GM Programming Error Codes

Hello everyone,

I have documented the GM Programming Error Codes I've encountered over the years felt like Diagnostic Network would be a good place to share. I have also included confirmed causes for some of the error codes.

• E6961 – Unknown Error.

This typically means that SPS has encountered a problem and needs to attempt the programming again. You may see this error up to 3 times before another error code will display. Refer to the other error code before you try to diagnose the issue. Think of this code not as an error, but as a notification that SPS will try again.

• E4398 – No Calibration Data.

This error means there is no calibration data on the GM server for the selected vehicle/module. You must contact GM techline to resolve this. This error does not mean there is an issue with the vehicle and/or module.

• E4399/E4403 – Severe Error.

This error is caused by a loss of communication between the interface and the module. The error can have a lot of causes, such as loss of battery voltage, vehicle communication issue, bad module, Etc. 

*If you are working on a 2007 or older vehicle it may need a Tech2 for programming. Some 2007 and older vehicles exhibit a communication speed that is to slow for most modern tooling and can seem to not have communication even though there are no issues with the vehicle. The “Legacy Tech2” option in SPS operates at a slower speed and will need a Tech2 connected as a pass thru.

• E4413/E4414 – Calibrations marked with an (*) are not recognized by GM.

The calibration loaded in the module is not a GM calibration. We typically see this with third party remanufactured modules. Restart SPS and select “Replace and Program” and it will overwrite the not standard calibrations with the GM one.

• E4491/E4423 – Programming Failed.

This error can be hard to diagnose, because it means that the application can communicate with the module but the it is unable to write all or part of the calibration due to an incompatibility. The most common cause of this is an aftermarket item being wired into the communication bus. 

*Salvage and poor quality reman modules also trip this error, because the application can have trouble overwriting the data in the module, especially in GM Global vehicles.

*Make sure the vehicle did not loose voltage.

*Make sure your interface is connected properly. Do not use a wireless interface for programming.

*Check for any aftermarket accessories install on the vehicle.

*If you have a quality module and have confirmed everything is fine with the vehicle, you will need to contact GM techline with the line codes that show in the error dialog box.