E38 problems

[MudDuck514]

Hi all;

I can just imagine a faulty update being pushed out that leaves people stranded in the middle of a busy highway!

Mike

[ironduke]

Hi all;

I can just imagine a faulty update being pushed out that leaves people stranded in the middle of a busy highway!

Mike

Anyone else remember the hockey game where a Silverado was stuck on the ice after intermission because the nitwit sitting in the truck ok'd a radio update..
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/busin ... 164173002/

[BillNobody]

I recall something about that, sounds about right though. I have had big name scan tools improperly process a transmission relearn on both 6L's and 4T/6T series, leaving the vehicle in a no-movement state until a key cycle and 10 minutes or so passes. Good times.

Bill

[Cincinnatus]

Hey InTech, what are you using to write any year OS in e38's?

[Cincinnatus]

Bill, so when I've replaced or reprogrammed (using sps) modules on some of the global A vehicles listed in the linked article. It gave me an option to either reprogram, or replace and program the module. I've done it successfully in the past. Has something changed or was I lucky? Does the module need to be prepared by programming before it's installed in the new vehicle? I've heard sps doesn't like bench setup as it expects a complete car's worth of modules. Can't prep a module in the junkyard so makes replacement with used parts unlikely.

[BillNobody]

Cinncinattus,

From my understanding, Reprogram option is to update an existing module with a more current software version. Replace and Reprogram option is typically for new/ replacement modules needing to be flashed with the vehicle(i.e. VIN) specific options and calibrations. With that said, module swapping is not definitely an impossible task, but it can be. The issues can vary from chassis to chassis, so saying you will definitely have problems when swapping Global A modules may be arrogant. To say we all get lucky though, would be fair. I personally(professionally) have had issues when trying to program a used TECHM from a 6T40/45 when a used unit is installed. I have not had the opportunity to try reprogramming a used 6T40 TECHM since the launch of Techline Connect, but I expect similar results. We always end up swapping the old TECHM from the old unit to the "new" unit after verifying it did not have any obvious solenoid or internal connection failures.

As for bench (re)programming through Techline Connect, I have used my bench setup to reprogram a 2004 P04 3.4L v6 PCM without issue. I have not plugged in a CAN based module yet, so I can not say if (re)programming an E38 would be as successful or not. I was planning on hooking up a 2011 E38 I have so I will let you know possibly later today or tomorrow.

As for any year any OS on an E38, I am under the impression that there are specific hardware and software differences which makes using any year/OS interchangeably on 2007-2010 a bit misleading. I believe 2011-? may be more interchangeable than previous years though. I am open to correction on this as I am assuming the last bit.

Bill

[In-Tech]

Hey InTech, what are you using to write any year OS in e38's?

I use Tazzi's Envyous program and do a full clone including the parameters area, then I use TunerCat to write the slaves. Since TC doesn't write the parameters section it fubar's it when going from early years to later or visa versa. It appears the 2010+ e38's don't care as long as you are putting a 2010+ program in, the early one's are the rub.

[In-Tech]

Another thing to note is the sps will not update modules unless a new module from GM has been needed/updated. There is a lot of craziness going on with GM and updates and are really hard for custom applications. It's truly why the hacker type aftermarket is needed.

[Cincinnatus]

So I'm assuming a new module hasn't learned the vehicle specific serial number that article spoke about. Used modules won't work because the serial number won't match and supposedly can't be erased. There has to be a way to work around this problem so used modules can be swapped.

[BillNobody]

In-Tech, are you referring to Global A vehicles or just SPS2 in general? I haven't had any issues reprogramming the same PCM/TCM with the same OS/CAL via SPS2 on non-G.A. vehicles. SPS2 pops up a message box reminding the user that the same calibration file is about to be reprogrammed into the module, but you can "OK" out of that and proceed.

Bill