2007_08_04 introduction to reprogramming reflashing pt1

8/10/2019 2007_08_04 Introduction to Reprogramming Reflashing Pt1

1/54 GEARS August 2007

As computer control systems become more integrated

into the function of the powertrain (transmission,

engine, transfer case, differentials, etc.), the software

that controls these systems is becoming more extensive. Were

seeing more and more transmission and engine performance

problems addressed with updated module programming.

The type of problems that are fixed by reprogramming, or

calibration updates,can be very difficult, if not impossible, to

diagnose and repair properly without the update.Figure 1 provides ten transmission calibration updates

from GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota. Keep in mind, these are

strictly transmission- and transfer case-related problems themanufacturer has provided updated calibration to fix.

THENUTSAND BOLTS OF ELECTRICALDIAGNOSIS

IntroducIntroduction totion toReprogrammingReprogramming/ReflashinReflashing;g;Part IPart IGetting started is as easy as 1 2 3Getting started is as easy as 1 2 3!

by Mike Van Dyke

Figure 1A: Ten TSBs each from GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota

Figure 1B


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964 East Market St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933 Toll Free: 800-729-7763 Fax: 765-364-4576 Email: [email protected]

*Raybestos Powertrain warrants that each electrical component manufactured or supplied by Raybestos Powertrain will be free from defects in material or factory workmanship for fiveyears or 50,000 miles from the date of sale. Please refer to Raybestos Powertrains website (raybestospowertrain.com) and catalog for details and limitations.


3/5GEARS August 2007 5

Aside from the bulletins listed here,

there are literally hundreds of other cali-

bration updates, which can both directly

and indirectly affect transmission opera-

tion.

Reprogramming also enables you to

do other service work such as calibrating

the speedometer, antitheft key program-

ming, and configuring automatic doorlock timing and chime features.

Module Swapping andModule Swapping andReplacementReplacement

Consider this: If you replace the

PCM or other module on a vehicle with

an antitheft system, the vehicle keys or

the VIN will have to be programmed

into the replacement module before the

vehicle will even start. This can mean

additional expense and possibly send-

ing the vehicle to the dealer. If youcan perform this service in house, itll

increase your prof-

its and help you

get vehicles out the

door faster.

The bottomline is, on almost

any modern vehi-

cle, a replacement

module will have to be initialized or

configured for that vehicle before itll

function properly, if at all.

Getting StartedGetting StartedYoull need three basic components

to start reprogramming (figure 2):

1. A J2534 Pass Thru Programming

interface2. A laptop or desktop PC (Personal

Computer)

3. Application software and calibra-

tion files from the auto manufactur-

er (provided either on CD-ROM or

downloaded from the OEM service

information web site).

Lets look at each of these three

components, and then well offer some

simple tips and instructions on how to

get started.

The J 534 Pass ThruThe J2534 Pass ThruInterfaceInterface

The J2534 Pass Thru interface is a

universal adapter to connect a personal

computer to a vehicles data link con-nector (DLC) for reprogramming or

scan tool functions.

2003-and-newer vehicles are

required to be J2534 compliant, but

almost all OBD-II (1996-and-newer)

domestic vehicles can be reprogrammed

with a J2534 interface.

There are several manufacturers

that make Pass Thru interfaces; refer to

Table A for a list of manufacturers and

their web site addresses (page 6).

Heres one difference that can eas-ily go unnoticed: A J2534 specification

interface is for reprogramming power-

train control modules only. A J2534-1

specification interface isnt limited to

just powertrain control modules; its

capable of reprogramming body, chassis,

and other modules as well. So choose

carefully to avoid limiting your options,

should you eventually need to do other

reprogramming work.

Even though theyre all built to

the same specification, there are otherfeature differences between the J2534

Figure 1C

Figure 1D


4/56 GEARS August 2007

Introduction to Reprogramming/Reflashing; Part I

interfaces. Pay attention to whether the

J2534 interface connects to the PC with

a USB or serial (RS232) port. This is

important, because you want to make

sure your PC has the port necessary to

connect to the J2534 interface.

There are other bonus features

to consider. For example, the Ease

Diagnostics J2534 interface has a wire-

less card option, which provides a wire-

less connection to a compatible PC.

The Ease interface is also used with all

Ease Diagnostics scan tool software, so

you only need one interface for scan-

ning and reprogramming.

So consider

the extra features

of each inter-

face carefully,

and make sure

your PC has the

required port for

connection.

PC(PersonalComputer)

A desktop

computer will work just fine, but you

may prefer the portability of a laptop.

And if youre running scan tool soft-

ware, a laptop is pretty much a neces-

sity, so you can take it on road tests.

You dont need anything fancy

with the latest, fastest processor or a ton

of RAM (Random Access Memory).

For an operating system you should be

running Windows 2000 or Windows

XP (some manufacturers J2534 appli-

cation software requires Windows XP

Professional Edition) with at least 256

MB of RAM. 1GB or more of free hard

drive space will give you a little breath-

ing room. As

m e n t i o n e d

e a r l i e r ,

make sure

you have an

unused serialor USB port

to connect to

your J2534

interface.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you con-

figure your PCs Power Options. Click

on Start, then Control Panel, and then

select Power Options. Set your power

options as shown in figure 3; set every-

thing to Never for both Plugged in

and Running on batteries.

If your PC goes into standby or

hibernation while youre reprogram-ming a module, the module can be

ruined! This is why these Power Options

settings on your PC are so important in

preparing for reprogramming.

OEM Service Web SitesEach auto manufacturer now has

its own web site where you can access

service manual and reprogramming

information. Most of these sites charge

for access, offering subscription rates

for one or three days, one month, or

one year. The subscription rates vary

between manufacturers and change

from time to time, so its best to check

for the current rate.

When you subscribe, youll get

access to the most up-to-date factory

service bulletins, service and diagnos-

tic information, and reprogramming

application programs, files, and support

information. The web site addresses

for each auto manufacturer appears in

Table B.

J2534 ApplicationSoftware

The last key item you need for

reprogramming is the J2534 application

software from the OEM, which youll

install on your PC. Each auto manu-

facturer has its own J2534 application

software and delivery method. Some

have it available on CD-ROM; others

will have it available on their web sites.

Each auto manufacturer has a page on

their site explaining what options theyhave available for J2534 reprogram-

ming.

In the next issue of GEARS well

go over OEM service information web

sites and application features, check-

ing for calibration updates and other

specifics on reprogramming GM, Ford,

Daimler-Chrysler, Toyota and a few

other manufacturers.

Table A: J2534 Interface manufacturers and web sites

Figure 2: J2534 interface with laptop and software

Figure 3: PC Power Options settings picture


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2007_08_04 introduction to reprogramming reflashing pt1

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