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On Board/Remote Procedure

NOTE: Do NOT program a control module unless you are directed by a service procedure or you are directed by a General Motors Corporation service bulletin. Programming a control module at any other time will not permanently correct a customer's concern.

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 DLC.
    • The voltage supply circuits.
  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.
CAUTION: The PCM will be damaged if proper programming procedures are not followed.
NOTE: Tools Required: Serial Data Link Tester (J-42236).

PCM Programming Set Up With Special Tool

  1. Ensure that the following conditions have been met:
    • The battery is fully charged.
    • The scan tool cable connection at the Data Link Connector (DLC) is secure.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition.
  3. Remove the passenger side floor access panel. See.
  4. Remove the splice pack/star connector shorting bars from both splice pack/star connectors. It may be necessary to remove splice pack/star connectors from the mounting positions.
  5. Install the star connector cable No. 1 from the Serial Data Link Tester to the 12-pin splice pack/star connector. This is the connector with 8 or 10 wires.
  6. Install the star connector cable No. 2 from the Serial Data Link Tester to the 12-pin splice pack/star connector. This is the connector with 4 wires.
  7. Select the star connector cable No. 1 on the Serial Data Link Tester toggle switch.
  8. Select position "B" on the Serial Data Link Tester.
Fig 1: Locating & Identifying Splice Pack/Star Connectors In Passenger Floor Access Panel
G00230116Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remote Programming

  1. Turn ignition ON, with engine OFF.
  2. Turn OFF all vehicle accessories.
  3. With the Tech 2, select Service Programming.
  4. Identify vehicle information as requested by the Tech 2.
  5. Verify the displayed VIN with the vehicle VIN. If the displayed VIN does not match the actual VIN, write down the actual VIN and correct the VIN at the Techline terminal.
  6. When complete, exit Service Programming.
  7. Turn OFF the Tech 2 and disconnect the Tech 2 from the vehicle.
  8. Turn ignition OFF.
  9. Connect the Tech 2 to the Techline terminal.
  10. Select Service Programming.
  11. Select Tech 2 as the tool you are using.
  12. Select the type of programming to be performed.
  13. Verify the displayed VIN with the vehicle VIN. Correct the VIN as necessary.
  14. Select the type of module you are programming.
  15. Identify what type of programming that you are performing.
    • Normal - This type of programming is for updating an existing calibration or programming a new controller.
    • Vehicle Configuration Index (VCI) - This selection is used if the vehicle VIN is unavailable or not recognized by the Techline terminal. You will need to contact the Techline Customer Support center to use this option.
    • Reconfigure - This is to reconfigure a vehicle, such as tire size and axle ratio changes.
  16. Select the appropriate calibration file.
  17. Ensure all connections are secure.
  18. Select Reprog to initiate the download of the new calibration to the Tech 2.
  19. After the download is complete, turn OFF the Tech 2.
  20. Disconnect the Tech 2 from the Techline terminal.
  21. Install the Tech 2 to the data link connector (DLC).
  22. Turn ON the Tech 2.
  23. Turn ignition ON, with engine OFF.
  24. Select Service Programming.
  25. NOTE: Do not turn OFF the ignition if the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure that all the PCM and DLC connections are secure and the Techline operating software is up to date. Attempt to reprogram the control module. If the control module cannot be programmed, replace the control module. See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE under COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CORVETTE article.
  26. Select Program.
  27. After the download is complete, EXIT Service Programming.
  28. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  29. Turn OFF the Tech 2.
  30. If a control module is replaced the following service procedures must be performed: CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR , ENGINE OIL LIFE RESET , INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE COMPLETE SYSTEM SET PROCEDURE  under DRIVE CYCLES, and THEFT DETERRENT PASSWORD LEARN PROCEDURE  .

Programming Verification

  1. With a scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Attempt to start the engine.
  3. Repeat the Service Programming procedure if the engine does not start or operates poorly. Perform the following procedures before programming the PCM:
    • Ensure the control module and DLC connections are okay.
    • Ensure the Techline operating software is up to date.
    • Ensure the calibration part number is correct for the vehicle.
  4. Attempt to program the control module. If the control module still cannot be programmed properly, replace the control module. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CORVETTE article. You must program the replacement control module.