PCM Reprogramming
PCM Reprogramming
This procedure will need to be done when one or more of the following situations are true:
- A vehicle's PCM has been replaced.
- DTC P1602 - PCM Not Programmed is set.
- An updated calibration or software release is available for either the PCM or TCM.
This procedure assumes that the StarMOBILE(R) devices are configured to your dealership's network with either a wired or wireless connection. The StarMOBILE(R) must also be running at the latest operating system and software release level.
Table Of Contents
- Refer to => [ PCM/TCM Flash Procedure ].
- Refer to => [ Additional PCM/TCM Replacement Procedures ].
- Refer to => [ Authorized Modification Label ].
PCM/TCM Flash Procedure
- If using StarMOBILE(R) Desktop Client, go to
- If using StarMOBILE(R) Standalone Diagnostic Mode, go to
Required Tools/Equipment
Tech Tips and Information
- StarMOBILE(R) Standalone Diagnostic Mode is an efficient way to flash ECUs without having direct access to a network connection. It involves first copying the flash file to the StarMOBILE(R) device which does require a network connection. Once the file has been copied to the StarMOBILE(R) device, it can be used in a Standalone mode to flash the ECU without a network connection.
- To use the StarMOBILE(R) in Pass-Through Mode requires that your StarMOBILE(R) is connected to the dealerships network via a wired or wireless connection. For more information on how to use the StarMOBILE in Pass-Through Mode see the StarMOBILE(R) training tutorials available on 'DealerCONNECT > Service > StarSCAN(R) and StarMOBILE(R) Tools > Training Aids'.
- StarMOBILE(R) does not need to be connected to a vehicle when retrieving a flash file for Standalone Mode.
- Extreme care must be taken when programming a calibration into a generic PCM. Do not randomly select a calibration. Once a calibration is selected and programmed, the controller cannot be reprogrammed to a different calibration. The ECU can only be reprogrammed to a more recent version of that calibration.
- If the flash process is interrupted or aborted, the flash should be restarted.
- Due to the PCM / TCM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other ECUs within the vehicle. Some DTCs may cause the MIL to illuminate. From the "Home" screen select "System View". Then select "All DTCs". Press "Clear All Stored DTCs" if there are any DTCs shown on the list.
- Do not allow the battery charger to time out or the charging rate to climb more than 13.5 volts during the flash process.
- The StarSCAN(R) and StarMOBILE(R) diagnostic tools fully support Internet connectivity and must be configured for your dealership's network. For help on setting up your StarSCAN(R) / StarMOBILE(R) for the dealership's network, refer to the StarSCAN(R) / StarMOBILE(R) Quick Start Networking Guide available on ‘DealerCONNECT > Service > StarSCAN(R) and StarMOBILE(R) Tools > Online Documentation, under the download center.
- The operating software in the StarSCAN(R) and StarMOBILE(R) must be programmed with the latest software release level. The software level is visible in the blue header at the top of the StarSCAN(R) and StarMOBILE(R) Desktop Client screens. For instructions on how to update your scan tool, refer to the StarSCAN(R) / StarMOBILE(R) Software Update guide available on 'DealerCONNECT > Service > StarSCAN(R) and StarMOBILE(R) Tools > Online Documentation.
Repair Procedure with Starmobile(R) Desktop Client
• If this flash process is interrupted or aborted, the flash should be restarted.
- Open the hood of the vehicle and install a battery charger. Verify that the charging rate provides a continuous charge of 13.2 - 13.5 volts.
- Connect the StarMOBILE(R) to the vehicle data link connector located under the steering column and turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position.
- Power on the StarMOBILE(R). Launch the StarMOBILE(R) Desktop Client and connect to the appropriate StarMOBILE(R) device.
- Retrieve the old ECU part number.
From the tool's home screen:
- Select "ECU View".
- Select "PCM".
- Select "More Options".
- Select "ECU Flash".
- Record the part number at the top of the Flash PCM screen for later reference.
Program the ECU as follows:
- Using the StarMOBILE(R) at the Home screen, select "ECU View".
- Select "PCM".
- Select "More Options".
- Select "ECU Flash".
- Select "Browse for New File" and follow the on screen instructions.
- Highlight the appropriate calibration based on the part number recorded in Step 4, or by using Year/Model/Engine and appropriate emissions selection for the vehicle being worked on.
• If you are not connected to the vehicle, you may also search for flash files by selecting the "Flash Download" button from the Home screen.
- Select "Download to Scantool".
- Once the download is complete, select "Close" and then "Back".
- Highlight the listed calibration, select "Update Controller" and follow the on screen instructions.
- When the PCM update is complete, select "OK".
- Verify that the part number at the top of the Flash PCM screen has updated to the new part number.
• If this flash process is interrupted or aborted, the flash should be restarted.
- Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" and attach near the VECI label. Refer to => [ Authorized Modification Label ] for details.
Repair Procedure with Starmobile(R) Standalone Diagnostic Mode
• StarMOBILE(R) Standalone Mode is an efficient way to flash ECUs without having direct access to a network connection. It involves first copying the flash file to the StarMOBILE(R) device which does require a network connection. Once the file has been copied to the StarMOBILE(R) device, it can be used in a Standalone mode to flash the ECU without a network connection.
• StarMOBILE(R) does not need to be connected to a vehicle when retrieving a flash file for Standalone Mode.
- Power on the StarMOBILE(R). Launch the StarMOBILE(R) Desktop Client and connect to the tool.
- At the Home screen, select "ECU View".
- Select "PCM".
- Select "More Options".
- Select "ECU Flash".
- Select "Browse for New File" and follow the on screen instructions.
- Highlight the appropriate calibration based on the current ECU part number, or by using Year/Model/Engine and appropriate emissions selection for the vehicle being worked on.
• If you are not connected to the vehicle, you may also search for flash files by selecting the "Flash Download" button from the Home screen.
- From the Flash File List, select the appropriate calibration for the PCM and select "Download to Client"
- Once the download is complete, hit "OK" and then "Manage Files"
- In the Manage Files screen, highlight the downloaded flash file and select "Copy to SM Device". A green check mark should now appear in the On SM Device column.
- Exit the StarMOBILE(R) Desktop Client application.
- Open the hood of the vehicle and install a battery charger. Verify that the charging rate provides a continuous charge of 13.2 - 13.5 volts.
- Connect the StarMOBILE(R) to the vehicle data link connector located under the steering column and turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position.
- On the StarMOBILE(R) device, select "Enter Standalone Diagnostic Mode" (use the right function key).
• If a StarMOBILE(R) Desktop Client is still associated with the device, you will receive the following error: "Your StarMOBILE(R) device is currently locked by a pc named 'xxxxxxxx' on your network. To remove the lock, close its Desktop Client or reboot this device".
Program the ECU as follows:
- Select "ECU View".
- Select "PCM".
- Select "Flash ECU".
- Record the ECU part number at the very top of the screen for later reference.
- Highlight the flash file that you want to use. Hit "SELECT" and then "OK". Follow the on screen instructions.
- Once the flash is complete, verify that the part number at the top of the Flash PCM screen has updated to the new part number.
• If this flash process is interrupted or aborted, the flash should be restarted.
- Continue to Section 2. Refer to => [ Additional PCM/TCM Replacement Procedures ] to complete the process if the ECU has been replaced.
- Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" (p/n 04275086AB) and attach near the VECI label (See Section 3. Refer to => [ Authorized Modification Label ] for details).
Additional PCM/TCM Replacement Procedures
Find the PCM/TCM Type for the vehicle, read and write down the steps, and then go to the step by step instructions for additional information on how to perform these procedures.
If a PCM was replaced, perform the following additional steps and/or routines:
- PCM replaced - if WCM equipped.
- Learn ETC - if ETC equipped.
- Check PCM Odometer.
- Check PCM VIN - if not WCM equipped.
- Quicklearn - if EATX equipped.
If an EGS TCM was replaced, perform the following additional steps and/or routines:
- Initialize EGS.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Check PCM Odometer
From the "Home" screen, select "ECU View".
• Select "PCM".
• Select "Misc. Functions".
• Select "Check PCM odometer" and follow the on screen instructions.
• When complete, select "Finish".
Check PCM VIN
From the "Home" screen, select "ECU View".
• Select "PCM"
• Select "Misc. Functions"
• Select "Check PCM VIN" and follow the on screen instructions.
• When complete, select "Finish".
Initialize EGS
From the "Home" screen, select "ECU View".
• Select "TCM".
• Select "Misc. Functions".
• Select "Initialize EGS" and follow the on screen instructions.
• When complete, select "Finish".
Learn ETC
From the "Home" screen, select "ECU View".
• Select "PCM".
• Select "Misc. Functions".
• Select "Learn ETC" and follow the on screen instructions.
• When complete, select "Finish".
PCM Replaced
The vehicle pin (Personal Identification Number) will be required to complete the routine. This information may be obtained in three ways:
• The original selling invoice.
• DealerCONNECT > Parts > Key Codes.
• Contacting the District Manager.
From the "Home" screen, select "ECU View".
• Select "WCM".
• Select "Misc. Functions".
• Select "PCM Replaced" and follow the on screen instructions.
• When complete, select "Finish".
Quicklearn
From the "Home" screen, select "ECU View".
• Select "PCM".
• Select "Misc. Functions".
• Select "Quicklearn" and follow the on screen instructions.
• When complete, select "Finish".
Update CVT TCM
From the "Home" screen:
• Select "ECU View".
• Select "TCM".
• Select "More Options".
• Select "ECU Flash".
• Select "Browse for New File" and follow the on screen instructions.
• Highlight the appropriate calibration.
• Select "Download to Scan Tool".
• Once the download is complete, select "Close" and then "Back".
• Highlight the listed calibration, select "Update Controller" and follow the on screen instructions.
• When the TCM update is complete, select "OK".
• Verify that the part number at the top of the "Flash TCM" screen has updated to the latest level.
Authorized Modification Label
• The following step is required by law when reprogramming a PCM and/or TCM.
Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" and attach near the VECI label.
- Powertrain Control / Transmission Control Module Part Numbers (Insert P/Ns) Used
- Change Authority: TSB XX--XX
- Dealer Code: XXXXX
- Date: XX-XX-XX
Parts Required