J-2534-Never Give up
Hello all my name is Henry, I’m a reprogramming specialist for …. How many of you are having issues, programming GM with J-2534 pass-thru? I understand how frustrating it can be from trying a simple update to reprogramming a new module and finding out, the vehicle will not start. I know how frustrating it can get. I'm here to help with any questions or tips I have to share.
I recently ran into a customers truck who had the vehicle tuned for more power about 2 months ago. He was complaining he was lost alot of fuel economy and wanted it back to OEM spec. I explained to the tech that was working on it, that tuned PCM's might not work or could create more issues. Technician was OK with it, he just wanted to do what his customer was requesting.
He advised his customer of the issue and they still wanted to proceed. As I went into programming, the truck, I ran into several error messages mainly telling me that the programming was not successful. After 4 tries I was still getting the messages.
I called the customer to let them know that it might not be possible. I had him try to start the engine, now it will not start. Mind you the truck started before the programming. I told he tech I will reattempt and do a VTD relearn after for vehicle start up. I had some more tricks up my sleeve to see if I could manipulate the computer. I had him do a battery reset for 10 minutes and reattempted to reprogram the module again and I was still getting the error message. I decided to ignore the prompts after my third attempt and did a VTD relearn. It went through successfully. I then called the tech and he confirmed vehicle started up and no check engine lights or codes were present. I was able to reprogram the computer back to factory and the tech was very pleased with my efforts and for not giving up.
This situation is a prime example of why J-2534 can be some what deceiving and can make you want to rip your hair out. Sometimes you just need to trust your instincts instead of what the computer is telling you.
So never give up and stick to it and apply all you knowledge and keep at it and you will eventually get it and not give your money away to the dealer.
Never giving up is one of the most important things I've learned in my career. You may loose your shirt on a job but what you learn along the way and the satisfaction of getting it done are priceless. You always remember those "nightmare jobs" and hopefully the experience helps you in the future. I do my GM programming with a J-box and find it to be one the easiest manufactures to program. The
Thanks Matt, I always try to prep them for the worst, just in case. Especially on aftermarket tuners. You never know were you'll end up. Please keep in touch regarding any questions about programming at drewtech.com
I totally agree with the "keep trying" attitude. A few years ago I had a 2009 Hyundai Sonata from a trans shop that wanted me to update the TCM per a service bulletin. When I initiated the program event the software forced me to program the PCM and TCM. It started with the PCM and completed that successfully. Then during the TCM flash I kept getting error codes like "rom failure". Drewtech
Im glad to hear that Mr. Powell. Its always a good feeling when it goes through and finalizes. Way to go!! If you have any questions regarding any other programming please email me at …, take care.
I had a flash failure on a Avalanche a few years ago, it also wouldnt start after the failure. After calling drew tech and AC delco and bout 3 hours messing with it it finally took the flash. Programming is great until it doesnt work, then it will ruin your day!