ProMax Support. Know The System.
The Nitrous Outlet ProMax is designed to give you precise control over your nitrous system, but proper installation, wiring, sensor setup, and configuration are critical to reliable operation.
This FAQ covers some of the most common ProMax questions and troubleshooting issues, including pressure sensors, TPS and WOT inputs, wiring and grounding, system lockouts, bottle status indicators, progressive ramps, data logging, and software operation.
Start With The Instructions.
Do I need to read the ProMax instructions before installing the system?
Yes. The ProMax instructions should be read before installation and should be accessible whenever the system is being used.
The installation instructions contain important information regarding wiring, sensor connections, configuration, and setup. Many common ProMax problems are caused by incorrect installation or configuration.
If you are unable to properly install the system using the supplied instructions and available resources, professional installation is recommended.
Power. Ground. Wire Size.
Why does my ProMax turn off during a run?
If the ProMax powers off in the middle of a run, the most likely cause is an issue with the electrical supply to the solenoids.
Possible causes include:
- Wire gauge is too small for the solenoid circuit.
- The fuse is too small for the system's amp load.
- Main power is not connected directly to the battery.
- Main ground is not connected directly to the battery.
- Electrical interference is affecting the controller.
Depending on the number of solenoids and the length of the wiring run, the solenoid circuit may require wire as large as 6-gauge.
Make sure the fuse is properly sized for the system's current draw.
Where should the ProMax main power and ground be connected?
The ProMax main power and ground must come directly from the battery.
Using a vehicle power or ground lug, wiring board, or chassis ground is not considered sufficient for the main power and ground connections.
Poor grounding is one of the common causes of the ProMax shutting down during operation.
Can electrical noise affect the ProMax?
Yes.
The ProMax can be susceptible to electrical noise from other high-current components in the vehicle.
Install the ProMax controller, wiring, and associated components away from:
- High-amp ignition coils
- Capacitors
- High-amp drivers
- Other components that can generate significant electrical noise
Proper wiring and component placement can help prevent interference and unreliable operation.
Verify The Sensor Setup.
Why doesn't my ProMax pressure reading match my mechanical gauge?
If your nitrous or fuel pressure reading is significantly different from your mechanical gauge, check the sensor configuration first.
One of the most common causes is incorrect sensor scaling.
The scaling values programmed into the ProMax must match the values specified in the installation instructions.
Refer to Page 14 of the ProMax instructions for the correct sensor scaling information.
How do I know if my pressure sensors are connected to the correct inputs?
Make sure each sensor is connected to the appropriate ProMax input.
The sensor itself is labeled to identify whether it is intended for:
- Nitrous pressure
- Fuel pressure
Connecting a sensor to the wrong input can result in incorrect readings.
Can the pressure sensor wiring cause inaccurate readings?
Yes.
The shielded wire in the sensor harness needs to be properly grounded. If the shield is not grounded correctly, electrical interference can affect the sensor reading.
Refer to Page 3 of the ProMax installation instructions for the proper wiring procedure.
Confirm The Activation Signal.
Can tapping into my vehicle's TPS cause the car to go into limp mode?
Yes.
The vehicle's TPS circuit can be extremely sensitive. If your connection to the TPS introduces voltage variation into the control circuit, the vehicle may enter limp mode.
The ProMax TPS channel only reads the TPS signal; it does not send voltage into the TPS circuit.
If the vehicle enters limp mode after connecting the ProMax, inspect the TPS connection and wiring for an improper or poor connection.
How can I tell if my WOT switch is working?
If the TPS is configured correctly, the WOT switch activation can be viewed within the TPS setup screen.
If you press the WOT switch and nothing changes on the screen, check the following:
- Verify that the correct wire is connected to the ProMax TPS input.
- Verify that the WOT switch is functioning.
- Verify that the WOT switch has 12V power.
Software Startup.
Why do I get error screens when I first open the ProMax software?
When the ProMax software initially starts, you may see error screens because the computer is not yet connected to the ProMax controller.
This is normal.
Click "OK" on the error messages and continue into the software. Once the computer is connected to the ProMax box, the software should operate normally.
What Do The Colors Mean?
The ProMax uses different colors to indicate the current status of a stage.
Grey
Stage DisabledThe stage is disabled because a parameter within the ProMax is preventing it from being armed.
Go into the stage setup and verify that the stage is enabled.
Red
Stage Locked OutOne or more settings are preventing the stage from firing.
Possible lockouts include:
Fuel pressure, nitrous pressure, gear, wideband O2, and transbrake.
Review your stage and system settings to determine which parameter is causing the lockout.
Yellow
Stage ArmedThe stage is armed and ready to fire.
The ProMax is waiting for the required TPS and RPM or MPH inputs to reach the programmed parameters.
Green
System TriggeredAll required parameters have been met and the system has been triggered.
The stage is firing.
Understand What Is Blocking The Stage.
What are ProMax system lockouts?
System lockouts are parameters designed to prevent the nitrous system from operating when specific conditions aren't met.
Depending on your setup, lockouts can include:
- Nitrous pressure
- Fuel pressure
- Wideband O2
- Gear
- Transbrake
- Other programmed parameters
These settings need to be configured correctly so the system remains active during normal operation but shuts down when an unsafe or undesirable condition occurs.
How should I set my lockouts?
Think ahead when configuring your lockouts.
The goal is to make sure the system operates normally when the vehicle is within the desired parameters while also providing the appropriate protection when conditions change.
Data logging can be especially useful when determining whether lockouts are activating at the correct time.
Transbrake Behavior.
What does the Transbrake Lockout function do?
The Transbrake Lockout function can be used to control how the ProMax responds while the vehicle's transbrake is active.
Depending on the configuration, the function can be enabled or disabled for different purposes.
Enabled: Can be used for spooling.
Disabled: Allows normal operation.
Make sure the function is configured according to how your vehicle and nitrous system are intended to operate.
Match The Strategy To The Vehicle.
How do I set up a Gear Lockout?
Gear lockouts require you to understand the RPM parameters of your vehicle and how those parameters relate to the gear-lockout strategy.
The appropriate settings will depend on your specific combination and how you want the nitrous system to operate through the transmission's gear changes.
Use your RPM data and data logs to verify that the lockout is activating and releasing when expected.
Start And Stop Settings.
What do the Start and Stop settings mean on a ProMax time-based ramp?
The time-based progressive ramp uses Start and Stop settings to determine how long the system progresses through the programmed ramp.
The solenoids will continue to hold the value from the final cell of the progressive ramp after the programmed Stop time has been reached.
Proper configuration is important for maintaining adequate solenoid control during the first few seconds of the run.
How long should the progressive ramp Stop time be?
As a general guideline from the ProMax troubleshooting information, the Stop time should typically not be set higher than 3 seconds.
Use The Data.
Can I data log with the ProMax?
Yes. Data logging is an important tool for understanding how the system performed during a run.
Data logs can help you evaluate:
- System activation
- Sensor readings
- TPS
- RPM
- Lockouts
- System timing
- Progressive ramps
Reviewing your data can also help identify why a stage did or did not activate.
What should I look for in a ProMax data log?
Use the data log to compare the system's inputs and programmed parameters.
Pay particular attention to:
- TPS input
- RPM or MPH
- Nitrous pressure
- Fuel pressure
- Wideband information
- Gear
- Transbrake status
- Stage activation
- System lockouts
The goal is to determine whether the system behaved according to the parameters you programmed.
Can I run my laptop from the vehicle while data logging?
When data logging with the ProMax, the laptop should run from its own battery power.
Do not plug the laptop into a cigarette lighter while data logging.
Save The Configuration.
How do I save my ProMax setup file?
Your ProMax setup file can be saved so it can be sent to Nitrous Outlet for review when troubleshooting or requesting technical assistance.
The setup file allows the configuration of the controller to be reviewed rather than relying only on a description of the problem.
Tip: Keep a saved copy of your current setup file before making major configuration changes.
What if my ProMax has a problem after an update?
If the ProMax screen becomes unresponsive or "bricked" after an update, contact Nitrous Outlet Sales for assistance and an RMA if required.
Do not continue attempting updates if the controller is no longer functioning correctly.
Before Contacting Technical Support.
Before contacting technical support, check the following:
Send Support The Right Information.
If you've gone through the troubleshooting steps above and are still experiencing an issue, save your ProMax setup file and provide as much information about the problem as possible.
What Is Happening?
Include what the system is doing.
When Does It Happen?
Include when the problem occurs.
Which Stage?
Include which stage is affected.
Sensor Readings
Include the relevant sensor readings.
Data Logs
Include relevant data logs.
Error Messages
Include any error messages.
Recent Changes
Include changes that were recently made to the setup.
The more information available, the easier it is to identify the problem and determine the appropriate solution.
Always follow the ProMax installation instructions and verify your configuration before operating the system.
Verify The Setup. Read The Data. Find The Cause.
If you've completed the troubleshooting process and still need help, save your ProMax setup file and provide Nitrous Outlet with as much information about the problem as possible.