your Accessport?After you flash your vehicle, you don’t ever have to touch the Accessport again. Unless you want to flash it again, clear code or view/monitor something.
Essentially, you can unplug it, put it back in the box and forget about it. There are many cool features on the Accessport that are worth using, so simply forgetting about it wouldn’t be the best idea. But you can use it as a flashing interface only if you’d like.
Never unplug your Accessport while in the flashing process or monitoring data logs.
Does the Accessport affect gas mileage?It depends. With you flashing your car to a higher horsepower, sitting on the gas, and having more fun, you might have higher MPGs. The thing about engine tuning though, is it’s all about making sure the engine is running as efficiently as possible, and Cobb Accessport’s tuning was created with that in mind
50 State LegalModifying your vehicle is exciting and can lead to amazing performance. However, you must be aware of the laws that may restrict you. Within the state of California, for example, using map kits designed for racing or off-road applications is deemed unlawful while driving on public roads and highways. Though these kits promise great power boosts, it’s important to be aware of the legal ramifications first should you decide to use them. Always research components before making a purchase.
California has long been seen as a leader in emissions regulations and new initiatives across the United States. Other states have taken notice and begun to reflect California’s strict standards for vehicle emissions. Be sure to know your state’s rules and regulations on map devices.
So, why the Accessport?
Ultimately, the Accessport for the WRX has become a popular choice among car enthusiasts. It offers tremendous flexibility with the ability to map, diagnose potential problems, and even update performance-oriented software. With this tool, you can customize each and every aspect of your vehicle to get exactly the setup you want. Plus, it’s also easy to use in that it requires minimal technical knowledge to comprehend and apply its features. All in all, the Accessport for the WRX is an invaluable resource that has revolutionized what we are capable of achieving with our cars.
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