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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Theft Deterrent 🢒 Powertrain Control Module Programming

Powertrain Control Module Programming Onboard

Before Programming a Control Module

Important: Do NOT program a control module unless you are directed by a service procedure, or unless 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.

Ensure that the following conditions are met before programming a control module:

    • The vehicle system voltage
       - Ensure that there is no charging system concern. Before you program a control module, repair all charging system concerns.
       - The battery voltage must be more than 12 volts but less than 16 volts. Before you program a control module, charge the battery 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 can cause programming failure or can cause control module damage.
       - Turn OFF or disable any system that can put a load on the vehicle's battery. These systems include:
   • The Twilight Sentinel
   • The interior lamps
   • The daytime running lights (DRL)--For most vehicles, applying the parking brake disables the DRL system.
   • The HVAC systems
   • The engine cooling fans
    • Ensure that the ignition switch is in the proper position. The scan tool prompts you to turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. During the programming procedure, do NOT change the position of the ignition switch unless you are instructed to do so.
    • Ensure that the following tool connections are secure:
       - The RS-232
       - The connection at the DLC
       - The voltage supply circuits
    • When you are programming, DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage can occur.

Remote Programming
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install the Tech 2 to the data link connector (DLC).
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Turn OFF all of the vehicle accessories.
  5. With the Tech 2, select Service Programming.
  6. Identify the vehicle information as requested by the Tech 2.
  7. Select the type of module you are programming.
  8. Select the type of programming to be performed.
  9. Verify the displayed VIN with the vehicle VIN. If the displayed VIN does not match the actual VIN, note the actual VIN and correct the VIN at the Techline terminal.
  10. When the procedure is complete, select Exit Service Programming.
  11. Turn OFF the Tech 2, and disconnect the Tech 2 from the vehicle.
  12. Turn OFF the ignition.
  13. Connect the Tech 2 to the Techline terminal.
  14. Select Service Programming.
  15. Select Tech 2 as the tool you are using.
  16. Select the type of programming to be performed.
  17. Verify the displayed VIN with the vehicle VIN. Correct the VIN as necessary.
  18. Select the type of module you are programming.
  19. Identify the type of programming that you are performing, as noted below.
    20. • Normal--This selection is for updating an existing calibration, or for programming a new controller.
    • Vehicle Configuration Index (VCI)--This selection is used if the vehicle VIN is not available, or if the Techline terminal does not recognize the VIN. You must contact the Techline Customer Support center in order to use this option.
    • Reconfigure--This selection is to reconfigure vehicle information, such as tire size and axle ratio changes.
  20. Select the appropriate calibration file.
  21. Ensure that all connections are secure.
  22. Select Reprog in order to initiate the download of the new calibration to the Tech 2.
  23. After the download is complete, turn OFF the Tech 2.
  24. Disconnect the Tech 2 from the Techline terminal.
  25. Install the Tech 2 to the data link connector (DLC).
  26. Turn ON the Tech 2.
  27. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  28. Select Service Programming.

    29. Important: If the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful, do NOT turn OFF the ignition. Ensure that all the PCM and DLC connections are secure, and ensure that the Techline operating software is current. Attempt to reprogram the control module. If you cannot reprogram the control module, replace the control module. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

  29. Select Program.
  30. After the download is complete, EXIT Service Programming.
  31. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  32. Turn OFF the Tech 2.
  33. If a control module is replaced, you must perform the following service procedures:
    34. •  Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn
    •  GM Oil Life System Resetting
    •  Idle Learn
    •  Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Complete System Set Procedure

Programming Verification
  1. With a scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Attempt to start the engine.
  3. If the engine does not start, or if the engine operates poorly, repeat the Service Programming procedure. Before you program the PCM, perform the following procedures:
    4. • Ensure that the control module and the DLC connections are OK.
    • Ensure that the Techline operating software is up to date.
    • Ensure that the calibration part number is correct for the vehicle.
  4. 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 .

Powertrain Control Module Programming Offboard

Before Programming a Control Module

Important: 

   • DO NOT program a control module unless you are directed by a service procedure, or unless 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 offf-board programming adapter must be used to perform the offf-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
    • The Tech 2
    • The control module
    • The Techline terminal

Off-Board Programming
  1. Obtain the VIN of the vehicle for the control module which is being programmed.
  2. With the Techline terminal, select Service Programming.
  3. Select Tech 2, Reprogram ECU, and Off-Board Programming Adapter as the ECU location.
  4. Connect the control module, off-board programming adapter, and the Tech 2 as described on the Techline terminal. Use the correct harness connector from the off-board programming adapter kit.
  5. With the Tech 2, select the Service Programming Request Information function. The Tech 2 communicates with the control module, and receives the access code.
  6. With the Tech 2, exit the Service Programming Request Information.
  7. Disconnect the Tech 2 from the off-board programming adapter.
  8. Connect the Tech 2 to the Techline terminal.
  9. Turn ON the Tech 2.
  10. With the Techline terminal, enter the VIN of the vehicle that will be receiving the control module.
  11. The Techline terminal will display the message, attaching to database.
  12. Identify the type of programming that you are performing.
  13. Select the appropriate calibration file.
  14. Ensure all connections are secure.
  15. 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.
  16. After the download is complete, turn OFF the Tech 2.
  17. Disconnect the Tech 2 from the Techline terminal.
  18. Connect the Tech 2 to the off-board programming adapter.
  19. With the Tech 2, select Service Programming.

    20. Important: DO NOT turn OFF the off-board programming adapter if the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure that the control module and the off-board programming adapter connections are secure. Ensure that and Techline operating software is up to date. Attempt to reprogram the control module. If you cannot program the control module, replace the control module.

  20. With the Tech 2, select Program.
  21. After the download is complete, exit Service Programming.
  22. Turn OFF the off-board programming adapter.