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.