Principles of Operation

Some new modules will need to be programmed, or configured, because the module is shipped without being configured. Additionally, some modules support the ability to re-configure some factory configured settings. The process used to configure or change these settings is module configuration. There are two different methods of module configuration:
^ Programmable Module Installation (PMI)
^ programmable parameters

There are three possible storage locations for module configuration information: one primary storage location and two secondary (or backup) storage locations.
^ The primary location is the memory of the specific module.
^ The first backup location is the VID block memory of the Powertrain Electronic Control (PTEC) module.
^ The second backup is the As-Built Data Center.

During the vehicle ID the diagnostic tool will automatically attempt to extract the module configuration information from all modules. If this is unsuccessful the diagnostic tool will look to the first backup and attempt to extract the module configuration information from the VID block in the PTEC. The DTC B2477 is used by the diagnostic tool to determine if the configuration information is correct. If the module and the PTEC VID block do not contain correct information, the diagnostic tool will display a list of items that will need to be manually configured. The diagnostic tool will then attempt to program the module based on those selections.

Programmable Module Installation (PMI)
The PMI configuration method is used when a new programmable module, that needs to be configured, is installed on the vehicle. It is no longer necessary to command the diagnostic tool to gather module option content from the old module. The diagnostic tool automatically obtains any available module option content information from the old module during the Vehicle ID routine that runs when the diagnostic tool is initially connected to the vehicle. After the new programmable module is installed on the vehicle, use the diagnostic tool to carry out PMI on the new module. During the PMI routine the diagnostic tool attempts to program module option content information into the new module.

Vehicle Identification (VID) Block

NOTE: Flash programming powertrain calibrations onto the PTEC is different than PMI. It has no effect on the backup data in the VID block memory area of the PTEC.

Some PTECs contain a memory area called a 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 not related to or affected by the powertrain calibration information stored in the PTEC. If a new powertrain calibration has been flashed onto the PTEC, the VID block will not be affected.

If using the PMI routine to install a new PTEC, the diagnostic tool will reprogram only VID information. The engine calibration information may still need to be flashed. For PTEC diagnostics, refer to WDS tool.

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 diagnostic tool.

Programmable Parameters Index:

Programmable Parameters
This method is used to configure modules in two scenarios. The first is a module that needs to be configured that does not support the PMI method of configuration. The second is 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 by system.

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