Bricked my PCM- What to do?

[67RsCamaroVette]

I bricked my 99 Trans Am PCM last night, trying to full flash with just a jumper box on the battery.. damn thing locked up right after the flash and won't respond worth a damn.. It runs, but it can't be reflashed. Can I get any 99-07 LS1 style PCM and flash my COS5 into it? :doh2: I was thinking about buying one of the ones off eBay for $100 shipped.. that program the VIN into the pcm before they ship it. Do I need to buy a new license if I do that? Other option is going to junkyard and buying one out of a Blazer/S10 (my 03 blazer PCM is the same Delphi PCM, i'm pretty sure I can full flash it to the LS1 OS).. What do you guys do when you brick one?

[joecar]

It runs, but it doesn't flash...?

[67RsCamaroVette]

It runs very poorly. It says "Bootloader rejected, bla bla bla.. " I tried reinstalling software for two hours, trying different versions etc, to no avail. I tried every variation of flashing, pulling fuses (did lots of searching), tried flashing with V8 after converting tuning file from .tun, recovery, flashing with key $FFFF, etc etc. I swapped the PCM from my other car (also a '99) and it simulated flash successfully first try. It simply won't boot. If you know a way to recover it, I'm all ears. I kinda want to get a 411 PCM if it will work, because with COS5, its a pain flashing the conversion OS, then moving all the calibrations over one at a time. It'll save time if i can actually use it.

Until then..
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a334/master__olly/4733c616.jpg

[joecar]

I pm'd Tech Support for further guidance.

...

When you try flashing, you see a text log, can you copy/paste that here (in the box do ctrl-A, ctrl-C, and then paste it in a reply here).

[Taz]

Ouch !! Best to charge the vehicle battery prior to tuning (disconnect the charger before beginning) and run the Notebook / Netbook computer on its internal battery.

Try powering both the battery and ignition voltage circuits of the PCM. Then disconnect the battery power circuits - while leaving the ignition circuits powered. After a few seconds remove all power to the PCM. This may reset the PCM (if recoverable).


Regards,
Taz

[Taz]

... Can I get any 99-07 LS1 style PCM and flash my COS5 into it?

1999-2002 are 512Kb LS1-B PCMs. 2003-2007 (classic) are 1Mb LS1-B PCMs. These two groups of PCMs are not compatible (i.e. cannot flash a 512Kb tune into a 1Mb PCM)


... Other option is going to junkyard and buying one out of a Blazer/S10 (my 03 blazer PCM is the same Delphi PCM, i'm pretty sure I can full flash it to the LS1 OS) ...

A 2003 S-truck PCM is a 1Mb LS1-B style.

I had overlooked these comments in my first response - if you tried to flash a 512Kb tune into a 1Mb PCM then it is a brick.


Regards,
Taz

[67RsCamaroVette]

I'll plug it back in and give it a shot. It says PCM connection OK, it also says that it has no calibration, and I get the endless Bootloader rejected,
"retrying in 1 second" string. I'm going to the JY tomorrow and looking for a pre-03 PCM. Will a V6 one work from a grand prix etc?

[67RsCamaroVette]

if you tried to flash a 512Kb tune into a 1Mb PCM then it is a brick.


Even though I bricked this one, I know the no-no's of tuning (low battery voltage (duh), ETC tables, severely out of limit calibrations, etc etc..) And I learned about ground offsets during my LC1 days (shudder), so I don't use an inverter... As for testing, I didn't actually flash to the other PCM, no sense wasting a license I don't have on a POS blazer. I have used 6 licenses, I don't have any more. If I could transfer the license, I will be eternally grateful. I'll try the ignition trick tomorrow AM. I threw a fresh battery on the car and have it on a 2A trickle.

[67RsCamaroVette]

I found a folder with 29 BLX files that appear to have been made during my flashing attempts.. from 5Pm - 10Pm.. How do I read those?

The orange light (second from the right) flashes quite a bit when IGN is on, I don't know if that means anything or not. Scan software can connect to the PCM, so there's something there.. I just wish I could reflash it.

[Taz]

... I'm going to the JY tomorrow and looking for a pre-03 PCM. Will a V6 one work from a grand prix etc? ...

512Kb LS1-B PCM

1999-2002 truck/SUV (some 1999 & 2000 - 2500/3500 series still used the Vortec "black box" PCM)
2001-2002 full size van (Express / Savana)
2001-2002 S-truck / Astro / Safari van (with 4.3L)
1999-2002 Camaro (V8) / Corvette
Might be some others that don't come to mind ...


Regards,
Taz

[67RsCamaroVette]

Got it! I'll be able to find one no problem. I'll buy one in the AM, and If I can save my stock one, I'll keep this one, license it as a spare in case I do this again. I'll keep the receipt in case my doorstop decides it prefers to be a doorstop.

[67RsCamaroVette]

I found a folder with 29 BLX files that appear to have been made during my flashing attempts.. from 5Pm - 10Pm.. How do I read those?

[Tordne]

The BLX files are used by EFILive to trace/debug the read/flash attempt. Email me (support@efilive):
1) Your FlashScan V2 Serial Number and Auth Code (as per this article (http://support.efilive.com/kb_article.php?ref=2143-YUOG-8049) - I'm sure you are familiar anyway)
2) The receipt for a new PCM
3) The first failed flash attempt BLX file if you can identity by date/time stamp (see this article (http://support.efilive.com/kb_article.php?ref=8254-QOGC-9586) for more info).

If it all check out we'll issue a complementary VIN license no problem.

Cheers,

[67RsCamaroVette]

Emailed BLX files!

[67RsCamaroVette]

18:35:15.192: Scanning for EFILive FlashScan V2 USB
18:35:15.204: Autodetect interface ...
18:35:16.914: Interface not detected
18:35:17.516: Scanning for EFILive FlashScan V2 HAPI
18:35:17.527: Autodetect interface ...
18:35:17.742: Interface firmware version: 2.7.22
18:35:17.744: Connection to [FSV2] interface is OK
18:35:17.951: USB driver version: 4.0.0
18:35:17.953: USB library version: 3.1.18
18:35:17.959: Interface firmware model: FSV2
18:35:17.965: Interface firmware model: FSV2
18:35:17.971: Interface firmware version: 2.7.22
18:35:17.979: Interface firmware date: Aug 23, 2011
18:35:17.984: FlashScan serial number: 003657394804
18:35:17.990: FlashScan license number: 003657394804
18:35:18.001: Disconnecting ...
18:35:18.382: CAN-VPW Bridge Deactivated
18:35:18.384: Disconnected
18:35:18.980: Scanning for EFILive FlashScan V2 USB
18:35:18.992: Autodetect interface ...
18:35:20.685: Interface not detected
18:35:21.272: Scanning for EFILive FlashScan V2 HAPI
18:35:21.288: Autodetect interface ...
18:35:21.504: Interface firmware version: 2.7.22
18:35:21.507: Connection to [FSV2] interface is OK
18:35:21.514: CAN-VPW Bridge Activated
18:35:21.570: Current protocol set to: "SAE J1850 VPW"
18:35:21.571: Autodetect PCM...
18:35:21.619: Connection to PCM is OK
18:35:21.625: Current protocol: "SAE J1850 VPW"
18:35:21.832: USB driver version: 4.0.0
18:35:21.834: USB library version: 3.1.18
18:35:21.840: Interface firmware model: FSV2
18:35:21.846: Interface firmware model: FSV2
18:35:21.852: Interface firmware version: 2.7.22
18:35:21.860: Interface firmware date: Aug 23, 2011
18:35:21.865: FlashScan serial number: 003657394804
18:35:21.872: FlashScan license number: 003657394804
18:35:22.151: Getting status...
18:35:22.179: Status: OK.
18:35:23.198: Bootloader version: PCM32v1.9F (080A-5B97)
18:35:23.199: Preparing PCM for reflash...
18:35:23.224: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:25.460: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:26.720: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:27.943: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:29.196: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:30.426: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:31.684: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:33.920: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:36.155: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:37.417: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:38.640: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:39.845: PCM may not be secured - did not reply to seed request
18:35:39.847: Initializing PCM...
18:35:40.618: Initializing PCM, step 1 of 4
18:35:40.619: Initializing PCM, step 2 of 4
18:35:41.386: Initializing PCM, step 3 of 4
18:35:42.444: Initializing PCM, step 4 of 4
18:35:47.449: No response from PCM. Retry 1...
18:35:47.589: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:49.818: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:52.048: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:54.277: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:55.539: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:57.766: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:35:59.996: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:36:01.257: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:36:03.493: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:36:04.766: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:36:07.000: Not ready, waiting 1 second for retry...
18:36:08.207: PCM may not be secured - did not reply to seed request
18:36:08.209: Initializing PCM...
18:36:08.976: Initializing PCM, step 1 of 4
18:36:08.977: Initializing PCM, step 2 of 4
18:36:09.759: Initializing PCM, step 3 of 4
18:36:10.811: Initializing PCM, step 4 of 4
18:36:15.825: No response from PCM. Retry 2...
18:36:21.036: PCM is in an unknown state.
18:36:23.140: Clear emisison related DTCs...
18:36:23.174: Clear DTCs for all modules...
18:36:23.940: Disconnecting ...
18:36:24.327: CAN-VPW Bridge Deactivated
18:36:24.329: Disconnected
18:36:24.331: Data transfer was interrupted.
18:36:25.274: Done!

[Tordne]

I don't suppose you have a PCM harness that you can flash out of the vehicle by chance? You could try this in the vehicle but you'd need to have a battery charger connected...

Development have looked at the provided debug and your PCM has gone into a strange state whereby it isn't returning a response to a given command. We're not totally sure what the timeout is i terms of time, but we think if you were to leave the PCM turned on (ignition on for either 3 or 20 hours) and attempt a flash it might actually recover. We can't guarantee it of course, but it's something to try of you wanted to attempt to recover that PCM.