Repair and Diagnosis: Testing and Inspection

Principles of Operation

Some modules support the ability to change specified factory configuration settings and preset preference items. The process used to change the settings and customer preference items is module configuration. There are two different methods of module configuration:
- programmable module installation (PMI)
- customer preference items

There are three storage locations for module configuration information. One primary storage location and two secondary (or backup) storage locations.
- Primary location is the memory of the specific module.
- First backup location is the VID block memory of the powertrain control module (PCM).
- Second backup is the As-Built Data Center.

During PMI, the NGS Tester will attempt to extract the module configuration information from the module to be changed. If this is unsuccessful, the NGS Tester will use the first backup and attempt to extract the module configuration information from the VID block in the PCM. If this also fails, the NGS Tester will display instructions to contact the As-Built Data Center. Contact the Mazda Technical Hotline if this message appears.

Programmable Module Installation (PMI)

NOTE: If the powertrain control module (PCM) needs to nave a powertrain calibration flash programmed, contact Mazda Technical Hotline. Make sure to use the flash cable when programming calibrations or running a PM routine on the PCM.

The PMI configuration method is used when a new programmable module is to be installed. During the PM routine the NGS Tester attempts to gather two pieces of information:
- option content information from the old module (module configuration and customer preference settings)
- the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the PCM

During PMI the NGS Tester first looks to the PCM for the VIN of the vehicle. Once the VIN is retrieved the NGS Tester will carry out a self-test of the suspect module to determine if the module has been configured.
- If DTC B2477 is present the module does not contain complete configuration information. The PMI routine will then halt and give instructions on how to proceed.
- If DTC B2477 is not present the module will allow the NGS Tester to retrieve its option content information. The NGS Tester will then store the option content information and the VIN.

The NGS Tester can store the combined option content information and VIN for only one module at a time. Once information is stored, the NGS Tester cannot be used to retrieve any other option content information without erasing the previous option content information. Make sure the new module is on hand for installation before retrieving option content information data from the old module.
After the new module is installed, use the NGS Tester to restore the option content information into the new module.

Vehicle Identification (VID) Block

NOTE: If the PCM needs to have a powertrain calibration flash programmed, contact Mazda Technical Hotline. Make sure to use the flash cable when programming calibrations or running a PMI routine on the PCM.

NOTE: When carrying out a PMI routine on any non-PCM module, use the OBD II cable.

NOTE: Flash programming powertrain calibrations onto the PCM is different than PMI. It has no effect on the backup data in the VID block memory area of the PCM.

The PCM contains a memory area called a vehicle identification (VID) block. A portion of the VID block is used to store the backup data for each programmable module on the vehicle.

The VID block is the first backup of information when using the PMI configuration method. If the NGS Tester cannot retrieve option content information from the suspect module, the NGS Tester will attempt to extract backup information from the VID block of the PCM.

The VID block is not related to or affected by the power- train calibration information stored in the PCM. If a new powertrain calibration has been flashed onto the PCM, the VID block will not be affected.

If using the PMI routine to install a new PCM, the NGS Tester will reprogram only VID information. The engine calibration information may still need to be flashed. For more information, contact Mazda Technical Hotline for flash programming information.

As-Built Data Center
The As-Built Data Center keeps a record of the vehicle configuration in a database that is retrievable using the VIN. The As-Built Data Center records the applicable module configurations stored in each module before the vehicle leaves the factory. The As-Built Data Center will always reflect the original build of the vehicle as it left the factory. Call the Mazda Technical Hotline if instructed to contact the As-Built Data Center by the NGS Tester.

Customer Preference Items
This method is used to enable or disable module-controlled items or systems to suit the preference of the customer. Not all features controlled by the module are listed in this configuration method. Refer to the Module Configuration Index for a list of features for each module.

If a feature is changed using the customer preference items configuration method, the changed information will not be stored in the PCM VID block. The VID block will retain the original settings as they were recorded when the vehicle left the factory.

PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION

NOTE: Do not remove the original module from the vehicle until the NGS Tester has retrieved the module's configuration information.

NOTE: Make sure the module is listed as being supported by programmable module installation, refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION.

NOTE: Make sure to use the flash cable when programming calibrations or running a PMI routine on the PCM.

NOTE: It is important to keep a record of any error message given by the tester during the programmable module installation routine. Additionally, observe the point during the routine that the error message is given and refer to the Diagnostic Tool Message Index MODULE CONFIGURATION. This will help determine what is causing the error message.

1. Select Programmable Module Installation on the NGS Tester.
2. Select Retrieve Module Configuration - Old ECU, and follow the text screens until successful.
3. Install the new module.
4. Select Restore Module Configuration - New ECU, and follow the text screens until successful.

PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION - USING BACKUP DATA

NOTE: If using the NGS, select Module Configuration and Programming, then follow the screen prompts.

NOTE: Make sure to use the flash cable when programming calibrations or running a PMI routine on the PCM.

1. Select Programmable Module Installation on the NGS Tester.
2. Select Retrieve Module Configuration Old ECU. The NGS Tester will give you a message to reinstall the old module or to continue for backup data. If the module to be replaced will not communicate or has incorrect data, continue and allow the NGS Tester to find backup data. If the NGS Tester successfully retrieves the backup data, GO to Step 7 in this procedure. If the NGS Tester prompts you to contact the As-Built Data Center for backup information, contact the As-Built Data Center and obtain the backup data for the vehicle and continue on.
3. After the As-Built Data Center backup data is obtained continue with the routine by entering the VIN number of the vehicle when the NGS Tester prompts you to do so.
4. The NGS Tester will prompt you to enter the vehicle data. The vehicle data is listed on the As-Built Data Center sheet in the upper left-hand portion, directly underneath the VIN for the vehicle.
5. The NGS Tester will prompt you to enter information for the module that needs to be reprogrammed. Enter all of the data that the NGS Tester requests. If the NGS Tester requests information that is not listed on the As-Built Data Center sheet, press NO.
6. Follow the text screens until all pertinent data is entered and the module data is stored.
7. Select Restore Module Configuration - New ECU, and follow the text screens until successful.
8. Manually validate each customer preference item for correct setting. If necessary, ask the customer what setting would be their preference. Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION for the list of customer preference items.

CUSTOMER PREFERENCE ITEMS

NOTE: If using the NGS, select Module Configuration and Programming, then follow the screen prompts.

NOTE: Make sure module is listed as supporting customer preference items and supports the specific item to be configured; refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION.

1. Select Service Bay Functions on the NGS Tester.
2. Select the module that contains the customer preference item to be programmed. Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION.
3. Select Customer Preference Items on the NGS Tester.
4. Select Module Option Content.
5. Select the item to be enabled or disabled.
6. Enable or disable the item as necessary to reflect the customer preference.