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Thread: E38 full flash using TC

  1. #1

    E38 full flash using TC

    I'm trying to do a full flash to a E38 ECM using a .cal I downloaded here. Winflash is not letting me do the flash, it says it's incompatible. I checked "Full Program" but didn't help. The cal opens fine in the tuner program.
    I can flash the same .cal I read from the ECM, just can't flash other files I read from other ECMs or download from internet. I'm aware of the risks involved with flashing E38 ECMs with a different OS, but I have no choice. I'm trying only 2007-2008 .cals since this ECM is a 2007.

    This is the first time I try to do this, I always edit the same file I read from the ECM and flash it back, never had an issue until today, the .cal I read from the ECM isn't accepting OS patches (to disable VATS) so I can't start the engine. That's why I'm trying to flash a different cal, to be able to apply the VATS patch.

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    I think in TC when you select the Force Full Program option with an E38, segments 7 and 8 must be the same in both of the calibrations, to allow the flash to proceed.

    Post the cal that you read out of the E38 ... will see if I have something compatible for you to try.

  3. #3
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    Maybe full flash is unstable and risky via TC.
    Why don`t you update it with stock os cal id with GM Oem tool first.
    Then read with TC and modify. You will need a valid vin with the OS you want.
    I doubt there is internal hardware changes at the PCM side.

  4. #4
    I don't have the tools to flash using OEM software.
    Later today I'll post the .cal file I have

    Thanks guys

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by kur4o View Post
    Maybe full flash is unstable and risky via TC.
    Why don`t you update it with stock os cal id with GM Oem tool first.
    Then read with TC and modify. You will need a valid vin with the OS you want.
    I doubt there is internal hardware changes at the PCM side.
    TC works great with E38s - no issues. This is simply part of its quality assurance checks before flashing a different operating system - to prevent issues caused by incompatible calibrations. With the E38, tuning software can only write 6 out of the 8 segments. One of the non-accessible segments is the throttle controller - that is why there is a compatibility check.

  6. #6
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    One of the non-accessible segments is the throttle controller - that is why there is a compatibility check.
    Is this segment non-accessible due to software author choice? I'm imagining concerns over incorrect throttle settings causing dangerous operation... Or is the E38 constructed in a way that segment 7 just can't be reflashed through the OBDII port?

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    E37, E38, E67, E78, E83, E92 (and more) ECMs, are dual core processors. One of the cores is readable and writable - this contains the operating system and most of the calibration. The other core is write only - it cannot be read. It contains the throttle controller. As this core cannot be read - it is not accessible by any tuning software.

    To fully program one of these ECMs requires the use of GM software (SPS / TIS), and is programmed via the OBDII (DLC) port.
    Last edited by LRT; 03-19-2016 at 04:57 AM.

  8. #8
    Super Moderator dave w's Avatar
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  9. #9
    Fuel Injected! roughneck427's Avatar
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    The only way to flash it in is the Pcm recovery function using the file you want to go in it. Modules 7 and 8 are not written by TC so I don't know if they match what your using or not. Do you have a J2534 cable? I have an OEM log in you have helped me plenty times in the past.

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by roughneck427 View Post
    The only way to flash it in is the Pcm recovery function using the file you want to go in it. Modules 7 and 8 are not written by TC so I don't know if they match what your using or not. Do you have a J2534 cable? I have an OEM log in you have helped me plenty times in the past.
    I don't have a J2534 cable for GM. I was thinking about buying a Mongoose, do you think it will work good with OEM flashing system, or do I need another one?
    Thanks

  11. #11
    Fuel Injected! roughneck427's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montecarlodrag View Post
    I don't have a J2534 cable for GM. I was thinking about buying a Mongoose, do you think it will work good with OEM flashing system, or do I need another one?
    Thanks
    I use a mongoose GM cable 90% of the time and has worked great. I have a MDI units but it's large and bulky compared to the mongoose. The MDI2 was just released I ordered it 2 weeks ago it ran $700 but have to be a GM dealer I was able to run it through the Fleet account. Like I said using the PcM recovery function will flash it.

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by dave w View Post
    Great info!! Thanks a lot
    So, my ecm has a 2008 OS. it came from a 2007 truck, completely stock so it was updated by the dealer.
    It is 12622161, 6.0L truck
    I just got word from TC, they say that the OS PATCH option is greyed because there is no patch available for that OS

    Hope I can find a compatible .cal for this ECM or else I'll need to use HPT

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by roughneck427 View Post
    I use a mongoose GM cable 90% of the time and has worked great. I have a MDI units but it's large and bulky compared to the mongoose. The MDI2 was just released I ordered it 2 weeks ago it ran $700 but have to be a GM dealer I was able to run it through the Fleet account. Like I said using the PcM recovery function will flash it.
    I will try the PCM Recovery later today. Thanks a lot

  14. #14
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    You can get a chinese clone of GM unit for 200$. They are good quality and you will only need a subscription.

    http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-...47919.html?spm

  15. #15
    Fuel Injected! roughneck427's Avatar
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    I had these files

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