Reflashing With The Same Calibration

[greasybob]

This question concerns flashing a module with the same calibration or part number it currently has because you suspect that there may be a problem with the software in the module and the module it'self is OK. The ACDelco tis will tell you that it does not recommend reflashing with an existing part number the FMP does some thing similar. The Tech Authority might let you down load but then it won't program. How do you go about erasing the current software so you can reload it ? Sorry, but I don't reflash every day so I'm alittle sketchy on the exact procedures, but always manage to find my way through to a successful upload when I get to the OEM site. The refashing with the same calibration has me kinda stumped.

[Steve6911]

Bob
On a GM I just ignor the warning and keep going. I do this all the time when installing a used PCM to change the VIN# when the donor vehicle had the same cal.

Steve

[Joe Rappa]

You learn something new every day. That's good to know Steve. Thx!

[millevo]

Chrysler reflash

Bob
on the Chrysler legacy application (2009 or older) the way the application knows to upload a cal file to the PCM is by reading the part number, so erasing the PCM to start fresh so to speak wouldn't help you. Chrysler's application does not allow the user to push a cal file down to a blank PCM like Ford's FMP.
I have reflashed the same Chrysler PCM numerous times and each time I do this, the application gives me a pop up asking if I want to reflash the PCM with the same cal file with a YES button and a NO button.
I know the application isn't giving you this option so you may want to check which part number the application is reading and make sure that is the same one you down loaded, if you don't have the right file in what ever directory it is looking in the application simply stops and says no update available or something to that affect.

[greasybob]

Thank's for the responses. I wasn't in a hurry to go against the commands and risk scrambling a module beyond repair. The only other thought that crossed my mind was to try and first flash it to a different VIN or calibration number and then reflash it to what I wanted. All that rewriting the memory can't be too good for it either. Have you ever fixed a problem by refreshing the calibration and not adding anything new to the program ?

[Orevin]

Thank's for the responses. I wasn't in a hurry to go against the commands and risk scrambling a module beyond repair. The only other thought that crossed my mind was to try and first flash it to a different VIN or calibration number and then reflash it to what I wanted. All that rewriting the memory can't be too good for it either. Have you ever fixed a problem by refreshing the calibration and not adding anything new to the program ?

Some say the dreaded P0601 on Mopar products (Caravan and T&C in particular) can be fixed by a reflash. I tried a few times, but it never worked.

[Bob's Garage]

Overwriting same calibration numbers...

Thank's for the responses. I wasn't in a hurry to go against the commands and risk scrambling a module beyond repair. The only other thought that crossed my mind was to try and first flash it to a different VIN or calibration number and then reflash it to what I wanted. All that rewriting the memory can't be too good for it either. Have you ever fixed a problem by refreshing the calibration and not adding anything new to the program ?

I have fixed a 2004 Corvette that would not set readiness at all on any monitors with an "same calibration overwrite", I call it.

After the reflash it set all monitors to ready within 20 minutes.


I have also fixed a 2006 Mustang that would not set readiness on CAT, and O2 and O2 heater monitors.

2006 Mustang GT Emissions 5th reject.jpg

In this case however, there were no rear O2 signal PIDs, it did have rear O2 heater PIDs:

20100830-1940-1.jpg

20100901-1422-1.jpg

20100901-1536-1.jpg



When I went to reflash it, I got the message "you are attempting to reflash with the same cal" (not word for word): .

20100827-1448-1.jpg

I did a PMI anyhow and overwrote it.20100830-1028-1.jpg


After reflash, Rear O2S signals have returned:

20100901-1558-1.jpg


In both cases, I feel that these were aftermarket calibrations designed to shut down monitors so that no codes would set. Overwritng them merely took it back to stock.

The reason the calibrations have the same number I suspect is to hide it from the state EPA OBD testing and search for CVN numbers. Who knows.


Mode $06 Before:

20100830-1053-1.jpg

Mode $06 after:

20100901-1614-1.jpg

So, overwriting calibrations can do some good:

20100902-1315-5.jpg

Bob

[Bob's Garage]

Addition to reflash post on Mustang

Oops, I had a couple of more slides....


In the end after the reflash, the rear O2 PIDs returned. Remember the O2 data group from the Verus screenshot? There were only 22 PIDs.

Here it is after the reflash, the rear O2 PIDS have returned along with 2 rear Heater CMD PIDs (boxed in red) There are now 26 PIDs:

20100901-1759-2.jpg

20100901-1803-1.jpg

Oh Yeah, the Valuable Final Product! (now I can collect) :

2006 Mustang GT emissions pass.jpg

You can see the CAT monitor was not ready, but I had enough to pass.

I can assure those reading this, that the CAT monitor did go ready later that day. The numbers looked real good in Mode$06:

20100902-1318-1.jpg


This Mustang was pretty stock, but, who knows what was done to it in the past?

Thanks, Bob

[diesel71]

bob,
On the ford diesels and i have done this on a few gas engines, you can choose module instalation. the fmp will then say install new module then click the tic mark. even though you didnt change it it will start the programing suit.

[Bob's Garage]

PMI on the same module is an overwrite

"bob,
On the ford diesels and i have done this on a few gas engines, you can choose module instalation. the fmp will then say install new module then click the tic mark. even though you didn't change it it will start the programing suit."

Right, That is a PMI. Programmable Module Installation.

That's what I did to fix the Mustang and a similar process on the Corvette. GM says "we do not support reflashing with the same calibration" I understand. But I have cars to fix!!

Thanks, Bob

[USpMD]

jesue christ bob,,,,, do you sleep at night or just post, corvette or mustang, got yo be the most overwrighted programs out there, when you identified vehicle was ther any clues, ie; module unsuported? did you capturre the vin#

[USpMD]

I have to admit , I dont use my verus on Ford or GM, I use dealer tools only, ie IDS or GDS2, tech 2 win, in these cases they would advise you of modified programs(checksum error), in the aftermarket we dont get this advanced warning, to bad so sad (dealer lengo) we have to find out by trial and error, Bob, wher do you find the time for these videos???, between my business and teaching at the college, I just dont have the time, you do impress me

[Bob's Garage]

Re-re-programming for fun & profit

"jesue christ bob,,,,, do you sleep at night or just post, corvette or mustang, got yo be the most overwrighted programs out there, when you identified vehicle was ther any clues, ie; module unsuported? did you capturre the vin#"

USpMD,

I gotta tell ya, I have been spending less time on these forums lately, most of the stuff I write is on the internal side for product testing. I occcasionally stick my head out here on the public side for a breath of fresh air. I too, own a shop, and I guess the economy has allowed us to put in a little more time testing. That's why it seems I don't sleep.

As far as the overwrites, it's just something I do when I feel that there is a logic issue. The Mustang and the Corvette are really the only two vehicles I have done that on with any true success. As far as the Mustang, I got the message that the calibration was the latest and no new calibration was available, I tried because I suspected an aftermarket calibration patch. IN other words I suspect that the aftermarket calibrations have to hide thier changes inside a full factory calibration. If not a red flag would come up when the state OBD testing lokked for, VIN, CVN and other clues that the calibration.

I almost forgot, I also did a 2003 or so F-150 Lightning that had the EGR system locked out, A reflash fixed that also. That one was also an IEPA readiness reject. It needed one more monitor, and in the end, I got them all, I think. So, that's 3 vehicles fixed with overwrites. The two Fords were done with Verus and IDS.

The Corvette was reflashed with the Tech 2 also gave a warning that GM does not support reflashing with the same calibration. A reflash fixed that one also.

Well, would you look at that! 11:30! I'm late for bed.

USpMD, what does that stand for?

Thanks, Bob