Full reflash ?

[QUICKSILVER2002]

I read something about needing to use a special isolation tool when doing a full reflash(upgrade to a custom os). Is this really required? If so, where do you get it? Can you just make your own?

I think I read this from a dialog that pops up in the tool. I can't find any info on it in the documentation.

[Tordne]

It is not a requirement. I don't have one and have done full reflashes on my car more times that I care to admit :oops:

It is apparently a tool that isolates the PCM from the general bus, so that it "reduces" the likelihood that an interference will occur while performing the full reflash.

You may have seen posts on this forum about the resilience that EFILive has introduced to this whole procedure anyway. The is a period of about 10 seconds (I've found it to be slightly less) where some primary PCM code is overwritten. Other than that, provided that power is not removed from the PCM many instances of problems during a full reflash can be recovered.

Cheers,

[joecar]

Alternative is to hook up a battery charger to your car and hook up your laptop to a power outlet
(...of course in So. Cal. you may get a power black out anyway, so it doesn't matter...).

In any case, prevent interruptions by observing:
a. pull handbrake up before turning ignition (turns off DRL),
b. keep doors closed,
c. keep all accessories off (windows, stereo, interior/exterior lights...).

[QUICKSILVER2002]

It sounds like most people get away with not using it. Anyone had a problem?

[TAQuickness]

I haven't had a problem doing full reflashes in the car.

[jsttry]

I've never had a problem with mine. I saw one of the earlier versions of Flashscan have a problem flashing a CAL into a car that had anti-rust protection which sends an electric pulse every few seconds. This would then stuff up the write process.

[Highlander]

jaja.. it will shut down the radio if you have it on.... you can do anything with the car while flashing :)

[GMPX]

If you generally have no problems doing a normal flash then you are probably going to be fine.
There is alot of safeguards in Flashscan in the event of a full flash failure, however nothing in life is a 100% guarantee.

The 'Star' connector simply isolates the PCM from other modules on the data bus like On-Star, BCM, HVAC etc, it basically reduces the chances of something talking on the data bus during a flash and halting the process.

Do I own one?, no.

Cheers,
Ross

[ToplessTexan]

That would be the Serial Data Link Tester, J 42236-A. I ran across a simple isolater that somebody had cobbled up once upon a time but can't find it now. :( I think LPE has/had one that they shipped w/ their handheld.

[deezel]

The PCM may also be isolated during a full reflash by using a PCM bench harness. The PCM is disconnected from the rest of the vehicle, and only the power and comms pins are connected through the harness.

[bK]

If you generally have no problems doing a normal flash then you are probably going to be fine.
There is alot of safeguards in Flashscan in the event of a full flash failure, however nothing in life is a 100% guarantee.


What happens if you killed a PCM previously with the use of LS1 EDIT? Are you more acceptable to problems? I've got 2001 Holden SS UTE

Once bitten twice shy.

[Blacky]

What happens if you killed a PCM previously with the use of LS1 EDIT? Are you more acceptable to problems? I've got 2001 Holden SS UTE

Once bitten twice shy.
Utes were tricky in the beginning, but we've solved the ute reflashing issues.

Do you still have the dead PCM? The EFILive reflash software will most likely recover it for you - then you'll have a spare :)

The cal only reflash is 100% safe.
The full reflash has a very small window of failure, about 5-10 seconds at the start of the procedure. Once the flash is past that mark (the traffic light turns from red to yellow), then you are safe even if the worst happens.


Regards
Paul

[Blacky]

You should also use the [Test] button in the full reflash and cal only reflash. If the test is successful then the real reflash will be successful.
The test mimics the reflash process exactly, except it does not alter the PCM and cannot damage the PCM.
That should give you peace of mind.

Regards
Paul

[bK]

Utes were tricky in the beginning, but we've solved the ute reflashing issues.

Do you still have the dead PCM? The EFILive reflash software will most likely recover it for you - then you'll have a spare :)

The cal only reflash is 100% safe.
The full reflash has a very small window of failure, about 5-10 seconds at the start of the procedure. Once the flash is past that mark (the traffic light turns from red to yellow), then you are safe even if the worst happens.


Regards
Paul

Paul,

Thanks I will give the TEST a go. I do have the dead PCM, (thanks to Ross for the new PCM), Ross mention the other day that I could resurrect the dead PCM, but Ross mention it will take 1 of my licenses.

Besides being a big ugly paperweight there is nothing else I can do with the dead PCM? Is worth anything to anyone?

Cheers,
Brett

[TAQuickness]

Paul,

Thanks I will give the TEST a go. I do have the dead PCM, (thanks to Ross for the new PCM), Ross mention the other day that I could resurrect the dead PCM, but Ross mention it will take 1 of my licenses.

Besides being a big ugly paperweight there is nothing else I can do with the dead PCM? Is worth anything to anyone?

Cheers,
Brett

pm sent...