Principles of Operation

Configurable modules accommodate a variety of vehicle options, eliminating the need for many unique modules for one vehicle line. These modules must be configured when replaced as part of a repair procedure. Configurable modules should not be exchanged between vehicles since the settings are unique to each vehicle. Failure to configure a new module may result in incorrect operation and/or DTCs setting.

The following are the 3 different methods of configuration:

Programmable Module Installation (PMI)
Module reprogramming ("flashing")
Programmable parameters

Some modules do not support all 3 methods.

Definition of Terms

The following are definitions of configuration terms:

Programmable Module Installation (PMI)

PMI is a scan tool process which configures settings in a new module. Data used for the PMI process is automatically downloaded from the original module and stored when a scan tool session is started. If this data cannot be retrieved from the module being replaced, the scan tool may prompt for As-Built data entry or display a list of parameter values that need to be manually selected. Some modules are reprogrammed during PMI when a strategy/calibration update is available. To carry out PMI, refer to Programmable Module Installation (PMI) .

NOTE: It is important that the scan tool identifies the vehicle and obtains configuration data prior to removing any modules. The new module must be able to communicate with the scan tool in order to carry out PMI.

Module Reprogramming

Module reprogramming (also referred to as "flashing") is a scan tool process which updates the strategy/calibration in a module. Reprogramming a module with the same level of software does not improve module operation or repair a hardware failure. Module reprogramming is automatically carried out during PMI when a later strategy/calibration is available.

NOTE: Limit module reprogramming to circumstances where a published TSB procedure recommends doing so. (Some modules limit the number of times it can be reprogrammed.)

NOTE: A module cannot communicate with other modules on the communication network while being reprogrammed. After the reprogramming process, clear any network communication DTCs which may have been set in other modules.

NOTE: Some modules are reprogrammed in coordination with other modules. Follow the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) key cycling instructions carefully to avoid reprogramming errors, including failure of programming one or more of the modules.

Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming

APIM programming is a process that updates the APIM software. There are two types of programming procedures. The first procedure is service pack installation. To install a service pack, a USB flash drive is required. The file will be downloaded from the technician service publication web site onto the flash drive. The service pack files are then transferred to the vehicle USB port to update the APIM. The second procedure is a complete flash. The file for the flash procedure is downloaded from the on-line database. The flash procedure deletes any paired phones that were in the APIM.

The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and a web-based On-Line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) application reads the APIM, and displays the available programming options. To carry out APIM programming, refer to Information and Entertainment Systems .

Programmable Parameters

Programmable parameters are customer preference items that may be modified by the dealer via the scan tool or in some cases, modified by the customer following a procedure listed in the Owner's Literature. While many configuration options may exist for a module, only a few of these options are programmable parameters. (Some parameters must be changed in multiple modules at the same time.)

Adaptive Learning and Calibration

Some modules require a separate learning procedure be carried out if replaced as part of a repair procedure. For adaptive learning and calibration instructions, refer to the specific module removal and installation procedures.

Transmission Identification Block

Some PCMs also contain a memory area called a transmission identification block. The PCM transmission identification block commonly stores solenoid body flow data. If the solenoid body information is not correct, transaxle damage or driveability concerns can occur. Refer to Automatic Transmission - 6F50/6F55 .

Module Address

A unique module address is assigned to each module on the network for identification.

As-Built Data

As-Built data is a VIN -specific module configuration record. During vehicle build, the configuration from all modules is downloaded and stored in the As-Built database. As-Built data does not reflect customer preference items that have been changed from the default state. These items need to be changed using programmable parameters after the module is configured.

NOTE: It is not necessary to obtain As-Built data unless directed to do so by the scan tool. This data may be accessed from the technician service publication web site.

The following chart lists As-Built data addresses and describes specific module configuration information:

Module Configuration and Parameter Chart

Module Name	Requires PMI	Reprogram/ Flash Capable	Requires Adaptive Learning or Calibration	Available Programmable Parameters
Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM)	Yes	Yes	No	Clock display Navigation application
ABS module	Yes	Yes	IVD initialization	Tire size (must match BCM)
Audio Front Control Module (ACM)	Yes	Yes	No	MP3 CD text conversion
Audio Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module	Yes	Yes	No	None
Body Control Module (BCM)	Yes	Yes	No	Axle ratio Courtesy lamp dimming type Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) feature Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) type Police dark car feature Smart unlocking Stop and turn lamp outage configuration Tire placard pressure Tire size (must match ABS module)
Cruise-Control Module (C-CM)	Yes	Yes	No	None
Driver Seat Module (DSM)	Yes	Yes	No	None
Dual Climate Controlled Seat Module (DCSM)	Yes	Yes	No	None
Front Lighting Control Module (FLM)	No	Yes	No	None
Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM)	No	Yes	No	None
Front Control/Display Interface Module (FCDIM)	Yes	Yes	No	Date format
Global Positioning System Module (GPSM)	Yes	Yes	No	None
Heated Steering Wheel Module (HSWM)	Yes	Yes	No	None
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)	No	Yes	No	None
Head Up Display (HUD) module	No	Yes	No	None
HVAC module	Yes	Yes	No	None
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)	Yes	Yes	No	Back up chime Belt-Minder® Courtesy wipe after wash English/Metric Gallon display type Navigation Rear fog lamps Rear reverse gear wipe
Liftgate/Trunk Module (LTM)	No	Yes	No	None
Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM)	No	Yes	OCS re-zero	None
Parking Aid Module (PAM)	No	Yes	No	None
PCM	Yes	Yes	Adaptive airflow Axle ratio Idle speed Refueling event Fuel trim present Tire size	None
Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module	Yes	Yes	No	Autolock Autounlock One/two stage unlock Intelligent Access (IA)
Restraints Control Module (RCM)	Yes	Yes	No	Driver Belt-Minder® Passenger Belt-Minder®
Steering Column Control Module (SCCM)	Yes	Yes	No	None
Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left (SOD-L)	Yes	Yes	No	Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)
Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right (SOD-R)	Yes	Yes	No	BLIS® CTA
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) (also known as the Radio Transceiver Module [RTM])	No	Yes	No	None
Transmission Control Module (TCM)	Yes	Yes	No	None