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Service Programming System (SPS) Description

NOTE: Before programming a control module, the following must be observed, or control module damage may occur. The Tech 2 and the terminal must have the latest software. The vehicle battery must be fully charged. The battery voltage should be 12-14 volts. The Tech 2 and the terminal cable connections must be secure. A battery charger must not be connected to the battery when programming a control module.

The Service Programming System (SPS) allows a technician to program a control module through the Data Link Connector (DLC). The information transfer circuit that is used at the DLC is the same serial data circuit used by the scan tool for retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), displaying data, clearing DTCs, etc. This procedure offers the ability to install software/calibrations matched to a particular vehicle.

Most control modules have 2 types of memory. The software/calibrations reside in the flash memory. The 2 types of memory are listed below:

  1. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) This type of memory allows selected portions of memory to be programmed while other portions remain unchanged. Certain learned values reside in the EEPROM, such as:
    • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
    • The crankshaft variation learned position.
    • The software/calibrations identification numbers.
    • The control module security information.
  2. Flash Read Only Memory has increased memory storage capacity. During programming, all information within this type of memory is erased, and then replaced with entirely new information.

The 4 methods of programming a control module and the proper tools for each method are as follows:

All 4 methods may not be available for every vehicle.

NOTE: DO NOT program an existing control module with the identical software/calibration package. This procedure is not a short cut to correct a driveability condition. This is an ineffective repair. A control module should only be programmed when a service procedure instructs you to replace the control module or General Motors Corporation releases an updated software/calibration package. Service part control modules does not contain operating software or calibrations.

Before Programming A Control Module

  1. Ensure there are no charging system concerns. All charging system concerns must be repaired before programming a control module.
  2. Ensure battery voltage is greater than 12 volts but less than 16 volts. The battery must be fully charged before programming the control module.
  3. Ensure a battery charger is not connected to the vehicles battery. Incorrect system voltage or voltage fluctuations from a battery charger may cause programming failure or control module damage.
  4. Turn off or disable any system that may put a load on the vehicles battery. Turn off or disable systems such as:
    • Twilight sentinel.
    • Interior lights.
    • Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Applying the parking brake, on most vehicles, disables the DRL system.
    • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
    • Engine cooling fans, etc.
  5. The ignition switch is in the proper position. The scan tool prompts you to turn on the ignition, with the engine Off. Do not change the position of the ignition switch during the programming procedure unless instructed to do so.
  6. All tool connections are secure:
    • The RS-232 cable.
    • The connection at the Data Link Connector (DLC).
    • The voltage supply circuits.
    • The Off-Board Programming Adapter (OBPA).
  7. Do not disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage may occur.
  8. If you are performing the Pass-Through Programming Procedure using a notebook computer without the power cord, ensure that the internal battery is fully charged.

After Programming a Control Module

  1. The powertrain may operate slightly different after a control module software/calibration update. Operating the powertrain through various driving conditions allows the control module to re-learn certain values. The control module must re-learn the following after a software/calibration update:
    • Fuel trim correction.
    • Idle Air Control (IAC) learned position.
    • Automatic transmission shift adapts.
  2. Other learned values only re-learn by performing a service procedure.
  3. If a control module is replaced the following service procedures may need to be performed:
    • The Crankshaft Position Variation Learn procedure.
    • The Engine Oil Life reset procedure.
    • The Idle Learn procedure.
    • The Inspection/Maintenance complete system set procedure.
    • The Vehicle Theft Deterrent Password Learn procedure.
    • The Throttle Position (TP) sensor learn procedure.

    See CRANKSHAFT POSITION SYSTEM VARIATION LEARN PROCEDURE , ENGINE OIL LIFE RESET , INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE COMPLETE SYSTEM SET PROCEDURE  under DRIVE CYCLES, THEFT DETERRENT PASSWORD LEARN PROCEDURE  and THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR LEARN PROCEDURE  .

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