PROM - Reprogram Using Off Board Program Adapter
File In Section: 6E - Engine Fuel & EmissionBulletin No.: 73-65-13
Date: March, 1997
INFORMATION
Subject:
Reprogramming Capability using the Off Board Programming Adapter
Models:
1993-97 Passenger Cars and Trucks (Applicable Reprogrammable Vehicles)
The General Motors vehicles contain Electronically Reprogrammable Devices (i.e. PCM, VCM, ECM). These vehicles cannot be programmed through PROM replacement, however service programming capability is available through the Tech 1/1A, Tech 2 and Techline terminals via direct or remote programming.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested that all new vehicle manufacturers ensure their dealers/retailers are aware that they are responsible for providing customers access to reprogramming services at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner.
Although programming of controllers has become a common service practice at GM dealers/retailers, the EPA has received reports from consumers and the aftermarket repair industry that they were unable to purchase a new (programmed) Electronically Reprogrammable Device (ERD) over-the-counter. As a result, on August 1, 1995, the Federal Government issued a regulation requiring all manufacturers to make available reprogramming to the independent aftermarket by December 1, 1997.
Today, the Off Board Programming Adapter (OBPA) is used to reprogram ERD's sold over-the-counter. For all practical purposes, the OBPA takes the place of the vehicle when the vehicle is not available.
The list of dealerships/retailers currently own the OBPA (see Attachments 1 - 3). These locations are equipped to provide over-the-counter preprogrammed ERD's. The hardware required to perform reprogramming in addition to the OBPA is a Techline terminal, Tech 1/1A and associated cables and adapters. THE TECH 2 SHOULD NOT BE USED WITH THE OBPA AT THIS TIME BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE OBPA GROUNDING.
The current OBPA can support reprogramming on all late model General Motor's vehicles except:
^ Premium V-8's
^ 1996 Diesel Truck
^ Cadillac Catera
^ All 1997 programmable vehicles (requires use of the Tech 2)
A modification to the OBPA is being offered by Kent-Moore to support these additional vehicles and to allow reprogramming using the Tech 2. The revisions to the OBPA for the Tech 2 is very important as the Tech 2 is the only tool used for service programming for 1997 and future vehicles. To have the modifications performed, contact Kent-Moore at (800) 345-2233. The revisions (part number J 41207 REV-C) are free of charge for GM dealerships/retailers.
A dealership/retailer can purchase the OBPA by contacting Kent-Moore (part number J 41207-C). Support on how to use the OBPA is provided by the Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) at (800) 828-6860 (English) or (800) 503-3222 (French).
If you need to purchase an OBPA and/or cable, contact Kent-Moore at (800) 345-2233. The OBPA retails for $695.00 (includes all revisions 1-4) under part number J 41207-C.