Principles of Operation

Principles of Operation

Some modules support the ability to change specified factory configuration settings and preset preference items. The process used to change the settings and customer preference items is module configuration. There are three different methods of module configuration.
^ Programmable Module Installation (PMI)
^ customer preference items
^ manufacturer options

There are three storage locations for module configuration information. One primary storage location and two secondary (or backup) storage locations.
^ Primary location is the memory of the specific module.
^ First backup location is the VID block memory of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
^ Second backup is the As-Built Data Center.

During PMI, the scan tool will attempt to extract the module configuration information from the module to be changed. If this is unsuccessful, the scan tool will use the first backup and attempt to extract the module configuration information from the VID block in the PCM. If this also fails, the scan tool will display instructions to contact the As-Built Data Center. This is the only time the As-Built Data Center should be contacted.

Programmable Module Installation (PMI)

NOTE: If the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) needs to have a powertrain calibration flash programmed, refer to Powertrain Management. Make sure to use the flash cable when programming calibrations or running a PMI routine on the PCM.

The PMI configuration method is used when a new programmable module is to be installed. During the PMI routine the scan tool attempts to gather two pieces of information:
^ Option content information from the old module. (module configuration and customer preference settings)
^ The vehicle identification number (VIN) from the PCM.

During PMI the scan tool first looks to the PCM for the VIN number of the vehicle. Once the VIN is retrieved the scan tool will carry out a self-test of the suspect module to determine if the module has been configured.
^ If DTC B2477 or B2141 is present the module does not contain complete configuration information. The PMI routine will then halt and give instructions on how to proceed.
^ If DTC B2477 or B2141 is not present the module will allow the scan tool to retrieve its opt ion content information. The scan tool will then store the option content information and the VIN.

The scan tool can store the combined option content information and VIN for only one module at a time. Once information is stored, the scan tool cannot be used to retrieve any other option content information without erasing the previous option content information. Make sure the new module is on hand for installation before retrieving option content information data from the old module.

After the new module is installed, use the scan tool to restore the option content information into the new module.

Vehicle Identification (VID) Block

NOTE:
^ If the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) needs to have a powertrain calibration flash programmed, refer Powertrain Management. Make sure to use the flash cable when programming calibrations or running a PMI routine on the PCM.
^ When carrying out a PMI routine on any non-PCM module, use the OBDII cable.
^ Flash programming powertrain calibrations onto the PCM is different than PMI. It has no effect on the backup data in the VID block memory area of the PCM.

The PCM contains a memory area called a Vehicle Identification (VID) block. A portion of the VID block is used to store the backup data for each programmable module on the vehicle.

The VID block is the first backup of information when using the PMI configuration method. If the scan tool cannot retrieve opt ion content information from the suspect module, the scan tool will attempt to extract backup information from the VID block of the PCM.

The VID block is not related to or effected by the powertrain calibration information stored in the PCM. If a new powertrain calibration has been flashed onto the PCM, the VID block will not be affected.

If using the PMI routine to install a new PCM, the scan tool will reprogram only VID information. The engine calibration information may still need to be flashed. For more information, refer to Powertrain Management for flash programming information.

As-Built Data Center
The As-Built Data Center keeps a record of the vehicle configuration in a database retrievable using the VIN. The As-Built Data Center records the applicable module configurations stored in each module before the vehicle leaves the factory. The As-Built Data Center will always reflect the original build of the vehicle as it left the factory. Only contact the As-Built Data Center when directed to do so by the scan tool.

Customer Preference Items
This method is used to enable or disable module-controlled items or systems to suit the preference of the customer. Not all features controlled by the module are listed in this configuration method. Refer to the Module Configuration Index for a list of features per module. Module Configuration Index

If an item is changed using the customer preference items configuration method, the changed information will not be stored in the PCM VID block. The VID block will retain the original settings as they were recorded when the vehicle left the factory.

Manufacturer Options
This method of configuration is used on modules that do not support PMI. This method is used to enable or disable module-configurable features to set module option content of the vehicle and the preference of the customer. Refer to the Module Configuration Index for a list of features per module. Module Configuration Index

If an item is changed using the manufacturer opt ions configuration method, the changed information will not be stored in the PCM VID block. The VID block will retain the original settings as they were recorded when the vehicle left the factory.