Pay Attention While Performing Flash Reprogram Procedures

PAY ATTENTION WHILE PERFORMING FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURES

Before downloading the flash files, double check to see if the files that you have selected are the appropriate ones for that vehicle. Don't forget about the "Read Part Numbers From Vehicle" option on TechCONNECT Client, this can be of great assistance when trying to flash a module. If the files selected don't download on the first attempt, try again.

The technician should NOT leave the vehicle when flash reprogramming a module.

Again, check to make sure that all cable connections are secure and that the DRBIII(R) rests on a stable surface. If you are using a battery charger, insure that the settings and charging times are correct and that the battery post clamps are securely fastened.

Read, record, and erase all DTCs found on the vehicle. Read and record the module type and part number from the module that is to be flash reprogrammed.

Some control modules are not "abort-recovery" capable. When this is true, the scan tool will indicate so by displaying a WARNING message prior to the start of reprogramming. For these modules it is especially important that all precautions and procedures, outlined here, are carefully followed.

Pay special attention to DRBIII(R) screen directions relating to key cycles. Missing a "Key ON" or "Key OFF" can cause the module to have to be reflashed again. Due to the variety of module types and vehicle options, you can't always anticipate key prompts, so be alert and ready to respond to DRBIII(R) instructions.

Some screens will also instruct that certain modules, connectors or fuses be disconnected or pulled prior to the start of reprogramming and re-installed immediately after completion. Be careful not to anticipate the steps or order of operations for reprogramming any vehicle modules. Because of the many possible changes that occur with each new release of scan tool software, always allow the TSB/Recall and scan tool instructions to be your guide while performing flash reprogramming.

Flash reprogramming sessions usually range from 5 to 20 minutes. If the flash session has not completed within 25 minutes after starting a flash reprogramming update, an error has most likely occurred (Record the message that appears on the screen when a failure occurs). If this is the case, or if you know that the flash process was interrupted, cycle the ignition key (OFF to the locked position, then back ON). Reset the DRBIII(R) (power down for 4 seconds and then power up) before attempting to restart the flash process. If the module still won't respond, turn the ignition key off, disconnect the module from the vehicle for 2 minutes, reconnect the module, turn the ignition key to run and try to restart the flash process again.

Regardless of what mode that you are in (Connected Flash or Disconnected Flash), if you have tried twice (2 times) unsuccessfully to do a flash recovery and ALL DRBIII(R) instructions were followed, perform the following:

^ Cold boot the DRBIII(R). This resets memory and removes all update files from the DRBIII(R). (Push MORE and YES buttons at the same time, then press F4).

^ Reload the flash update file from the TechCONNECT Client.

^ If it fails to complete in the connected mode, first reboot the TechCONNECT Client before re-attempting the flash download to the DRBIII(R).

^ Proceed to reflash the module.

On vehicles that have multiple flash updates available, always complete and verify each flash update before attempting the next one.

After all flash reprogramming is completed, read and erase all DTCs in all modules on the vehicle. A variety of DTCs may be set, which are usually related to a loss of communication with the module(s) being reprogrammed.

Verify the update by reading the new part number using the DRBIII(R). A good double check is to read the part number using DRBIII(R) stand alone.

At times, other modules, wired in parallel, to the DLC connector have prevented flash reprogramming sessions to be successful. After the failed attempt, review the appropriate wiring diagram for the vehicle you are flash reprogramming and, with the key "OFF"; disconnect the other modules and retry the flash. Complete the flash, turn the key "OFF" and reconnect any modules that were disconnected. Refer to the "Programmable Modules" section later in this document for more information.