LS1B 8.1/4l85 with failed hypertech tune assistance

[Phil_Miller_86]

Background: I am in Nevada, USA (pacific time zone). I bought an 04 Avalanche 2500 with the 8.1 and the 4l85 trans. I *think* this is the LS1B ECM(?) The previous owner lifted it, slapped 35's on it and regeared to 4.56 front/rear. He used a Hypertech to adjust the shift points and account for the gear ratio/tire size.

I have a flash scan v2 I bought years ago when I had a previous truck tuned, so I grabbed some data logs. Then I realized, the Hypertech probably pulled bunk data so it would be best to de-tune with the hypertech before getting good logs for EFILive tuning.

I went to uninstall the hypertech tune and it failed to re-write the stock tune multiple times, giving code 8E and saying to call hypertech (they are closed weekends). The truck won't start now, and is parked on the street in front of my house. I don't really want to pay a tow truck to take it to the dealer if this is a simple procedure I can do with this device I have already paid for.

I pulled out my old computer, updated the EFILive software, the Flash Scan Firmware, bought a new VIN license and tried to read the tune that is on the truck. The result shows there is an invalid checksum in speedometer segment 8. I don't know where that is, or how to fix it. I exported the speedometer data into a CSZ file(?) but it looks like gibberish in notepad and I wouldn't know how to save it anyways.

Instead, I tried to modify some of the speedometer values that seemed waaaaay out of range (e.g. tire size = 11138.84"). I compared the data to some old tune info, and some files I found here, but the PCM wouldn't take my tune.

I've searched and read, and I feel like I'm fairly close to getting this resolved, especially if I can get a good stock file and change the VIN to match mine, or if I can read what this segment value is and modify it to something that works. I've read that there might be more in-depth solutions like updating the OS to the newer version and copying over my engine data, but this is really the first time I've done anything other than move tunes around from email to the truck.

Any assistance would be helpful, and I appreciate the time you took to read this post.

(I will have to post a few more times before I can upload files, I think)

[Phil_Miller_86]

2388623890

[Phil_Miller_86]

This is the only file I have from the PCM and it contains an error.

23889

[Phil_Miller_86]

Update: I called Hypertech customer support about my experience and the code E8 that popped up on the tool. Dude said 'that code means the device needs to be replaced. we don't stock them or service them anymore, so you would have to have the dealership reflash it and buy a new device'.

My insurance covers the tow to the dealership and they are going to try to squeeze it in this week (there's a 3-4 week wait for service appointments).

I'd much rather just flash a new OS on it and call it good. I could even order a new PCM and install it before their appointment time opens up.

[In-Tech]

I have this in my archives, maybe it will help. I do NOT know the history of this file so adjust accordingly. :lookaround:23892

[joecar]

Subscribing...

[Phil_Miller_86]

Update:

I towed the truck to the dealership, the tech says he tried to reflash it, but the tune wouldn't take. I don't know how their system works, or what tool or mode or method he used, but I overheard him say "a flash isn't going to fix it". The service advisor said the tech was deep into a corvette right now, but would try to get back to diagnosing mine after lunch.

Looks like I still need to find (or configure) a stock tune file and load it myself in their parking lot so I can drive it home. Either that, or I order a new PCM from someone online? I'm supposed to be hauling a trailer for my move to washington this week, not sitting around hoping my truck gets fixed.

[Phil_Miller_86]

I have this in my archives, maybe it will help. I do NOT know the history of this file so adjust accordingly. :lookaround:23892

I appreciate your assistance here with a tune file. I don't know enough about this process to tell if the values look reasonable or safe for my vehicle but at this point I'm willing to try just about anything. I'm sure the dealership is going to want buku bucks to install a new PCM, and that's if they can source one.

I am currently trying to modify this file you sent to match my known information (I changed the VIN, the gear ratio, and the values in the speedometer settings to match my measured 33.5" tall tires). I noticed this file has a newer/higher number OS so I'm hoping that is a good thing and it will help me out.

I imagine I'm going to try a full-flash, any tips for me to prevent totally bricking the module?

[Phil_Miller_86]

Update:

I went to the dealership to try and flash this tune onto the truck. I plugged it in and turned the key, but got only a check engine light. nothing else, no needle movement or lights or anything.

I asked the service advisor what they did to my truck, and they said they had problems reading the PCM and it wouldn't take a tune, so they 'removed the vin' from it and are waiting for GM to call back and advise them about connecting to it through some other method(?) which they say has about a 50/50 success rate. Sounds like incompetence or unwillingness to work on it to me but hey, what do I know.

So I had what was probably a recoverable controller but they messed it up and now I need a new one. I ordered one from some place in florida that should be here early next week, so at least I should have resolution. i'll need a new vin license so I can fix the gear ratio and tire size and wasted $160 taking it to the dealer, but at least I'll be able to get it running.

[Phil_Miller_86]

I picked up the truck today, the battery was completely dead, so thanks for that dealership. I received shipping notification of my replacement PCM so it will be here in about 16 hours. I took the battery back to the auto parts store to be charged (hopefully replaced under warranty) and removed the PCM from the truck. Hopefully I can get my EFI live license replaced so I can tune this one after I save a stock file. haha

[1FastBrick]

This is the only file I have from the PCM and it contains an error.

23889

23901
This should be the latest OEM base file for you based on the Vin number from the file you provided. Hope this helps! :thumb_yello:

[Phil_Miller_86]

Update:

I received my new PCM in the mail and installed it. I had to do the passkey learn process like three times because the tutorials didn't say I had to try and start it each time to get the light to come on.

It idles kinda rough, and I haven't done the crank learn yet because it's kinda late to be revving up to 4000rpm.

I was able to pull a stock tune file(!) so I have something to start with. I need to adjust the tire size and gear ratio to keep from cooking the tranny while I drive it around and get all the systems ready for logging and tuning.

[Supercharged111]

Update:

I received my new PCM in the mail and installed it. I had to do the passkey learn process like three times because the tutorials didn't say I had to try and start it each time to get the light to come on.

It idles kinda rough, and I haven't done the crank learn yet because it's kinda late to be revving up to 4000rpm.

I was able to pull a stock tune file(!) so I have something to start with. I need to adjust the tire size and gear ratio to keep from cooking the tranny while I drive it around and get all the systems ready for logging and tuning.

Obvious question, but was the stock tune file for an 8.1? I only ask because I feel like it shouldn't idle rough.

[Phil_Miller_86]

Obvious question, but was the stock tune file for an 8.1? I only ask because I feel like it shouldn't idle rough.

It was put on the PCM by the company that sold it to me based on my VIN. In the very beginning it's a little stumble, the RPM's dip, and then it comes back up.

[Phil_Miller_86]

23931

Can someone with some experience take a look at this and tell me if it looks reasonable/safe?

I tried to copy the hypertech-tuned transmission data over from the bad speedo file to the new stock file that was on the PCM, with my calculated speedometer values. The old trans data is from an older operating system, so I don't know if it's okay to put that data on the new PCM running the newer OS?

I'm moving this week, towing a trailer ~700 miles and don't want to burn my tranny up with bad data (stock or otherwise).

[Phil_Miller_86]

23901
This should be the latest OEM base file for you based on the Vin number from the file you provided. Hope this helps! :thumb_yello:

I thought I posted a reply to thank you, but I don't see it here. I appreciate your help, Thank you.

[joecar]

Use the V7 scantool.to write the VIN.

Why did you have to replace the PCM?

Don't go to the dealer for PCM flashing... they are instructed to lookup the factory bulletins and flash what the bulletins indicate (from the factory database) and/or to replace the PCM (you don't know what they actually did).

[joecar]

I'll look at your files when I get home from work (next Tuesday).