Computer Diagnostics and Tuning Technical discussion on diagnostics and programming of the F-body computers

PCM's dying!!

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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 08:18 PM
  #1  
Flyin_Z28's Avatar
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From: Wasaga Beach, ON, Canada
PCM's dying!!

I have now gone through 3 pcms in the last 2 weeks trying to get my car running. This was caused by programming the pcm with Tunercat and communication ceased around 70-80% completion. I have been able to upload 2 progams successfully with 3 failing. (Intermittenly failing).

I have uploaded tunes to my car many times before with no issues.
Currently using Windows 2000. Previously used XP with zero issues. (old laptop pouched).

It says "Cable error" and tries to reset pcm with no luck.
Could this be related to low battery voltage?
Bad grounds?
Problems with Comm port? Anyone know how to test comm ports for reliability?
Old Aug 1, 2007 | 06:53 PM
  #2  
stereomandan's Avatar
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From: Saginaw, Michigan
Have you gotten your PCM socketed? Sounds like you may want to, with how many problems you are having. When you socket the PCM, all you need to do is have an extra set of chips on hand. If the tune fries the PCM, you just need to pop in the new chips. (They are around $30 for them from madz28.com)

Not sure how much the socketing costs.

Dan
Old Aug 2, 2007 | 07:10 PM
  #3  
Flyin_Z28's Avatar
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From: Wasaga Beach, ON, Canada
I did some research on Tunercats website under this issue and it seems that there has been issues with old versions (2.08 and earlier) where a change is made to a calibration file and programmed afterwards, a "checksum" error occurs under "rare" circumstances. This is exactly the issue I have been having. Every time a programming error occured, I made changes to the existing file and uploaded to pcm.

This issue seems to pop up in revision changes 3 times.
Before, I always created new files by "save as" and never had issues. So I will be using that procedure from now on, just to be safe.

I had Tunercat v2.08. Now have v2.15.

I will be getting my pcm's socketed. I think it's $60 from Madz28 and your correct about chips for $30.

Can you just upload a calibration file immediately after installing new chips, or do you have to get it flashed by dealer?
Old Aug 3, 2007 | 09:57 AM
  #4  
stereomandan's Avatar
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From: Saginaw, Michigan
You can load the tune immediately after getting the new chips. Been there.

Dan
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