Vin Problems

[ProdigyAuto]

Hey everyone. I have a 2005 ls1 computer that we've been trying to swap the vin over in. We have tried in both the tuner and the scanner both with no luck. The rest of the info in the tune flashes fine, except the vin, that always reverts back. Both in the tuner and the scanner. We even swapped os and still same thing. One thing we found odd is there was no counter for key off that is generated in the scanner when you change it....is that normal? Any help much appreciated.

[Taz]

What is the Service Number on the PCM ?

What OS are you working with ?

Are you trying to enter a non-GM VIN ?

Has the PCM ever been flashed with other software ?

[ProdigyAuto]

The service number is 12589463 . The os is 05120002 now, before it was 12592618. I am trying to enter a infinity vin into it, and yes we have flashed it with hp tuners in the past.

[Taz]

OK ... that is a 2005 PCM and a 2005 COS - so that should be good.

HPT doesn't usually shred the VIN or other module data (some other softwares may) - so that should be good.

Does the Infinity VIN feature the same number of characters as the GM VIN ? (have no idea about Infinity products). If not, you may have to try using a leading zero(s) as placeholders - if the Infinity VIN has fewer characters than the GM VIN. If the Infinity VIN has more characters than the GM VIN - then this will not work at all.

[ProdigyAuto]

They both have 17 characters

[Taz]

OK ... I have never tried what you are attempting, so I'm not 100% sure if it will work.

Connect your V2 to the vehicle, and your laptop. Turn the vehicle ignition key to the "Run" position. Open the latest version of your tune using the V7 software. Click on the "Configure PCM locking and/or perform VATS relink" icon near the top of the screen. When the sub-menu opens - select the LS1-B PCM from the drop-down menu - then click the "Check status" button. Then select the VIN tab. Follow the prompts to change the VIN. You may get a pop-up message regarding the Check Digit being incorrect. Once the VIN has been changed - turn the ignition off for 1 minute (the instructions may state for at least 30 seconds).

[joecar]

Do what Taz said, and copy/paste the text log so we can see what it did.

[ProdigyAuto]

Tried that a few times already but just tried it again for shits and giggles....same. no change.

[ProdigyAuto]

11:08:52.968: Scanning for EFILive FlashScan V2 HAPI
11:08:52.978: Autodetect interface ...
11:08:53.088: Interface firmware version: 2.7.82
11:08:53.098: Connection to [FSV2] interface is OK
11:08:53.098: CAN-VPW Bridge Activated
11:08:53.158: Current protocol set to: "SAE J1850 VPW"
11:08:53.158: Autodetect PCM...
11:08:53.208: Connection to PCM is OK
11:08:53.208: Current protocol: "SAE J1850 VPW"
11:08:53.318: USB driver version: 2.8.40
11:08:53.318: USB library version: 3.2.7
11:08:53.318: Interface firmware model: FSV2
11:08:53.328: Interface firmware version: 2.7.82
11:08:53.338: Interface firmware date: Apr 10, 2015
11:08:53.338: FlashScan serial number: 005000564132
11:08:53.348: FlashScan license number: 005000564132
11:08:53.498: Getting status...
11:08:53.528: Status: OK.
11:08:53.528: Request VIN...
11:08:53.628: VIN: 1GCEK19B55E174764
11:08:54.108: Request serial number...
11:08:54.178: Serial number: 0NA0ABJ84296
11:08:54.648: Request operating system...
11:08:54.678: Operating system: 5120002
11:08:55.098: Request GM BCC...
11:08:55.118: GM BCC: MOD2
11:08:55.538: Request GM VAT/IGN Cycles...
11:08:55.558: GM VAT/IGN cycles: 0
11:08:55.988: Analysing security...
11:08:56.008: PCM seed is: $36B1
11:08:56.008: Unlock attempt 1 of 1
11:08:56.128: Security analysis complete.
11:08:56.128: Ready
11:10:31.233: PCM seed is: $36B1
11:10:31.243: Unlock attempt 1 of 1
11:10:31.363: Clear emisison related DTCs...
11:10:31.383: Clear DTCs for all modules...
11:10:31.913: Update VIN...


Here is the data from the tuner log

[Taz]

In the VIN / BCC tab ... make sure the both the "Clear DTCs" box and "Send Seed/key" box are unchecked (i.e. no check mark).

[ProdigyAuto]

we have tried it both ways checked and unchecked....just did it again same thing no change.

[ProdigyAuto]

Anyone got anything to go on...I emailed efi live before i purchased it and specifically asked about this specific vin swap....they said no problem. This is a problem. Did i just get told what i wanted to hear to get a product sale? Now that we have emailed back and forth with them about the problem, they are not replying....never had this problem with hp tuners they are jonny on the spot with fixing bugs or odd issues and never just ignore you. Anyone else had this issue?

[ScarabEpic22]

I'd start with the latest software and FSV2 firmware. I've changed many VINs with my V2 and haven't had any issues, what is the Infinity VIN you're trying to use?

Also, what PCM and what is the OS? I see 1"1:08:54.678: Operating system: 5120002" which isnt a valid OS I believe.

[Taz]

Hi Erik,

It is a 2005 COS.

[Taz]

Anyone got anything to go on...I emailed efi live before i purchased it and specifically asked about this specific vin swap....they said no problem. This is a problem. Did i just get told what i wanted to hear to get a product sale? Now that we have emailed back and forth with them about the problem, they are not replying....never had this problem with hp tuners they are jonny on the spot with fixing bugs or odd issues and never just ignore you. Anyone else had this issue?

You realize EFILive is based in Australia and New Zealand .... bit a time difference.

If HPT was so good to you, why didn't you use HPT to change the VIN ? Oh, that's right, because they charge a huge amount of money to allow a VIN change - you need at least a Year / Model license to do this, or an unlimited license.

EFILive does not charge you anything to change the VIN - pretty nice of them.

So rather than whining, how about problem solving ?

I have used EFILive to reprogram the VIN on LS1-B PCMs, E38 and E67 ECMs, and T42 and T43 TCMs - without issue.

So ....

Is the PCM in a vehicle, or are you trying to change the VIN on a bench ?

[schwoch1]

If you are bench flashing this unit you have to use a key on power also. You just can't disconnect all power to the PCM when done flashing. You have to turn the 'key' off, wait 10 seconds or so, than disconnect the battery power. I got hung up on this one a while back trying to change the VIN on a LS1-B PCM.

BTW... the way you describe EFI Live staff here is the same exact way I was treated by the HP Tuners staff years ago. No one is perfect! Give them a chance.

Hope this helps.

Mike

[ProdigyAuto]

Thanks for help. We will pull the computer out and make sure that its not dropping all the voltage with key off. FWIW its been over 48 hrs since the last email response, is this normal, and should we just search/post to the forum for all future issues?

[Taz]

I don't know for certain, but I have a sense that EFILive is a much smaller company than HPT. On the upside, EFILive has led a lot of innovation. They pioneered the Gen 4 VVE tables nearly 10 years ago - HPT is just adding these tables now. EFILive also discovered the Gen 4 Torque Model - which HPT added shortly thereafter. On the downside, with fewer staff it may take longer to receive email support - especially if any of the staff are away.

It is no secret that EFILive is my software of preference - it is rock solid stable, and I think has the most user friendly Scanner.

It can't hurt to send a follow-up email after a few days have passed - just in case the original got lost in the shuffle. The EFILive staff are also diligent in checking threads on this Forum and helping out when necessary.

OK ... on to problem solving ...

The VIN not being permanently changed could be a power cycling issue, a software installation issue, or an issue of incompatibility (doubtful).

As schwoch1 (Mike) correctly explained, the PCM saves the VIN after ignition voltage has been removed - battery voltage must be maintained during this period. With a Bench Harness the ignition voltage must be controlled with a switch (I use switches for both ignition and battery voltage). Battery voltage must be supplied to C1 (Blue) pin 20 (pin 57 could also be wired - but is not absolutely necessary). Ignition voltage must be supplied to C1 (Blue) pin 19 (pin 75 could also be wired - but is not absolutely necessary).

When I change a VIN (or Full-Flash a controller) on a bench, I follow this power cycle sequence: When prompted turn the ignition voltage OFF (for 1 minute) while maintaining battery voltage. Then turn the ignition voltage back ON for 1 minute. Then turn the ignition voltage OFF again for 1 minute. Then turn the battery voltage OFF (or remove the controller from the Bench Harness). This is not strictly necessary for all controllers, but it is a good practice to get into.

Initial software installation could also be an issue. With Windows 7 or newer, you must install the software as the Administrator. On the V7 (and V8) *.exe file, right-click and select "Run as Administrator". During the installation process check the "all users" box when prompted. Once the software is loaded, right-click on the V7 (and V8) icons on your desktop, and set the programs up to be "Run as Administrator" by all users.

The Infinity VIN itself could be the problem, but this doubtful. Your PCM currently has a Truck VIN in it - as a test, try changing this to a different Truck VIN.

If you want, send me a PM with the Infinity VIN, and I will try it here on a bench.

[Taz]

Sorry ... forgot to mention that you need to have made at least 10 posts for your PM account to activate.

[GMPX]

With the LS1 style PCM (actually this applies to all) when the VIN is changed through the tune/scantool (or other means) the PCM only writes that new VIN permanently to the flash memory when the Ignition is turned off, but to do that it needs the +12V Battery connection as well. If you are doing this in a car / truck then that should be fine, however often with a bench harness people don't have a separate IGN switch / Battery +12V feed, if that is the case then the VIN will never update. This is usually the problem with a VIN change not sticking. Taz pretty much nailed it in his post above.
EFILive does not care about the VIN, you can put your name in there if you wanted to.
The clear DTC discussion within this thread relates to ECM's from about 2010 and later, it doesn't apply to the LS1 style PCM.

[ProdigyAuto]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH....finally got the car back to the front of the list. Sure enough the constant 12v was switched. The vin change worked like a dream as soon as we got that straitened out. Sorry to ruffle any feathers. Whenever i have trouble in the future i will definitely turn here first. Once again thank you all so much, we were beating our head against the wall with this one. Sometimes you cant see the forrest for the trees. cheers..