DonsDeals Blog: Engine Control Unit (ECU), also known as Power Train Control Module (PCM), or Engine Control Module (ECM) - Flash Reprogramming

This is my research from today 12-22-09 on PCM Flash Reprogramming for a 1996 Saturn, with Excerpts, Links and PDF attached files (PDF's attached if you received this by e-mail. They are not available on my Blog, but the links are on the Web Sites). I am focusing on GM Products. Specifically, I am dealing with a 1996 Saturn that has nothing Mechanically wrong with the Engine, but the "Check Engine" light stays on because of a maul function in the computer, so it will not Pass the TX State Inspection. I know that many people have similar problems with many makes of Auto's. So, this may help more than just GM product owners. There is hope, and perhaps other cheaper alternatives to buying a whole new Computer for your Auto!:)

Don

Engine control unit

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An engine control unit (ECU), also known as power-train control module (PCM), or engine control module (ECM) is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running. It does this by reading values from multidimensional maps which contain values calculated by sensor devices monitoring the engine.

Before ECU's, fuel injection, ignition timing, and idle speed were directly controlled by mechanical and pneumatic sensors and actuators.

Read more...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_control_unit#ECU_flashing

PCM Flash Reprogramming

Copyright AA1Car

Adapted from an article written by Larry Carley for Underhood Service magazine

Flash reprogramming PCMs is NOT for the feint of heart. It takes a considerable investment in equipment, paying OEM subscription fees to get flash updates on a CD or online, plowing though pages and pages of charts and tables and TSBs to figure out whether or not the calibration software in a vehicle's PCM needs to be updated, and then plunging ahead with the update itself

Yet PCM flash reprogramming is becoming more and more necessary as vehicle modules get smarter and more complex. GeneralMotors estimates that they have released flash updates for as many as 70% of 1995 and newer GM vehicles.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/us10430.htm

More on Flash Reprogramming PCMs

Copyright AA1Car

Car companies are relying more and more on flash reprogramming to correct driveability and emissions related problems in newer vehicles. This procedure is usually done at a new car dealership, but with the right software and tools independent repair shops or even individuals can reprogram their vehicle Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs) and other onboard electronics.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations require original equipment manufacturers to make emissions-related onboard diagnostic service information available to the aftermarket via their technical websites, including updates on reprogramming vehicle modules. The flash reprogramming procedures must conform to SAE J-2534-1 standards, which allow the use of aftermarket scan tools or similar pass-through devices in addition to the factory scan tool.

EPA rules require auto makers to post all of their text-based service and training information on the internet so anyone can access it, and at reasonable cost. For a complete listing of these websites and fees, Click Here.

MOST LATE MODEL VEHICLES CAN BE FLASH REPROGRAMMED

Most domestic vehicles built since 1996 (over 150 million!) have computers that can be reprogrammed. Reprogramming may be required for a variety of reasons. One is when a vehicle sets false trouble codes. The original factory programming may be overly sensitive or not take into account wear or other factors that may affect the operation of certain sensors or the OBD II monitors.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/flashprom.htm

OEM Automotive Service Information Websites

Copyright AA1Car

U.S. EPA rules require vehicle manufacturers to make their OBD II service information and specifications available to ANYONE online for a "reasonable fee" (see chart below). This information is necessary to diagnose and repair emissions and driveability-related problems.

The service information that is available via the vehicle manufacturer websites below typically includes all the information, diagnostic charts and service procedures you would find in an OEM shop manual. In fact, many vehicle manufacturers have discontinued publishing paper shop manuals and only offer their information online or in digital format.

The following information was provided by the National Automotive Service Task Force.

Updated: July 2009
Vehicle Manufacturer Service Information Websites:
http://www.aa1car.com/library/oemwebsites.htm

Scan Tool Help

Info in this page... READING CODES, CODE READERS, SCAN TOOLS, PROFESSIONAL LEVEL SCAN TOOL, FEATURES OEM OR AFTERMARKET SCAN TOOL?, IS THE SCAN TOOL CAN COMPLIANT?, SCANNER SOFTWARE, SCAN TOOLS WITH SCOPE DIAGNOSTICS, SCAN TOOL COMPARISON REPORT, ADVANCED SCAN TOOL DIAGNOSTICS, OTHER THINGS YOU WILL NEED IN ADDITION TO A SCAN TOOL

http://www.scantoolhelp.com/

Saturn pcm flash reprogramming, other links from good info that I found...

saturn pcm flash reprogramming - Google Search

PCM Flash Reprogramming

Flash Reprogramming - http://valleyautoelectriclp.com/Flash_Reprogramming.html

EASE DIAGNOSTICS - THE LEADER IN PC AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS

OEM AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE INFORMATION WEBSITES

Vetronix Corporation - Diagnostics and Telematics Solutions

Bosch Diagnostics

ACDelco TDS

How to fix the PCM Flash Memory

TIS - http://tis2web.xw.gm.com/tis2web

TIS - http://tis2web.service.gm.com/tis2web

PCM OBD1 Engine Control Trouble Codes

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Use a paper clip to jumper Terminal A and B of the ALDL *Assembly Line Diagnostic Link* which is above your left knee. Terminal A is an internal ground and is the top right terminal in the connector. Terminal B is directly adjacent and to the left of Terminal A.

Turn the ignition to ON.

All codes are 2 digits between 11 and 99. Codes are displayed on the SES light by flashing the light with short and long pauses to distinguish digits of one code from digits of another. The short pause is used between digits of the same code, long pauses are between codes. Also, each code is flashed three times before going to the next code.

For example, the sequence of code 12 will be: flash, pause, flash-flash, long pause, then repeat 2 times. If Code 12 is not displayed, the self-diagnostic program i snot functioning properly.

If only Code 12 is displayed, no system malfunctions have been stored.

Any existing system fault codes are displayed in order from low to high, except for Code 11.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Engine Information Codes for OBD1 Engine Control Modules
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Diagnostic Trouble Codes

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http://www.saturnwiki.net/index.php/PCM_Engine_Control_Trouble_Codes