Canada - Engine Controls - ECU Flash Reprogramming Process
Bulletin
TSB0941R
Issue Date
April 02, 2001
Title
ECU Flash Reprogramming Process
Component
General Information
Market
Canada
Models
Applicable Models
TSB REVISION NOTICE:
July 11, 2005: Models added - 2002 (and later) Solara, 2003 (and later) Corolla and Matrix, 2004 and 2005 models; Operation Procedures updated for CAN Interface Module, Calibration Update Wizard (v. 6.0), and calibration files.
The previous TSB should be discarded.
INTRODUCTION:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is a Toyota term used to describe integrated computerized devices responsible for managing the operation of a system or sub-system. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term "ECU" is used as a generic label for the following SAE J1930 standard references:
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- Engine Control Module (ECM)
- Transmission Control Module (TCM)
- or any other Toyota specific control unit
Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated for changes in vehicle calibrations without removing the ECU from the vehicle. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs will be released as field fix procedures described in individual service bulletins. This bulletin details the ECU flash reprogramming process and the applications within ETAS and the Toyota Diagnostic Tester used for reprogramming.
Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU's information.
APPLICABLE VEHICLES:
- 2001 (and later) model year 4Runner, Highlander, RAV4, Sequoia and Tundra vehicles.
- 2002 (and later) model year Camry, Solara and Tacoma vehicles.
- 2003 (and later) model year Corolla and Matrix vehicles.
- All 2004 (and later) model year Toyota vehicles except Celica, Avalon, and Tacoma (3RZ FE engine).
PARTS INFORMATION:
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
REQUIRED SSTs:
PROCESS OVERVIEW:
ECU Flash Reprogramming is a 4-step process:
1. Locate the desired calibration file on ETAS.
Calibration files are listed by model and model year.
2. Download the calibration file from ETAS to the Diagnostic Tester.
The Calibration Update Wizard (CUW) is an application on ETAS which downloads calibration files from ETAS to the Diagnostic Tester Program Card. This step is only required when the calibration file is not currently stored on the Diagnostic Tester Program Card.
3. Reprogram the vehicle ECU with the Diagnostic Tester.
Diagnostic Tester Software now incorporates a function to update a vehicle's ECU calibration through flash reprogramming.
4. Confirm successful flash update and affix calibration update sticker.
Modifications to ECU calibration files must be recorded and properly displayed on the vehicle using the calibration update sticker.
NOTE:
The calibration file contains the Calibration ID number(s) for a specific vehicle ECU (see Figure 1).
NOTE:
The total number of Calibration ID numbers corresponds to the number of reprogrammable processors in the ECU (see Figure 2).
OPERATION PROCEDURE:
The following steps in this bulletin describe how to properly flash reprogram an ECU.
Locate Calibration File:
1. Locate calibration file on ETAS.
A. Click on Tools >Diagnostic Tester.
- Under the Diagnostic Tester on ETAS, a list of the latest calibration files will be displayed.
- Choose the appropriate model and model year calibration file.
B. Proceed to step 2 for instructions on how to download the calibration file from ETAS to the Diagnostic Tester Program Card.
Download File To Tester:
2. Download the calibration file to the Diagnostic Tester.
The Calibration Update Wizard (CUW) is an application on ETAS which downloads calibration files from ETAS onto the Diagnostic Tester Program Card.
NOTE:
Before you begin, ensure that the Diagnostic Tester is equipped with software version 8.0a, or later. Only a 12 MB program card (P/N 01002593 005) may be used for this process.
A. Before downloading a new calibration file from ETAS, check the current calibration files stored on the Diagnostic Tester Program Card by following the screen flow (Figure 4).
NOTE:
- Screen D may be blank if no calibrations are stored on the Diagnostic Tester Program Card.
- If the desired calibration file is already on the Diagnostic Tester, proceed to Step 3.
- A maximum of two calibration files may be loaded on the tester at one time with Diagnostic Tester software version 10.2a and later. Prior versions may store up to four calibration files.
B. You have the option to delete calibrations off the tester before downloading a new calibration. The CUW also provides this option if there is not enough memory for the new calibration. To delete one or all of the calibrations, follow the screen flow (Figure 5).
C. If this is the first time you have downloaded a calibration file from ETAS to the Diagnostic Tester Program Card, you MUST first install the latest version of the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW) onto your ETAS workstation PC, as shown.
This step is also required if you are using a version of CUW earlier than version 6.0. CUW 6.0 is the only version compatible with Diagnostic Tester software version 10.2a and later. If necessary, see TSB1196 on ETAS to install or reinstall CUW.
D. The Calibration Update Wizard (CUW) launches automatically when a calibration file link is selected (or clicked).
Verify that the CUW version is 6.0 or higher. If not, refer to the Note below. The CUW will guide you through the steps to download the calibration file to the Diagnostic Tester Program Card. Click NEXT on the first screen (Figure 7).
NOTE:
If the CUW does not launch, or the version is older than 6.0, install Diagnostic Software (ETAS Diagnostic Applications Installer). Specific installation instructions (Reprogramming with CUW 6.0) are located under Diagnostics -> ECU Flash Reprogramming (Figure 6).
E. Confirm the Diagnostic Tester has the appropriate software for the type of calibration file that was downloaded.
NOTE:
The calibration type is specific to the software version loaded on your Diagnostic Tester. If you selected the wrong version when downloading the calibration file, you will receive an error when attempting to install the file on the Diagnostic Tester.
F. Confirm the Diagnostic Tester software version and connections to the ETAS workstation are correct.
NOTE:
This screen displays the required version of Diagnostic Tester software that is compatible with the selected calibration file, and the other required steps to properly connect the Diagnostic Tester to your PC.
-Type I calibration files are only compatible with software version 10.1a and older versions
-Type II calibration files are only compatible with software version 10.2a and newer versions.
G. Place the Diagnostic Tester in the GET CAL FROM PC mode to receive the calibration file (Figure 10). Click NEXT on the ETAS workstation. Once communications begin between the PC and the Diagnostic Tester, the Diagnostic Tester display will flash CONNECTED.
H. The CUW determines if there is enough memory to store the calibration file on the Diagnostic Tester Program Card. If there is insufficient memory, the CUW will ask you to select the calibration file(s) to delete from the Diagnostic Tester Program Card to make room for the new calibration file. If necessary, check the calibration file(s) to delete, as shown in Figure 11. Click DELETE.
NOTE:
If there is adequate memory to store the calibration file, skip to Step J.
I. The CUW will now delete the calibration file(s) selected (see Figure 12).
J. The top half of the CUW screen displays the calibrations currently stored on the Diagnostic Teste Program Card. The bottom half of the screen displays the new calibration to be loaded onto the Diagnostic Tester Program Card (see Figure 13). Click NEXT to continue the process.
K. Confirm the calibration file to be sent to the Diagnostic Tester Program Card (Figure 14). Click SEND.
L. The calibration file will now be downloaded to the Diagnostic Tester Program Card. This process takes approximately 2-6 minutes (see Figure 15).
M. The CUW will prompt when the calibration file is completely downloaded. Click OK to close the CUW (Figure 16).
NOTE:
With the calibration file loaded on the Diagnostic Tester Program Card, it is not necessary to repeat the above steps to reprogram a different vehicle needing the same calibration file. The steps above are only required when a new calibration file must be loaded onto the Diagnostic Tester Program Card.
The Diagnostic Tester now has the calibration file stored and you may proceed to the next step to reprogram the vehicle ECU.
Reprogramming ECU With Tester:
3. Reprogram the vehicle ECU with the Diagnostic Tester.
NOTICE:
Errors during the flash reprogramming process can permanently damage the vehicle ECU. Minimize the risks by following the steps below.
- Battery voltage MUST NOT FALL BELOW 11.4 volts during reprogramming.
- Confirm battery voltage is higher than 11.4 volts, but be sure voltage DOES NOT RISE ABOVE 16.0 volts during reprogramming.
- Turn off all electrical accessories (e.g. Audio system, A/C, interior lights, DRL, etc.).
- Do not add to or significantly change the vehicle's electrical load while reprogramming.
- Confirm the hood is open and ensure under hood temperatures do not exceed 158°F.
- Confirm cable connections between the vehicle and Diagnostic Tester are secure.
- Do not disconnect or turn off the Diagnostic Tester or the vehicle ignition during reprogramming.
- Set the parking brake.
- Complete ALL flash calibration updates provided for each ECU.
If the battery's state of charge or capacity are in question, test with SST No. J-44350, "Midtronics Battery Tester."
To ensure stable battery voltage, a battery charger may be connected during reprogramming if:
- Voltage does not fall below 11.4 volts.
- Voltage does not rise above 16.0 volts.
- Setting is on SLOW charge and not BOOST.
A. Connect the Diagnostic Tester to the vehicle and select CURRENT ECU CAL from the ECU REPROGRAM MAIN MENU. Determine the vehicle's current ECU calibration. (See Figure 17.)
NOTE:
The vehicle may contain up to 3 separate calibration ID numbers. In the example shown, the vehicle ECU contains only 2 calibration IDs.
Continue to update the ECU calibration file following the screen flow (Figure 18). Details for selected screens are shown in Figure 19.
NOTE:
- Each flash calibration update will take approximately 15 to 45 minutes.
- Screens E through J (Figure 18) will need to be repeated for each flash calibration update (calibration ID number).
- All updates must display "YES" to complete the entire calibration file update for the vehicle ECU.
- Failure to complete all updates may result in PERMANENT ECU DAMAGE!
Confirm Update:
4. Confirm successful flash calibration update and affix calibration update sticker.
A. The new calibration file should be displayed as the current ECU calibration file.
B. Using a permanent marker or ball point pen, enter the required information on the Authorized Modifications Label (Figures 21).
C. Affix this label under the hood in the location determined by the specific vehicle TSB or Campaign.
NOTE:
Wait 60 90 seconds for ink to set before handling.