Copy PCM to swap in a new one with Tech 2?

[Matthew Jeschke]

This actually isn't for my Truck but think it's the same process regardless. It's for my 1999 C5 Corvette. I think the PCM is shot (bench test isn't passing long story).

I am going to buy another PCM I know I can either (1) buy from somebody who can program VIN or (2) buy license for PCM I buy then flash with my original tune in HP tuners.

I don't want to do either. I've been interested in perhaps getting a generic TECH 2 programmer (basically any bi-directional scan tool?). Can they do the same thing? Could I save the configuration from the original PCM then flash the new PCM with it?

Anybody know?

 

[rockola1971]

This actually isn't for my Truck but think it's the same process regardless. It's for my 1999 C5 Corvette. I think the PCM is shot (bench test isn't passing long story).

I am going to buy another PCM I know I can either (1) buy from somebody who can program VIN or (2) buy license for PCM I buy then flash with my original tune in HP tuners.

I don't want to do either. I've been interested in perhaps getting a generic TECH 2 programmer (basically any bi-directional scan tool?). Can they do the same thing? Could I save the configuration from the original PCM then flash the new PCM with it?

Anybody know?

Get you a CHina clone TechII and then its $45 for the flash license. Here: https://www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions You can actually get the latest and greatest for your C5 off the website when it comes time to flash or if your PCM is alive enough to allow it you can suck the program off of it and flash to your "new" PCM. Its all in the menu of the Tech II.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

@rockola1971 you're quite possibly the internet's best kept secret when it comes to working on vehicles! Dang thanks for the tip. Curious, what's the thing about a Tech 2? Is it simply a bi-directional scan tool or something fancier / custom?

I couldn't sleep last night so was up till 2 AM researching. I discovered three free bidirectional programming softwares; LS Droid, Tuner Pro, and PCM Hammer. I'm going to see if they will work with my HP Tuners adapter. Otherwise guy at junkyard said certainly works with OBDx adapter. I also found out I could just order a PCM off eBay with my VIN burnt into it for $100. I really want to know how to do this though, for free on my own.

 

[rockola1971]

@rockola1971 you're quite possibly the internet's best kept secret when it comes to working on vehicles! Dang thanks for the tip. Curious, what's the thing about a Tech 2? Is it simply a bi-directional scan tool or something fancier / custom?

I couldn't sleep last night so was up till 2 AM researching. I discovered three free bidirectional programming softwares; LS Droid, Tuner Pro, and PCM Hammer. I'm going to see if they will work with my HP Tuners adapter. Otherwise guy at junkyard said certainly works with OBDx adapter. I also found out I could just order a PCM off eBay with my VIN burnt into it for $100. I really want to know how to do this though, for free on my own.

Lol. Im no secret. Been here for years. The Tech II is what GM provided its technicians to work on GM OBD2 vehicles "electronic" and sensor systems up until the MDI came out around 2009. The Tech II is packed with everything that a tech at a GM dealership would need to work on, troubleshoot and program a vehicle. It will even reprogram that stupid security code on your stereo system (factory). Attached is the path guide to the Tech II so you can see what all is in there. There are tons of how to on youtube also. Or just ask here. There are quite a few of us here that have a clone or the OG unit.

THe clone will cost somewhere around $300 (Make sure you specify the GM module) There are others available for foreign GM that dont make it here to the U.S. like a Holden. The Vehicle one flash option subscription is $45 (Similar to credits for HPtuners).

 

[mattbta]

I use a VCX Nano (tech 2/MDI emulator) in combination with PCM Hammer to pull the OEM bin file as well as flash this copy to a spare PCM. I've also used the same Nano as a pass-through to apply updates via GM SPS2/techline connect.

Additionally, used TunerPro to turn on electric fans in the bin and flashed it with PCM Hammer.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

I use a VCX Nano (tech 2/MDI emulator) in combination with PCM Hammer to pull the OEM bin file as well as flash this copy to a spare PCM. I've also used the same Nano as a pass-through to apply updates via GM SPS2/techline connect.

Additionally, used TunerPro to turn on electric fans in the bin and flashed it with PCM Hammer.

@mattbta oh cool, yeah I spotted the VCX Nano on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/VXDIAG-Multiple-TIS2WEB-Diagnostic-Programming/dp/B01NACTAY8

Not sure if this works the same way? It has both Bluetooth and USB https://obdxpro.com/product/obdx-pro-gt-obd2-diagnostics-and-tuning/

Guy at junkyard said he likes the OBDX stuff and mentioned it also works with HP tuners.

THe clone will cost somewhere around $300 (Make sure you specify the GM module) There are others available for foreign GM that dont make it here to the U.S. like a Holden. The Vehicle one flash option subscription is $45 (Similar to credits for HPtuners).

When I search "GM Tech 2 Scanner" a bunch of stuff comes up on Amazon that specifies bi-directional scan tools. I'm not exactly sure what is what or what is technically a Tech 2 system. Trying to dig deeper on Google and forum but still bit confused short of buying an official GM tech 2 setup for $1000. Do you have a product name or link for a generic tech 2?

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

@mattbta I contacted OBDx and asked them they said I could clone a PCM with PCM hammer and their adapter supports it. Further research looks like the OBDx adapter is more versatile, supports more protocols. However, I went ahead and bought the VCX Nano for the included Tech 2 Win license. Thanks for the tip! I'll test it out with PCM hammer and download the OS / calibration from my old PCM.

 

[swathdiver]

The Tech-2 can no longer be used with ACDelco's TDS system online. Tech-2s do come with 2 CDs with TIS2000 which has all of the software for the pre 2007 vehicles including updates right on the disc. The trick is in getting TIS2000 to work. I have it working on an old laptop with Windows 7.

The Tech-2 cannot copy software off one computer module and paste/program it to another.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

I am going to use PCM hammer to clone it.

Home

PCM Hammer & PCM Logger, tools for General Motors Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs). - LegacyNsfw/PcmHacks

github.com

 

[mattbta]

Lots of folks are happy with the OBDx. Should be fine.

For both SPS/techline connect and PCM Hammer, the Nano functions as a j-2534 pass through. I used it once in vehicle with SPS to change my radio programming from premium to luxury. I didn't have a power source hooked up and it made me super nervous. Ever since then, I got a spare PCM and bench harness. With the Nano and bench harness, PCM Hammer is capable of 4x speed, which is nice! Full flash took ~4 minutes.

If you are curious to do any tuning/parameter mods with TunerPro you will need to know your OS ID to search for an XDF (basically an xml file mapping of segment and parameter locations that TunerPro uses). Connect PCM Hammer and read the contents to bin file and check the logs to get the OS ID. pcmhacking.net and gearhead-efi.com have lots of bins/xdfs, but I'm don't know anything about the 512Kb stuff, just been looking into the P59 1Mb stuff.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

@mattbta that's awesome. I use HP Tuners quite a lot. Years ago I built my own adapters for ALDL / OBD1. It was a lot simpler then. I was even working to hack the older ECMs. I wrote a bunch of code to do it. I had no clue about PCM Hammer or Tuner Pro. Really cool stuff. I probably should have sprung for the OBDx. The developer spoke with me yesterday when I reached out via email. I may write them back up and propose a product. I'd like a solution that mounts permanently in the vehicle, provides a OBD port in a different location with USB and Bluetooth / WiFi connectivity to PCM. I carry a cheap Bluetooth dongle but would be nice if that was just built into the dash somewhere.

I also have a fully embedded systems development bench I put together. Bench tested my PCM several times, clusters, etc. I'd LOVE to develop custom circuit boards, etc. I got my masters in computer engineering to do that but Corporate America never used my skillset. I got paid 6 figures to push paperwork so I left and make a small fraction of what I did there. Several years ago I took a short gig to build some oil well testing equipment but didn't go anywhere. I think I have a post on here to build a custom computer to swap out / go where the OnStar sits. Would provide all the modern upgrades like Bluetooth calling, Bluetooth radio connection, place to store music in car, possibly even a movie server, spot you could sync photos when on road trips, GPS vehicle tracking in case it's stolen, etc. etc. etc. I'd also like to build a custom inverter with plugs throughout the vehicle as well as rear bumper hookup say if you're camping. I have these ideas but haven't had the energy or resources to do it as of yet.

I LOVE this forum, this is literally my go to forum. It's awesome. There's SO much knowledge here.

I will post updates with my progress when the dongle comes in.

 

[Tonyrodz]

@mattbta that's awesome. I use HP Tuners quite a lot. Years ago I built my own adapters for ALDL / OBD1. It was a lot simpler then. I was even working to hack the older ECMs. I wrote a bunch of code to do it. I had no clue about PCM Hammer or Tuner Pro. Really cool stuff. I probably should have sprung for the OBDx. The developer spoke with me yesterday when I reached out via email. I may write them back up and propose a product. I'd like a solution that mounts permanently in the vehicle, provides a OBD port in a different location with USB and Bluetooth / WiFi connectivity to PCM. I carry a cheap Bluetooth dongle but would be nice if that was just built into the dash somewhere.

I also have a fully embedded systems development bench I put together. Bench tested my PCM several times, clusters, etc. I'd LOVE to develop custom circuit boards, etc. I got my masters in computer engineering to do that but Corporate America never used my skillset. I got paid 6 figures to push paperwork so I left and make a small fraction of what I did there. Several years ago I took a short gig to build some oil well testing equipment but didn't go anywhere. I think I have a post on here to build a custom computer to swap out / go where the OnStar sits. Would provide all the modern upgrades like Bluetooth calling, Bluetooth radio connection, place to store music in car, possibly even a movie server, spot you could sync photos when on road trips, GPS vehicle tracking in case it's stolen, etc. etc. etc. I'd also like to build a custom inverter with plugs throughout the vehicle as well as rear bumper hookup say if you're camping. I have these ideas but haven't had the energy or resources to do it as of yet.

I LOVE this forum, this is literally my go to forum. It's awesome. There's SO much knowledge here.

I will post updates with my progress when the dongle comes in.

Those are some great ideas you have. Now you just need to figure out how to implement them.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Thanks @Tonyrodz I started building the Hands Free Calling and Bluetooth connection to stereo. Then life got the best of me :/ I think I have a thread somewhere for it. I'm a real estate broker by day, former consultant in aerospace industry, and really would love to get to what I actually went to school for designing cool circuit boards w/ awesome functionality. Hard to find time to do it though.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

@mattbta I got the VCX Nano in from VXDIAG. Wondering about returning it, I cannot figure out how to get PCM hammer to connect to it.

The tool came with software but instructions are dismally bad. They don't match any of the folders, no auto installer, etc. etc. etc. I think that aside I got it installed. The VX software loads and detects the scan tool. However, I cannot figure out how to select it in PCM hammer.

 

[mattbta]

Did you install the "PASSTHRU" component in VCX Manager? This installs the J-2534 driver which PCM Hammer will use.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

MISSED previous message.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

FML... Okay I finally figured out where the Passthrou was. Yeah it was in the VX manager.

I am testing everything on my 2001 Tahoe (same computer type)...

I connected to PCM with PCM Hammer. Went to tools -> Read Entire PCM and downloaded the PCM to my computer. That seemed to work fine.

Then I went to start the truck. It won't start. It fires over then dies immediately. I tried to read the PCM again and to "Read Properties" those work fine. But I cannot get truck to start

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Reading the PCM with PCM Hammer triggered the Theft Deterrent System. It's locking out my fuel. I get trouble code:

0x10: P1626 - Theft Deterrent Fuel Enable Signal Not Received (Current, History)


I don't know how to clear this out... Trying to sign up for a PCM Hacking forum where all the people are talking about PCM Hammer.. Searching their posts and cannot find this issue.

UPDATE: PCM Hammer triggered VATS when I read the PCM. I don't know if it created a conflict between BCM and PCM to do such as I read it in the truck. I searched internet w/ little luck on how to resolve issue other than typical parts darts advice. I decided to use HP Tuners to pull the config and check the VIN number didn't change.... It hadn't. However, HP Tuners reset everything after reading it and truck starts now. Disaster averted. It maybe risky to pull config using PCM hammer with PCM installed in vehicle, in the least this software isn't completely tested.

 

[mattbta]

That's wild. Glad you were able to get it sorted.

I haven't encountered that and hope not to. I did one read in vehicle of the 7603 OS and then one on bench after using SPS/Techline Connect to update to 6960 OS without issue. Maybe once Antus approves your account on pcmhacking, you can post. From my understanding, the program loads a custom kernel to the PCM, performs the read or write, then unloads the kernel.

It has been quite solid for P59 PCM's.

What version of PCM Hammer did you use? Recently there was a beta that had a rewritten kernel in a different language that hasn't been fully put through its paces.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Hopefully they approve my account soon. I'd love to share what happened. I couldn't' find any posts with similar issues.

I used PCM Hammer v21. Tried searching for older versions but wasn't having much luck.