Tech 2 PCM programming woes.....

[LBZDuraburb]

So I'm trying to figure out why Tech 2 clone is not programming modules. I keep getting "programming failed" messages and then it bricks the module/PCM. I bricked my original PCM trying to reprogram it to a newer calibration that's was available and then I got a used replacement PCM and bricked that one as well! Everything seems to do just fine when I request info from the PCM to the Tech 2, then connect the Tech 2 to the Tis2000 ToughBook workstation I have. I'm able to follow the prompts correctly in SPS in Tis2000 for remove and replace PCM and it shows the latest calibration that's available etc. and shows it successfully downloaded into the Tech 2. I then bring the Tech 2 back to the vehicle and start the download process normally and I get anywhere from 25-80% progress before it says "programming failed" and the PCM is bricked. Voltage is a rock solid GM recommended 13.4V as I have a Powermax 75amp charger/converter/power supply hooked up to the battery at all times throughout the programming. What is going on here? I'm at a loss and have zero faith in the programming ability of my Tech 2 now. I'm ready to throw it in the garbage. Do I have a bad unit? It seems to work flawlessly with all other Tech 2 functions besides SPS. The vehicle I'm trying to program is a 2006 Chevy Express 3500 van. I have now ordered a third PCM, this time from Flashmasters, that is supposedly programmed to my Vin that should get me back on the road but it kind of defeats the purpose of having a Tech 2 and is the whole reason I purchased the Tech 2 clone and Tis2000 workstation in the first place! I'm very demoralized at this point and open to any suggestions/help to prevent issues in the future.

 

[mrrsm]

It might be an issue with the Serial Port Transceiver misbehaving on the Toughbook...or even their Default BAUD Rates being TOO LOW ... that cause these issues, Visit THIS Thread shown below and view Post #80 and Post #98 for the recommended (proven) USB TO DB-9 Adapter (Very Stable) Version to use. @Mooseman 's entire Thread is worth knowing on this Topic:

Amazon.com : keyspan usa-19h

Tripp-Lite KeySpan Model# USA-19HS


See Post #98 in THIS Thread for the Nitty-Gritty and a Real Word Case that was solved by using it:

Thread 'Computer and Tis2000 setup for Tech2'

May 30, 2015

A lot of info I found over at SaabCentral but it is just a giant thread to read through although a lot of the info is on the first page. And a lot doesn't apply since it's geared towards Saab (even the 9-7x doesn't apply, it's under GM).

So you have a Tech2 but a lot of the things you would like to do is locked out because you don't have access to the computer software to allow you to do it. Things like updating PCM's and modules and anything security related are locked out. If you bought one of the Tech2 clones, it probably came with a CD with the Tis2000 software. If you...

• Mooseman
• Replies: 127
• Forum: Tech 2

• 

 

[LBZDuraburb]

It might be an issue with the Transceiver issues on the Toughbook Serial Ports...or even their Default BAUD Rates that cause these issues, Visit THIS Thread and view Post #98 for the recommended (proven) one to use:

Tripp-Lite KeySpan Model# USA-19HS

View attachment 118396
See Post #98 in THIS Thread for the Nitty-Gritty and a Real Word Case that was solved by using it:

Thread 'Computer and Tis2000 setup for Tech2'

May 30, 2015

A lot of info I found over at SaabCentral but it is just a giant thread to read through although a lot of the info is on the first page. And a lot doesn't apply since it's geared towards Saab (even the 9-7x doesn't apply, it's under GM).

So you have a Tech2 but a lot of the things you would like to do is locked out because you don't have access to the computer software to allow you to do it. Things like updating PCM's and modules and anything security related are locked out. If you bought one of the Tech2 clones, it probably came with a CD with the Tis2000 software. If you...

• Mooseman
• Replies: 127
• Forum: Tech 2

• 

Thanks for the info. So even though it says that it was 100% downloaded to the Tech2 on the PC, this may not be the case?

It might be an issue with the Serial Port Transceiver misbehaving on the Toughbook...or even their Default BAUD Rates being TOO LOW ... that cause these issues, Visit THIS Thread shown below and view Post #98 for the recommended (proven) USB TO DB-9 Adapter (Very Stable) Version to use. @Mooseman 's entire Thread is worth knowing on this Topic:

Amazon.com : keyspan usa-19h

Tripp-Lite KeySpan Model# USA-19HS

View attachment 118396
See Post #98 in THIS Thread for the Nitty-Gritty and a Real Word Case that was solved by using it:

Thread 'Computer and Tis2000 setup for Tech2'

May 30, 2015

A lot of info I found over at SaabCentral but it is just a giant thread to read through although a lot of the info is on the first page. And a lot doesn't apply since it's geared towards Saab (even the 9-7x doesn't apply, it's under GM).

So you have a Tech2 but a lot of the things you would like to do is locked out because you don't have access to the computer software to allow you to do it. Things like updating PCM's and modules and anything security related are locked out. If you bought one of the Tech2 clones, it probably came with a CD with the Tis2000 software. If you...

• Mooseman
• Replies: 127
• Forum: Tech 2

• 

Just to clarify, I'm not using a serial port to USB adapter as my ToughBook has a serial port installed in it. Are you saying that I should use a Serial to USB adapter instead?

 

[mrrsm]

Here are your Two Tech 2 SPS Programming Error Images...Oriented and Cropped for EZR Viewing:



Yes... even when everything indicates a transfer of the SPS Calibration seems right...the slightest mishap with the BAUD Rates during these events can cause problems.

And...YES... Using the Tripp-Lite USB to DB-9 Device CAN make a difference. If you review the latter entries in the Linked Threads where folks were having similar issues before switching to the use of the TRIPP-LITE Adapter... their Testimonials will provide some additional confidence.

It is too bad that the Communications being affected between the Tech 2 RJ-45 Flat Cable and the Serial Port of the Laptop to where it plugs into the side of the Tech 2 are so finicky and delicate and sensitive to the slightest malfunction... but they ARE. Have you inspected the Flat Ribbon Cable Ends and along its length for any DAMAGE of Bent 12 K Gold Bent Pins? Being fastidious here may reveal some other contact issues that will not easily get discovered in any other manner,

Please make a thorough review of @Mooseman's Thread via the prior link and heed all the suggestions about cleaning terminals and ensuring ALL connections and Battery Stability and Power sourcing the Tech 2...Noting that instead of applying the AC/DC Power Plug to the Bottom-Base of the Tech 2 itself... Rather...Plug the AC/DC Adapter Power Cord into the Power Receptacle on the far end of the DLC to VCI Adapter Cable closest to the DLC Connector.

It would be BEST to power the Tech 2 from a FULLY Charged Truck Battery at the B+ and Negative Ground Posts, Check and replace the Cigarette Lighter Fuse(s) as the DLC may be powered from that Same Circuit on Pin 16 with Pins 4 & 5 providing Grounds to the Truck Frame and PCM independently. The purpose is to avoid any issues with "AC Ripple" causing interference during communicating Calibration Transfers,

Small issues can conspire against Folks if ALL the required Power and Cable Connections are not Checked... and Double Checked for Nominal DC Power and the Physical Confirmation of the Cable attachments to evolve into having a satisfying result with the Reading and Writing of the TIS2000 SPS Calibrations. Double Check that your PCM Part Numbers MATCH between the *BRICKED* OEM PCM and the Replacement PCM.


"Big Things... Have Small Beginnings..." David...From "Alien: Prometheus"

 

[LBZDuraburb]

Here are your Two Tech 2 SPS Programming Error Images...Oriented and Cropped for EZR Viewing:

View attachment 118397View attachment 118398

Yes... even when everything indicates a transfer of the SPS Calibration seems right...the slightest mishap with the BAUD Rates during these events can cause problems.

And...YES... Using the Tripp-Lite USB to DB-9 Device CAN make a difference. If you review the latter entries in the Linked Threads where folks were having similar issues before switching to the use of the TRIPP-LITE Adapter... their Testimonials will provide some additional confidence.

It is too bad that the Communications being affected between the Tech 2 RJ-45 Flat Cable and the Serial Port of the Laptop to where it plugs into the side of the Tech 2 are so finicky and delicate and sensitive to the slightest malfunction... but they ARE. Have you inspected the Flat Ribbon Cable Ends and along its length for any DAMAGE of Bent 12 K Gold Bent Pins? Being fastidious here may reveal some other contact issues that will not easily get discovered in any other manner,

Please make a thorough review of @Mooseman's Thread via the prior link and heed all the suggestions about cleaning terminals and ensuring ALL connections and Battery Stability and Power sourcing the Tech 2...Noting that instead of applying the AC/DC Power Plug to the Bottom-Base of the Tech 2 itself... Rather...Plug the AC/DC Adapter Power Cord into the Power Receptacle on the far end of the DLC to VCI Adapter Cable closest to the DLC Connector.

It would be BEST to power the Tech 2 from a FULLY Charged Truck Battery at the B+ and Negative Ground Posts, Check and replace the Cigarette Lighter Fuse(s) as the DLC may be powered from that Same Circuit on Pin 16 with Pins 4 & 5 providing Grounds to the Truck Frame and PCM independently. The purpose is to avoid any issues with "AC Ripple" causing interference during communicating Calibration Transfers,

Small issues can conspire against Folks if ALL the required Power and Cable Connections are not Checked... and Double Checked for Nominal DC Power and the Physical Confirmation of the Cable attachments to evolve into having a satisfying result with the Reading and Writing of the TIS2000 SPS Calibrations. Double Check that your PCM Part Numbers MATCH between the *BRICKED* OEM PCM and the Replacement PCM.


"Big Things... Have Small Beginnings..." David...From "Alien: Prometheus"

Yeah I never thought I would have this much difficulty doing simple SPS programming after purchasing a $350 ToughBook loaded with TIS2000 and a $350 Tech2 clone. I think I would have been better off buying a J2534 and going on to the TDS website and subscribing. How many ECMs do I need to pay for and brick in the troubleshooting process before I figure out what is wrong?

 

[mrrsm]

More than likely...The Problem blocking your progress will turn out to be a simple one... and have a simple fix or solution in the end.

 

[Mooseman]

I don't think a USB to serial adapter would be better than a native serial port. I have a serial port on my old Toshiba laptop and never gave me any issues when I used to use it to do programming.

I couldn't tell you where to start looking because I have never used the sneakernet method. I always used the passthrough method using the laptop in the vehicle connected to the Tech 2 which is connected to the OBD port. It's a direct download to the PCM taking half the time. However, I haven't used my Tech 2 to program anything for years because I haven't had to program anything in my 07 TB and everything else I own is too new. On top of that, ACDelco's TDS online system no longer supports the Tech 2 as a passthrough.

A possibility is that whatever programming that your copy of Tis2000 has may be corrupted. Or the memory in the clone Tech 2 is just not up to snuff to be able to do the sneakernet method. As a passthrough, I never had any issues.

I have since bought a TopDon RLink X3 which works with the online TDS even though I have to pay $59CAD (~$45USD) for two years of access, I'm better assured that it works, and probably would use it if I ever need to program something in my TB. Have used it in my 2021 Sierra to program a replacement used module and I have no doubt that it would work on my older iron. And getting Tis2000 to work properly was getting to be a chore.

The Tech 2 was once the GM king for diagnostics and programming. It's just getting long in the tooth, support is just not there anymore, the cracked/hacked software is iffy and difficult to run on the newer computers. I still pull it out once in a while for the TB to do diagnostics and it still works great for that. Beyond that, it's just too old.

 

[LBZDuraburb]

More than likely...The Problem blocking your progress will turn out to be a simple one... and have a simple fix or solution in the end.

I understand that but most of what you mention I have already done and the only way I can see if I have fixed the problem is to buy another used PCM and see if it bricks again. Extremely frustrating. At this point I'm ready to throw in the towel and sell my ToughBook Tis2000 workstation. Way too many variables involved here. Honestly, based on my experience, I think I'm in over my head. I'm very mechanically inclined but this electronics stuff is proving to be overwhelming.

 

[LBZDuraburb]

I don't think a USB to serial adapter would be better than a native serial port. I have a serial port on my old Toshiba laptop and never gave me any issues when I used to use it to do programming.

I couldn't tell you where to start looking because I have never used the sneakernet method. I always used the passthrough method using the laptop in the vehicle connected to the Tech 2 which is connected to the OBD port. It's a direct download to the PCM taking half the time. However, I haven't used my Tech 2 to program anything for years because I haven't had to program anything in my 07 TB and everything else I own is too new. On top of that, ACDelco's TDS online system no longer supports the Tech 2 as a passthrough.

A possibility is that whatever programming that your copy of Tis2000 has may be corrupted. Or the memory in the clone Tech 2 is just not up to snuff to be able to do the sneakernet method. As a passthrough, I never had any issues.

I have since bought a TopDon RLink X3 which works with the online TDS even though I have to pay $59CAD (~$45USD) for two years of access, I'm better assured that it works, and probably would use it if I ever need to program something in my TB. Have used it in my 2021 Sierra to program a replacement used module and I have no doubt that it would work on my older iron. And getting Tis2000 to work properly was getting to be a chore.

The Tech 2 was once the GM king for diagnostics and programming. It's just getting long in the tooth, support is just not there anymore, the cracked/hacked software is iffy and difficult to run on the newer computers. I still pull it out once in a while for the TB to do diagnostics and it still works great for that. Beyond that, it's just too old.

I contacted the seller of the Tis2000 ToughBook workstation I bought, whom is highly rated and he assured me they actually program an ECM via the serial port prior to shipping the unit. I also agree that the serial port is fine but there are SO many other variables that come into play here that may cause programming to fail that I just am overwhelmed at this point.

 

[mrrsm]

With the Tech 2 Powered OFF: Eject the PCMCIA 33.004 Card by Pushing the Black Square Small Release Button wait 30 Seconds and then FIRMLY and SLOWLY Re-Insert It. Then Slide the VCI Locking Lever loose... Pull the VCI and Re-Insert it and Slide the Lock back into position.

Some more insight...Straight From The Horse's Mouth:

Resolving Service Programming Errors – GM Repair Insights

gmrepairinsights.com

 

[LBZDuraburb]

Some more insight...Straight From The Horse's Mouth:

Resolving Service Programming Errors – GM Repair Insights

gmrepairinsights.com

I didn't have any of those programming error codes present and my Express van has a 6.0L V8 not the Duramax Diesel

 

[mrrsm]

Check out the PDF... sometimes related information (such as slowing down the Transmission Rate) can make the difference...it is mentioned in the PDF.

 

[LBZDuraburb]

Check out the PDF... sometimes related information (such as slowing down the Transmission Rate) can make the difference...it is mentioned in the PDF.

Just a thought....It would tell me I needed to use the Candi module while programming, correct?

 

[mrrsm]

Not necessarily, if the Dual 120 Ohm Resistors showing 60 Ohms at Pin # 6 and Pin #14 on the DMM Ohms setting being proper on any Live CAN Bus (viewed using a "BOB" Break Out Box attached to the DLC ) probably are not a factor for Calibration Updates.

Otherwise, performing Bench-Top Calibrations would not be possible or work without having the SUV or Truck "Wrapped Around It" ...and I know from Many First Hand Experiences that ...They DO quite nicely without the need of the CANDi Module in between. Is your Vehicle a Class 2 ...or a CAN Bus Ride?

Have you got the Original Bosch Tech 2 User's Manual? Too Large to attach it below... But you can get it via this Link for a Direct Download and research the Step By Steps:

Tech 2 - Bosch Diagnostics : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

archive.org

Download Bosch TECH 2 Manual | ManualsLib

www.manualslib.com

 

[LBZDuraburb]

Have you got the Original Bosch Tech 2 User's Manual? Too Large to attach it below... But you can get it via this Link for a Direct Download and research the Step By Steps:

Tech 2 - Bosch Diagnostics : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

archive.org

Download Bosch TECH 2 Manual | ManualsLib

www.manualslib.com

Yes I do. I don't see anything in there relating to my issue.

 

[mrrsm]

I would scour this site for a Fresh copy of the OEM TIS2000 Software HERE and Re-Install it from a DIFFERENT Media Source...BUT CAVEAT EMPTOR... Read The Fine Print on any TARIFFS involved, Post Purchase:

US$22.00 - TIS2000 CD and USB Key for GM TECH2 GM Car Model

www.obd2tool.com

Guide to installing TIS2000 on any computer

I read through all 39 pages of the Tech 2 Clone thread today and noticed that some people were having problems installing TIS2000 on machines running anything other than Windows XP Pro 32-bit. In the following, I am going to explain why this seemed to be the case and show how you CAN install...

www.saabcentral.com

I have Threads here that cover How To Install TIS2000 (16 Bit) on 32 Bit Windows 10 Radio Shack Cambio II Tablets as well as using the Windows 2000 Professional 32 Bit Version with Ancient Legacy Dell Precision M65 Work Stations Hardware with complete success in Bench Top Settings. Other Members have experience using VMWARE Windows Machines that do this likewise.

How to Enable 16-bit Application Support in Windows 10

If you're running Windows 10 and still need to run legacy 16-bit programs, getting them to work correctly takes a bit of work. Here's our guide on how to do it.

www.groovypost.com

Thread 'How To Install TIS2000 on an RCA Cambio Tablet with 32-Bit Windows 10'

Nov 5, 2019

How To Install TIS2000 on an RCA Cambio Tablet 10.1” with The Windows 10 (32) Bit Operating System:

UPDATE: Monday, September 16th, 2024 @ approx 6:ish EST:

NEW SITE:

THIS Site has apparently been obtained by another Corporation that no longer carries the Critical Step-By- Steps required to Activate the 16 Bit Features on the Windows 10 32 BIT (ONLY) necessary to KEEP THE ABILITY OF USING TIS2000 ALIVE IN THE WINDOWS 10 ENVIRONMENT;

Instead... I have ventured elsewhere seeking to locate these critical steps and found an alternative site ...Memorialized below as a PDF Attachment...

• mrrsm
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Tech 2

• 

Thread '“How to Build a Dedicated TIS2000 Laptop Computer using the Windows 2000 Pro Operating System"'

Sep 12, 2019

Part I of Two Parts...

Okay… It has been a while since I’ve been able to continue working on my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3l Engine Performance Build and subsequent use of HP Tuners on a Duplicate PCM because my Dedicated TIS2000 Laptop locked up at the point where the physical “HWK” (Hard Ware Key) kept failing. Consequently that problem stopped my creation of a GM OEM PCM Clone ...Dead In Its Tracks.

I discovered a physical problem was present on the Old Dell Precision M65 Motherboard In-Dwelling USB that caused a communications breakdown between the “Dongle” and the TIS2000 Software...

• mrrsm
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Tech 2

 

[mrrsm]

One Last Thread that WILL be especially useful for anyone deciding to use a Tech 2 with a Laptop to Bench Top Program the GMT360 PCMs...is the one where I Designed, Built and Tested a Custom P-10 PCM Bench-Top Programming Harness that WORKS:

SOLVED! Thread 'How to Make A "GYMKO" Tech 2 Bench-Top Test Harness'

Feb 11, 2018

BIGGER EDIT: 04/24/2019

For THE BEST On Topic Solution ...Go Directly to Post # 42...

BIG EDIT:

This Thread originally was to cover creating a Test Harness to use exclusively for diagnosing and repairing the GM Trailblazer and Envoy, etc Instrument Panel Cluster and Components... but eventually it achieved a life of its own for Testing and Repairing ANY of the Many GM Modules... as long as they are added properly to the "GYMKO" Bench-Top Harness via the precise mirrored PCM and Harness Pin-Outs. More work needs to be done to take each of...

• mrrsm
• Replies: 58
• Forum: Tech 2

Oh ... What The Hell...Let's throw on the one about Buying a "GYMKO" Tech 2 as well:

Thread 'New (COMPLETE KIT) "GYMKO" GM Tech 2 Scan Tool'

Dec 3, 2017

I'm in the hunt for one of these GM Tech II After Market (Chinese?) Scan Tools... and assuming that the low price is due to it just being the main Unit that carries the Modules... What else besides this item ...what other Parts & Pieces would be required ...just for my 2004 to 4L60E CASE Relearn and ordinary OBD-II Diagnostics and updates for the 2002 PCM?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075ZBR1FP/?tag=gmtnation-20

• mrrsm
• Replies: 264
• Forum: Tech 2

• 

 

[LBZDuraburb]

Well I got a wild hair up my ass and tried doing pass thru programming. Got to 100% complete and then got this programming error message.... Not sure why the pic is sideways when it is right side up in my library?

 

[mrrsm]

Here is the *Adjusted Image* of the SPS Reprogramming Error:



Here is another Tech On-Line Magazine Article that adds more suggestions to explore on this Topic.

Gears Magazine - Oh No! Another Programming Failure!

Programming a vehicle is becoming part of everyday service for most shops today. More and more problems are being addressed by software updates rather than hard part replacement by all manufacturers. Like other vehicle technology, the reprogramming process continues to evolve, and with that...

gearsmagazine.com

My inclination would be to *Yank The Box* and do this Job ON THE BENCH... But given all the *Techy Stuff* needed, perhaps a better suggestion would be for You to Follow all of the Instructions used by Will Robinson in THIS Video and then PULL THE PLUG (NETWORK) SPLICE PACKS on all the Modules at the Under Dash Class 2 Network Splice Pack then Re-Connecting up ONLY The PCM and The BCM to the Network... AND... Don't forget to unplug the Splice Pack located under the Right Rear Passenger Seat (Under a Carpet Flap) prior to running SPS.

Then try the SPS Re-Programming procedures all over again ...sans any On Board Modules being connected that might be causing Communication <*)Glitch(*> Issues on the Class 2 Network... causing the FUBAR with Re-Calibrating the Replacement PCM. Afterward, Plug the Splice Pack "Combs" back in place and then Try to Start The SUV:

 

[Mooseman]

You are doing a Replace and Reprogram? This is what is used to ignore whatever VIN and programming on the replacement (used) PCM, wipe it and program using the new VIN.

Are the PCMs truly bricked? They might still be communicating and able to be programmed. Have you tried to use that last one that had the error at the end? Maybe it did work but the final handoff got an error.

Did an AI search for this error and it did give some answers that may be worth looking into:

Google Search

It pointed to this document that does list this particular error:

https://tech2wiki.com/content/media_archive/pdf/gm_tis2web_error_codes_and_solutions.pdf

Reprogramming Error! SPS – No communication at step XX.• Wrong vehicle info.• Possible wrong or faulty ECM.1. Check vehicle info. Correct VIN, correct year, make and model.2. If an OBD-II application, analyze the unit. If it does not respond, then the unit could be bad or cabled wrong.