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SPS/FLASH EPROM - Programming

File In Section: 6E - Engine Fuel & Emission

Bulletin No.: 53-65-08

Date: January, 1996

INFORMATION

Subject:
SPS/FLASH EPROM Programming

Models:
1993-96 Passenger Cars and Trucks Applicable Reprogrammable Vehicles

This bulletin is being issued to assist technicians in reprogramming vehicles and should be used in conjunction with instructions provided on your Techline Terminal and in your Techline Terminal User's Manual.

THE TECHLINE TERMINAL (T-20, T-50, T-60) HAS BEEN ABLE TO DO 1996 VEHICLE PROGRAMMING THROUGH THE DIRECT METHOD SINCE 1996 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE IN THE DEALERSHIPS/RETAIL FACILITIES. THE TECHLINE CD-ROM TITLED DISC 13 CONTAINS THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO PROGRAM ALL 1996 VEHICLES WITH A TECH 1 (REMOTE PROGRAMMING METHOD).

SPS Tips

1. BATTERY VOLTAGE SHOULD BE CHECKED. A FULLY CHARGED BATTERY IS NECESSARY BEFORE REPROGRAMMING TAKES PLACE. THE VEHICLE BATTERY SHOULD NOT BE CONNECTED TO A BATTERY CHARGER DURING A PROGRAMMING EVENT INCORRECT VOLTAGE COULD CAUSE PROGRAMMING AND/OR CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. During programming, the control module depends on the battery as its sole source of power. Also during programming, the vehicle's components (i.e. blower motor) are set to a default mode which may be turned on, placing additional draw on the vehicle's battery. If the voltage goes outside the specified range (11 to 14 volts) the controllers and the Techline equipment will stop communicating. If this happens, it could cause the control module to become inoperable and require replacement.

2. CHECK THE INTEGRITY OF THE TECH 1 CABLES, MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT FRAYED, BROKEN OR TWISTED. Loss of communication for any reason will require additional time in completing the reprogramming event.

3. IF USING A TECH 1, YOUR MASS STORAGE CARTRIDGE (MSC) MUST BE UPDATED TO REFLECT THE MOST CURRENT UPDATE OFFERED ON THE TECHLINE CD-ROM. DISC 13, 1995 WAS THE FIRST CD-ROM THAT HAD REMOTE PROGRAMMING SUPPORT If your MSC is not updated to reflect the current software version on the Techline Terminal, in some situations the software will not be capable of interpreting the information that is requested from the vehicle.

4. T-100 TERMINALS (CAMS) ARE NOT CAPABLE OF PROGRAMMING OBD II VEHICLES THROUGH THE DIRECT METHOD. A TECH 1 MUST BE USED (REMOTE METHOD) WHEN REPROGRAMMING WITH A T-100. The T-100 terminals communicate with vehicles through a DLC (ALDL) card and cable found within the T-100's computer. The DLC (ALDL) card is not capable of communicating at the new baud rate used with OBD II.

5. PROGRAMMING IS NOT NEEDED IF THE CURRENT CALIBRATION IS THE SAME AS THE SELECTED CALIBRATION.

6. IF PROGRAMMING A NEW CONTROL MODULE, YOU MUST REQUEST INFORMATION FROM THE NEW CONTROL MODULE. The security information that is needed for a control module to be programmed is stored in the new control module. The security information must be requested from the control module to be programmed. At that point, the control module can be successfully programmed. This requesting of security information takes place in both the direct and remote methods. The request is automatic when using the direct method. Looking at the calibration stored in the old controller may be helpful in selecting the calibration from the CD-ROM for the new controller.

7. WHEN PROGRAMMING OBD II VEHICLES WITH A TECH 1 (REMOTE PROGRAMMING METHOD), A VEHICLE INTERFACE MODULE (VIM) IS REQUIRED. The VIM allows the Tech 1 to communicate with the OBD II vehicles. The VIM is necessary for all other Tech 1 diagnostics on OBD II vehicles. VIMs are no longer on backorder. If you are interested in obtaining additional VIMs, call 1-800-GM-TOOLS and ask for VIM kit part number 7000041.

8. DISCONNECT THE TECH I AND VIM FROM THE VEHICLE BETWEEN RETRIEVING DATA AND PROGRAMMING THE VEHICLE. If the VIM remains powered up after data is requested, a communication problem may result when the reprogramming function is performed.

9. WHEN CONNECTING THE TECH 1 TO A TECHLINE TERMINAL (EXCEPT T-100 CAMS), ALWAYS CONNECT THE FLAT GRAY R5232 CABLE FIRST AND THEN THE POWER ADAPTER. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF INFORMATION STORED ON THE TECH 1. When power is turned on to the Tech 1, it looks for the RS232 connection. If it does not see the connection, the Tech 1 in some cases, will erase the information stored for download.

10. DO NOT DISCONTINUE OR INTERRUPT THE PROGRAM LOADING PROCESS TO THE VEHICLE. This will result in a programming error and could prevent the Electronic Control Module (ECM) from functioning properly.

11. AFTER PROGRAMMING IS COMPLETE, PRESS "EXIT". MAKE SURE THE KEY IS CYCLED OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS THEN BACK ON. Some vehicles will lose component settings (PMC/IAC Valve). Cycling the key off two times (Off for 30 seconds, On for 10 then repeat a second time) will allow for resetting of the components. Start the vehicle to ensure programming was successful.

FOR CADILLAC VEHICLES ONLY -

a. DUE TO OTHER MODULES ON THE DATA LINE TRYING TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE ECM DURING PROGRAMMING, SOME COMMUNICATION CODES MAY BE SET After programming is complete, clear any codes and verify they do not reset.

b. TO HELP MINIMIZE BATTERY DRAW DURING ECM PROGRAMMING, DISCONNECT THE BLOWER MOTOR (AT THE CONNECTOR, NOT THE FUSE) PRIOR TO PROGRAMMING. When programming is complete, reconnect the blower motor.

12. 1997 VEHICLES REQUIRE REPROGRAMMING BE DONE USING A TECH 2. OBD II vehicle calibration size and complexity will require more memory than the Tech 1 has available. Tech 2 will be an essential tool in the first quarter of 1996 containing limited 1996 applications and updates.

13. STG HAS ISSUED BULLETINS (# 53-65-04 and # 53-65-05 - (SEE CHART EXCERPTED FROM 53-65-05 FOR USE AS A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE), DEVELOPED QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES (P/N SPSCARD-1 AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL GM TRAINING CENTER), PRODUCED CPT VIDEOS (CPT # 56010.00-B), HAD PULSAT BROADCASTS, AND OFFERS GM TRAINING CENTER CLASSROOM COURSES. As you work through reprogramming, keep the above-mentioned material in mind as resources to assist you if difficulty is encountered. As always, the Techline Customer Support Center (1-800-828-6860 English, 1-800-503-3222 French) is always available to assist the technician with any situation.








SPS/EEPROM Programming

1993 to current Reprogrammable Vehicles

Note: If programming a new control module you must request info from the new control module first.
Battery voltage should be checked and at full charge before reprogramming takes place. System to be programmed should NOT be connected to a battery charger. Incorrect voltage could cause programming and/or control module failure.