2011 Arctic Cat 800 ECU Reprogramming

In the December 2011 issue of SnowTech Magazine we talked about how, on the 2011 Arctic Cat models with the 800 two-stroke twin, the LCD gauge would display “OCTANE” at various times, especially when you would abruptly chop the throttle. We also speculated that Arctic Cat was working on an ECU re-flash to remedy the issue.
We’ve since learned that Arctic Cat has indeed notified their dealers that the 2011 models with the 800 two-stroke engine should have their ECU units reprogrammed. While Arctic Cat does not specifically mention the OCTANE light coming on, they have indicated the ECU should be re-programmed to “meet Arctic Cat performance standards”. Most Arctic Cat dealers should be able to perform the re-programming for you at their dealership, and can check your serial number to verify it needs to be done (or if it has already been done). Units that have been re-programmed should already have a decal on the ECU indicating the re-programming has been installed.