Self created problem

[Art708]

I previously ordered and installed a new ECM with a stock tune and everything worked just fine. Today I decided to hook up my PowerFlash cable and save the stock file....just in case. So I got lots of beeping and flashing and banging noises and after about 10 minutes I saw the file on the desktop. But the kept getting "check engine", "reducing power", "security" or some crap like that. So I turned it off and went inside for about an hour. Went back out and cranked the car up and all the other stuff was gone but the "check engine" light was on. Plugged in the OBDII reader and got "PCM module fault" code. Ok...so I said to myself..."self, disconnect the battery until morning and then see what's happening." So self disconnected the battery and shut the trunk. Now I have a pcm fault code and a locked trunk. I guess I can open it via the trunk pass-through in the back seat, right? But what could the PCM fault code mean? I sure hope that it's gone tomorrow. If not I guess I'll just erase the code and see if it comes back. The car cranks up and runs ok in the driveway..haven't road tested it though with the fault. Sure hope that I didn't mess up the ECM, I'd hate to have to buy another one.

[-Ray-]

What is the code Art?

[Art708]

didn't check for a code...just saw where it said pcm module fault. I'll hook it up tomorrow and see what it says.

[Art708]

I went out this morning and crawled through into the trunk and re-connected the battery cables. When I fired up the car the check engine light was gone. So I guess sitting overnight without power fixed it..........unless it comes back again. But I'll worry about that when/if it happens. Anyway.....it seems that my problem is solved ...for now anyway.

[GM_Fan]

Keep Us posted.

[pistonbone]

Mine does that every time I try an ecm read. Tried 3 different versions of vector software and it still does it. Kirk is still working on it with his techs.
BlackBerry8130/4.5.0.169 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/106

[Tjay74]

Anytime you read the ecm it is going to set these fault codes, only way to reset them is to disconnect the power in the trunk.

This is a noted issue and has been discussed on the hp tuners forums at times.

[kyllekkc]

drive for a while if there is a problem the code will pop up again once the car has been running for a while.

[Art708]

Anytime you read the ecm it is going to set these fault codes, only way to reset them is to disconnect the power in the trunk.

This is a noted issue and has been discussed on the hp tuners forums at times.


It never did this with my other ecm...the original that came with the car that has the vector tunes on it and I've flashed it several times. I just wanted to save the stock tune off this new ecm just to have it in case it was ever needed. But this one seems to be working ok for now.

[todds87ss]

Anytime you read the ecm it is going to set these fault codes, only way to reset them is to disconnect the power in the trunk.

This is a noted issue and has been discussed on the hp tuners forums at times.

I have not had THIS problem yet after many tunes (VMS). I have had freezing process/limp mode several times, and had to disconnect the battery. A tip...you only need to disconnect for 15 mins or so, and NEVER close the trunk while disconnected (I guess you figured this out the hard way:))
I'll bet my next beer that your problem is in your computer/interface.

[Tjay74]

This is only a read error issue, you will not get it on writes.

I only got the error once and that was on my read, I have flashed my ecm hundreds of times with never a issue after the intial rear error.

[Art708]

I have not had THIS problem yet after many tunes (VMS). I have had freezing process/limp mode several times, and had to disconnect the battery. A tip...you only need to disconnect for 15 mins or so, and NEVER close the trunk while disconnected (I guess you figured this out the hard way:))
I'll bet my next beer that your problem is in your computer/interface.

I tried first using my newer laptop with Vista.....that totally didn't work! I went back to my old XP laptop which I've used many times before for this, but this was the first "read" that I've done with the PowerFlash cable and software. I dunno....anyway I've been driving the car and no problems have popped up so I think I'm ok.

[Art708]

I sent the file that I created to Kirk for him to see if it downloaded correctly. Well....my dumb ass didn't look (typical) at the file before I bothered him. The fucking thing was 0 kb. So I didn't get the file from the ECM after all. Plus making myself a pain in the ass to him. I may try again....or not. Strange that I didn't have any problem when I rented the old cable from them. I wonder what will happen next time I try...hmmmmm.:uhm:

[todds87ss]

Check that you are using a supported USB port (ony one of mine works with the powerflash cable). I don't know why.