Powertrain Control Module Programming On-Board
Before Programming a Control Module
Important: Do NOT program a control module unless you are directed by a service
procedure or you are directed by a General Motors Corporation service bulletin.
Programming a control module at any other time will not permanently correct
a customers concern.
Ensure the following conditions are met before programming a control
module:
- | There is no charging system concern. All charging system concerns
must be repaired before programming a control module. |
- | Battery voltage is greater than 12 volts but less than
16 volts. The battery must be charged before programming the control
module if the battery voltage is low. |
- | A battery charger is NOT connected to the vehicle's battery. Incorrect
system voltage or voltage fluctuations from a battery charger, may cause programming
failure or control module damage. |
- | Turn OFF or disable any system that may put a load on the vehicle's
battery. |
• | Daytime running lights (DRL)--Applying the parking brake,
on most vehicles, disables the DRL system. Refer to the Owners manual. |
• | Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems |
• | Engine cooling fans etc. |
• | The ignition switch is in the proper position. The scan tool prompts
you to turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Do NOT change the position
of the ignition switch during the programming procedure, unless instructed
to do so. |
• | All tool connections are secure. |
- | The connection at the data link connector (DLC) is secure. |
- | Voltage supply circuits |
• | DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption
occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module
damage may occur. |
Remote Programming
- Turn OFF the ignition.
- Install the Tech 2 to the data link connector (DLC).
- Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
- Turn OFF all of the vehicle accessories.
- With the Tech 2, select Service Programming.
- Identify vehicle information as requested by the Tech 2.
- Select the type of module you are programming.
- Select the type of programming to be performed.
- Verify the displayed VIN with the vehicle VIN. If the displayed
VIN does not match the actual VIN, write down the actual VIN and correct the
VIN at the Techline terminal.
- When complete, Exit Service Programming.
- Turn OFF the Tech 2 and disconnect the Tech 2 from
the vehicle.
- Turn OFF the ignition.
- Connect the Tech 2 to the Techline terminal.
- Select Service Programming.
- Select Tech 2 as the tool you are using.
- Select the type of programming to be performed.
- Verify the displayed VIN with the vehicle VIN. Correct the VIN
as necessary.
- Select the type of module you are programming.
- Identify what type of programming that you are performing.
• | Normal--This type of programming is for updating an existing
calibration or programming a new controller. |
• | Vehicle configuration index (VCI)--This selection is used
if the vehicle VIN is unavailable or not recognized by the Techline terminal.
Observe, you will need to contact the Techline Customer Support center
to use this option. |
• | Reconfigure--This is to reconfigure a vehicle, such as tire
size and axle ratio changes. |
- Select the appropriate calibration file.
- Ensure all connections are secure.
- Select Reprog to initiate the download of the new calibration
to the Tech 2.
- After the download is complete, turn OFF the Tech 2.
- Disconnect the Tech 2 from the Techline terminal.
- Install the Tech 2 to the data link connector (DLC).
- Turn ON the Tech 2.
- Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
- Select Service Programming.
Important: DO NOT turn OFF the ignition if the programming procedure is interrupted
or unsuccessful. Ensure that all the PCM and DLC connections are secure
and the Techline operating software is up to date. Attempt to reprogram
the control module. If the control module cannot be programmed, replace
the control module. Refer to
Powertrain Control Module Replacement
- Select Program.
- After the download is complete, EXIT Service Programming.
- Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
- Turn OFF the Tech 2.
- If a control module is replaced the following service procedures
must be performed:
• | The Crankshaft Variation Learn Procedure |
• | The Engine Oil Life Reset Procedure |
• | The Idle Learn Procedure |
• | The Inspection/Maintenance Complete System Set Procedure |
• | The Vehicle Theft Deterrent Password Learn Procedure |
• | The throttle position (TP) Sensor Learn Procedure |
Programming Verification
- With a scan tool, clear the DTCs.
- Attempt to start the engine.
- Repeat the Service Programming procedure if the engine does not
start or operates poorly. Perform the following procedures before programming
the PCM:
• | Ensure the control module and DLC connections are OK. |
• | Ensure the Techline operating software is up to date. |
• | Ensure the calibration part number is correct for the vehicle. |
- Attempt to program the control module. If the control module still
cannot be programmed properly, replace the control module. Refer to
Powertrain Control Module Replacement
You must program the replacement control module.
Powertrain Control Module Programming Off-Board
Before Programming a Control Module
Important:
• | Do NOT program a control module unless you are directed by a
service procedure or you are directed by a General Motors Corporation service
bulletin. Programming a control module at any other time will not permanently
correct a customer's concern. |
• | The Off-Board Programming is used in situations where a control
module must be programmed without having the vehicle present. The Off-Board
Programming Adapter must be used to perform the Off-Board Programming procedure.
The adapter allows the control module to power up and allows the Tech 2
to communicate with the control module. |
• | DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption
occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module
damage may occur. |
Ensure that all connections are secure at the following locations:
• | The Off-Board Programming Adapter |
Off-Board Programming
- Obtain the VIN of the vehicle for which the control module is
being programmed.
- With the Techline terminal, select Service Programming.
- Select Tech 2, Reprogram ECU, and Off-Board Programming
Adapter as the ECU location.
- Connect the control module, Off-Board Programming Adapter, and
the Tech 2 as described on the Techline terminal. Ensure you use
the correct harness connector from the Off-Board Programming Adapter kit.
- With the Tech 2, select Service Programming Request Information
function. The Tech 2 communicates with the control module and receives
the access code.
- With the Tech 2, exit the Service Programming Request Information.
- Disconnect the Tech 2 from the Off-Board Programming Adapter.
- Connect the Tech 2 to the Techline terminal.
- Turn ON the Tech 2.
- With the Techline terminal, enter the VIN of the vehicle that
will be receiving the control module.
- The Techline terminal will display the message, attaching to database.
- Identify what type of programming that you are performing.
- Select the appropriate calibration file.
- Ensure all connections are secure.
- The Techline terminal displays a summary screen that summarizes
your selections. After confirming you choices, the Techline terminal automatically
loads the calibration files to the Tech 2.
- After the download is complete, turn OFF the Tech 2.
- Disconnect the Tech 2 from the Techline terminal.
- Connect the Tech 2 to the Off-Board Programming Adapter.
- With the Tech 2, select Service Programming.
Important: DO NOT turn OFF the Off-Board Programming Adapter if the programming
procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure the control module and the
Off-Board Programming Adapter connections are secure and the Techline
operating software is up to date. Attempt to reprogram the control module.
If the control module cannot be programmed, replace the control module.
- With the Tech 2, select Program.
- After the download is complete, exit Service Programming.
- Turn OFF the Off-Board Programming Adapter.