PC BASED ECM TOOLS INSTALL
PC BASED ECM TOOLS SOFTWARE

Fewer diagnostic routines made for more reliable software code and fewer false-DTCs or driveability problems. Another reason for slow PROM sales was the overall simplicity of diagnostic routines in these older pre-OBD II ECMs. Technicians would rarely special-order a PROM for a TSB update, for if the replacement PROM didnвЂ™t fix the problem, the customer was either stuck with the bill for the part (including freight charges) or faced a tough return policy. For this reason alone, PROMs were never big sellers, despite calls for new updates in TSBs. Imagine trying to stock PROMs for all makes and models. A 1990 Chevy Lumina with a 3.1L V6 has at least 28 different PROMs. With the older-style PROMS, carrying stock was not an option for parts stores as there were too many part numbers. The next step in technology was the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). These EPROMs were a step up, but the erasing of the software on the EPROM required that it be removed from the ECM and placed under an intense ultraviolet light source, then reprogrammed using a special programming system. With newer technology came the EPROM, or erasable programmable read-only memory.

PC BASED ECM TOOLS INSTALL

If you wanted a different calibration or an update to address a TSB, you were forced to buy a new PROM and install it in the ECM. After the PROM was programmed with a certain calibration, that was it вЂ“ you couldnвЂ™t change the software anymore. The older PROMs were only programmable once. The software calibration within the PROM provides the proper вЂњtuningвЂќ for the engine. These engines may be similar in architecture (like the Camaro 5.0L HO and Corvette 5.7L TPI, both V8s) but different in specification (different camshaft lift/duration, different EGR valves/ports, different fuel injector sizes and flow rates, etc.), or the engines may be of different architecture, like the four-cylinder in the 2.5L S-10. By changing the PROM, we can make the same computer properly control different engines.

To clarify this a little further, letвЂ™s take a look at the software structure within the ECM. The PROM contains the calibration software for the ECM. The only difference (aside from the vehicle wiring harness pin population) was the PROM. This ECM was used on the 1989 S-10 truck with the 2.5L four cylinder, the вЂ™89 Camaro with the 5.0L HO V8 and the вЂ™89 Corvette with the 5.7L Tuned-Port V8 engine. For example, in 1989, Chevrolet used one engine control module, P/N 1227165, to control three different engines. The PROM chip is used to calibrate the ECM so that it is configured to run a particular engine. Naturally, this short list does not describe the entire contents of the ECM, but what is important to our understanding of flashing is the PROM part of the ECM. They have a microprocessor, built-in random access memory (RAM), signal-conditioning chips (for sensor inputs), output transistor/drivers (for actuating ignition coils and fuel injectors) and a programmable read-only memory-type chip (PROM) for calibration purposes. Going back to the basics, you know that all automotive engine and powertrain control modules (PCMs) are essentially small-sized, dedicated computers. Before we get into what it takes to flash ECMs, letвЂ™s take a closer look at what flashing really is, why it is utilized on virtually all late-model cars and why this is such a great opportunity for repair shops. In case youвЂ™re on the technological slow boat, вЂњflashingвЂќ refers to reprogramming automotive engine control modules (ECMs). I think we can all agree that the first group is far better off, and the only thing we need to expose is the benefits of this new вЂњflashingвЂќ technology. These repair solutions will cover more than six-million vehicles on the road today.Дavid Hirschhorn, Director of Brand Management In a 45-minute webinar sponsored by CRP Automotive, the company that brings you Rein Automotive, we will cover six common cooling system repairs on BMW, Audi and VW vehicles. These solutions can simplify a repair and protect against future failures. These parts can create a win/win situation for your shop and customers when dealing with todayвЂ™s vehicleвЂ™s complexity and longevity. Some replacement parts can be better than the original parts. It could be hoses, plastic couplings or water pumps. Have you ever noticed many European cars and SUVs no longer have coolant replacement intervals listed in the service information? This could be due to cooling systems requiring service or component replacement prior to that interval. Sponsored By CRP Automotive, the company that brings you REIN Automotive

Pc based ecm tools