ZCS Coding Procedures
ZCS Coding Procedures
The ZCS coding procedure is done using the Coding and Programming application of the DISplus or MoDiC. There are two methods of coding replacement control modules:
- Automatic coding (ZCS code is automatically retrieved)
- Manual input of ZCS
Automatic ZCS Retrieval and Coding of Control Modules
Control units which store the ZCS code (Instrument cluster, EWS) require that the data be transferred out of the faulty module to the coding software first before automatic coding can continue. If the defective control module cannot communicate with the coding software then coding would have to continue manually.
After installing a replacement module the software searches for all ZCS codable modules according to the stored ZCS code.
The ZCS is copied by the coding software and stored in memory. The program extracts the necessary information from the copied ZCS and generates coding data for the exchanged module. The coding software automatically sends the data to the control module which codes it for a particular vehicle version.
Vehicles that have Vehicle and Key Memory capabilities modify the ZCS code in a particular module to enable certain features.
When recoding or replacing a module the ZCS will be restored to the basic settings and individual changes to the code will be lost, as well as the modified functionality.
To prevent from returning a vehicle to a customer without the VKM selections, always use the "Print List" option of the Vehicle/Key memory menu.
Verify from the list that any changes made are restored to the vehicle.
Automatic Coding Procedure
Always have a battery charger connected when using diagnosis or coding equipment. Voltage should be stable at 12.5 V.
Example used is coding an E39 instrument cluster.
1. With the old control module still installed, connect the DIS/MoDiC to the diagnostic socket. Turn the ignition switch on.
2. Select Coding and Programming from the DIS/MoDiC start screen or "Change" drop down menu.
3. Select "3 ZCS CODING" and press the continue arrow (right arrow button).
4. The Version ID page is displayed. Verify that the latest coding software is being used. Press the continue arrow.
5. Note the warning about Car/Key Memory and select the appropriate series.
6. The next screen provides five options
Select recoding, the other 4 options will be discussed at the end of the ZCS coding section.
7. The following screen provides a list of all ZCS codable modules according to the stored ZCS code.
Select the module to be replaced or recoded and press the continue arrow.
Confirm that the correct module has been selected by pressing the "yes" button and then the continue arrow.
8. Select the correct procedure to be performed. If the module is going to be replaced select "replace control unit". If the coding is to take place on the existing control unit select "recode control unit".
For the example "Replace control unit" is chosen.
9. The following step requires that the faulty control unit still be installed in the vehicle. The coding software reads the ZCS data out of the module and saves it in memory.
10. After the data is read from the faulty control unit the software will store the data and request that the new component be installed.
Before coding the new part, confirm the vehicle identity by entering the chassis number. This entry recalls the data stored in the DIS/MoDiC from the faulty control unit.
11. Select "Transfer data to new control unit and code control unit".
The following screen will then request that the control unit be installed and the key be turned on.
12. Note the warning that some displays or operation may change from what is normal for that country or vehicle version (e.g. display in Celsius or Fahrenheit). If changes need to be made they may be done after coding by using Conversion.
13. When coding the instrument cluster, EKM or LCM/LSZ the coding software will ask if the component should be rigidly assigned to the vehicle. Assigning the component permanently writes the VIN to that component.
If the part is only being used for testing purposes select "no".
14. Verify that the chassis number and ZCS code are correct. If any changes need to be made select "yes" and a keypad will appear on the right side for manual entry.
If the information is correct chose no and continue with the right arrow.
Start automatic coding by selecting "yes".
15. The final screen will acknowledge that coding was successful and if the ZCS code was changed. Changes in the code are made if the coding software and control module software and hardware are modified from the original combination. On vehicles that utilize a label a replacement label should be made and placed next to the original and the original crossed out.
Manual Input of ZCS Code
Currently when replacing control modules that store the ZCS code (IKE/KOMBI and EWS) the code is read out from the faulty module and stored for later coding. When replacing modules that store the ZCS on earlier vehicles, it requires that the code be read from the vehicle ZCS label and entered manually.
The control modules that require manual input are:
- IKE (E38 up to 1/95)
- EKM (E31)
- Instrument cluster (E32/E34 after 9/91 and E36)
- EWS II (E36/5 and E36/7 up to 9/98)
For later vehicles, as long as the defective module can communicate automatic coding is possible. If the data can not be read (module cannot communicate) then the ZCS code will be retrieved from the redundant location.
Manual ZCS Coding Procedure
Always have a battery charger connected when using diagnosis or coding equipment. Voltage should be stable at 12.5 V.
1. With the new control module installed, connect the DIS/MoDiC and turn on the ignition switch.
2. Select Coding and Programming from the DIS/MoDiC start screen or "Change" drop down menu.
3. Select "3 ZCS CODING" and press the continue arrow (right arrow button).
4. The Version ID page is displayed. Verify that the latest coding software is being used. Press the continue arrow.
5. Note the warning about Car/Key Memory and select the appropriate series.
6. The next screen provides five options
Select recoding.
7. The next screen lists the connected ZCS codable control modules installed in the vehicle.
Select IKE/KOMBI or EWS which are the only ones that require manual entry.
8. The next screen then responds by asking if the selection is correct. Press the "Yes" button and continue.
9. The next screen displays the last 7 digits of the chassis number in the cluster. Since this is a new replacement control module it is displaying the basic information (FFFFFFF) which does not have a specific VIN assigned to it yet.
Enter the last 7 digits of the vehicle identification number using the keypad. When finished double check the display and confirm the input by pressing "Yes".
10. With the last 7 digits of the VIN entered, the present ZCS code is displayed on the screen. All positions of the ZCS are "F" which indicates the control module is still in the basic state.
The display requests a YES or NO response to change the displayed ZCS. Press the YES button to continue.
11. The GM segment is displayed (FFFFFFFFF). Press the "No" button to refuse display.
12. The next screen displays an expanded keypad for complete entry of the GM segment. This is read from the label of the vehicle.
Carefully enter the complete GM segment, double check all digits as displayed and press the "Yes" button when complete.
13. The next two screens are for entry of the SA and and VN segments.
Enter these numbers in the same manner they were entered for the GM segment.
Double check all digits and Press the "YES" button and continue.
14. The next screen indicates that the ZCS has been entered into the DIS/MoDiC and automatic coding is ready to start.
Press the "Yes" button and then continue.
15. The screen indicates that Automatic Coding is Active.
16. The next screen displays the encoded ZCS.
As noted on the screen the ZCS has changed from the basic uncoded state. Changes to the original ZCS code occur because either the coding software or hardware version of the control module is different.
17. The next screen displays "coding key stored for printout". If necessary write out a new ZCS label and affix it into the vehicle specific location.
Coding is completed, Switch off the ignition and wait for 10 seconds. Switch on ignition and check for proper system operation.