Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet?
Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? I am not sure how you could screw up the PCM so bad you could not fix it but, has anyone screwed theirs up while programming with LS1 Edit?
I am wanting to order the product very soon, next week if I can, and I want to find out how hard it would be to totally screw up a PCM. That way I can be prepared for when my wife finds out I have to order another PCM for the just in case. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Thanks,
Eric
I am wanting to order the product very soon, next week if I can, and I want to find out how hard it would be to totally screw up a PCM. That way I can be prepared for when my wife finds out I have to order another PCM for the just in case. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Thanks,
Eric
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From: Live Oak, FL - in the woods where the creatures lurk.
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? Good thinking, Wizkid. Always have a story handy. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? wizkid according to the program documentation you can only destroy your PCM 1 way. WHILE programming if you lose the connection. example:notebook craps out, battery dies in car, you trip over the cable. While reading you are safe but if you are uploading the changes thats when you can destroy it.
Destroying something else on the car with a bad setting is a whole different story <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" /> .
Destroying something else on the car with a bad setting is a whole different story <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" /> .
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? You won't literally destroy the PCM with a programming interruption, but you can corrupt the flash and make it where the PCM won't 'boot'. However, LS1 PCMs are a little more forgiving than the LT1 PCMs, so they can be recovered a little easier - Dave (@ Carputing) can recover them. It does mean a few days of down time, though. I know of a couple that have been locked up. Maybe some day I'll start recovering them, but not quite yet.
(FWIW, I fix flash corrupted LT1 PCMs all the time. On those, you have to remove the flash chip, clean it, program it in an EPROM programmer, and then solder it back to the board. I think with the LS1's, though, that it's a non-invasive procedure to recover, since LS1_Edit is only programming data tables - it leaves a good chunk of the program alone.)
-Andrew
(FWIW, I fix flash corrupted LT1 PCMs all the time. On those, you have to remove the flash chip, clean it, program it in an EPROM programmer, and then solder it back to the board. I think with the LS1's, though, that it's a non-invasive procedure to recover, since LS1_Edit is only programming data tables - it leaves a good chunk of the program alone.)
-Andrew
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? I just want to make sure that this is going to work on my notebook before I plop out $550 and then get it to find out on my first upload, I screw it up.
Does it do a test to make sure it can upload ok besides me making a mistake like pulling the chord and what not?
Thanks for the advice and yes, having a story is one of the unspoken rules of mod'ing your car! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />
Eric
Does it do a test to make sure it can upload ok besides me making a mistake like pulling the chord and what not?
Thanks for the advice and yes, having a story is one of the unspoken rules of mod'ing your car! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />
Eric
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Camaroholic:
<strong>You won't literally destroy the PCM with a programming interruption, but you can corrupt the flash and make it where the PCM won't 'boot'. However, LS1 PCMs are a little more forgiving than the LT1 PCMs, so they can be recovered a little easier - Dave (@ Carputing) can recover them. It does mean a few days of down time, though. I know of a couple that have been locked up. Maybe some day I'll start recovering them, but not quite yet.
-Andrew</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Happened to mine, we ended up with some down time. I would not mind having a spare pcm for the future when/if we fiddle again especially for NOS.
<strong>You won't literally destroy the PCM with a programming interruption, but you can corrupt the flash and make it where the PCM won't 'boot'. However, LS1 PCMs are a little more forgiving than the LT1 PCMs, so they can be recovered a little easier - Dave (@ Carputing) can recover them. It does mean a few days of down time, though. I know of a couple that have been locked up. Maybe some day I'll start recovering them, but not quite yet.
-Andrew</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Happened to mine, we ended up with some down time. I would not mind having a spare pcm for the future when/if we fiddle again especially for NOS.
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? I also managed to destroy my PCM.
I believe it was due to a low battery condition while programming.
I had it towed to the dealer. They said they couldn't reprogram it and mentioned an memory error which they couldn't get past.
3 days and 500 dollars later, I got my car back.
I don't have the nerve to try it again until I get a spare.
The wife is still giving me grief over the last time <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
I believe it was due to a low battery condition while programming.
I had it towed to the dealer. They said they couldn't reprogram it and mentioned an memory error which they couldn't get past.
3 days and 500 dollars later, I got my car back.
I don't have the nerve to try it again until I get a spare.
The wife is still giving me grief over the last time <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
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Verdad Gallardo Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? Well, I'm of the opinion that as long as you disable screen savers, virus checkers, infrared services. FindFast, Palm Hotsync software, and any other 'utilities' that may be running, you don't rely on the laptop battery (power the laptop off the wall if you're in your garage, use an inverter if you're in the car with no wall power available). And make DARN sure the battery in your car is fully charged and operational!
I have never 'fried' a PCM, LT1 or otherwise. But I do believe in spares - I have several OBDI and OBDII LT1 PCMs for my 94Z, as well as a spare for my '98Z.
No PCM required on my 79, tho. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> Just a damn screwdriver and BF Hammer. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
-Andrew
I have never 'fried' a PCM, LT1 or otherwise. But I do believe in spares - I have several OBDI and OBDII LT1 PCMs for my 94Z, as well as a spare for my '98Z.
No PCM required on my 79, tho. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> Just a damn screwdriver and BF Hammer. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
-Andrew
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 400
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From: Lincoln Park Mi
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? someone on here said that he hooks his other car up to his LS1 like he was going to jump start it, but doenst start it, that way you have two batteries, and no dirty voltage problems. I thought that was a pretty good idea
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? well mine battery died, but luckly i was only reading the computer... i just disconnected battery and waited 2 mines.. and i was on my way again.. i suggest using some form of power to assist the battery.. its safe insurance so it wont die while flashing!!
but if just read your cars computer first.. nothing bad can happen from just reading it!!
i read mine a few times just to make sure everything was reading and working right... then it just takes 2-5 mins to program... im only programmed mine 2 times... i try to do everything i want when i do though.. less flashing, safe u are
<small>[ April 11, 2002, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: 98TAauto ]</small>
but if just read your cars computer first.. nothing bad can happen from just reading it!!
i read mine a few times just to make sure everything was reading and working right... then it just takes 2-5 mins to program... im only programmed mine 2 times... i try to do everything i want when i do though.. less flashing, safe u are
<small>[ April 11, 2002, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: 98TAauto ]</small>
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: College Station, Tx
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? I also have never fried a pcm, LT1, LS1, etc.
I would suggest making sure your battery is fully charged - if you even suspect it you can use one of those "jump-it" external batteries - this will avoid the problem of dirty voltage like you might see with a battery charger (ac on top of the DC).
Make sure everything is disabled on your laptop as andrew suggests - all virus and power saving features. Set your computer to max performance if that is an option. If you are not 100% confident in your battery leave the computer plugged in.
If your computer completes a read succesfully you shouldn't have any problems with programming (assuming the read happens in normal time - ~15 minutes) - that is the best way to safely check to make sure everything is working, and the first step you need to take anyway.
Chris
I would suggest making sure your battery is fully charged - if you even suspect it you can use one of those "jump-it" external batteries - this will avoid the problem of dirty voltage like you might see with a battery charger (ac on top of the DC).
Make sure everything is disabled on your laptop as andrew suggests - all virus and power saving features. Set your computer to max performance if that is an option. If you are not 100% confident in your battery leave the computer plugged in.
If your computer completes a read succesfully you shouldn't have any problems with programming (assuming the read happens in normal time - ~15 minutes) - that is the best way to safely check to make sure everything is working, and the first step you need to take anyway.
Chris
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: cookeville, tn
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? Looks like i about have someone ready to buy ls1edit <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
I have one of those external battery (jump start)things chris was speaking of. Hadn't thought about it until he mentioned it but I will be using it as back up. Thats a good idea.
I have one of those external battery (jump start)things chris was speaking of. Hadn't thought about it until he mentioned it but I will be using it as back up. Thats a good idea.
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 117
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From: York, PA
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> No PCM required on my 79, tho. Just a damn screwdriver and BF Hammer. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">LOL...I can relate to that!
Another thing you could do...hook up a battery charger to you car and just keep it on a "trickle" charge while editing and plug the laptop into the cigarette lighter to power it. Then you shouldn't have any power problems...even if you lose electric in your house you still have the car battery keeping you online allowing you to finish with the upload. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Another thing you could do...hook up a battery charger to you car and just keep it on a "trickle" charge while editing and plug the laptop into the cigarette lighter to power it. Then you shouldn't have any power problems...even if you lose electric in your house you still have the car battery keeping you online allowing you to finish with the upload. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 36
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From: Long Island NY
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? Everyone,
My laptop died on my 50% into a load with ls1 eidt. I was on the side of the highway when it happened. I was changing my shift points and needed a long strech of road. I had to have my car towed to my house. To make a long story short, I took my PCM out and gave it to Ken at Carputing. He was able to recover it. Ken has developed a new way to recover corruped PCMs.
Get the software, it will be the best money you ever spent.
My laptop died on my 50% into a load with ls1 eidt. I was on the side of the highway when it happened. I was changing my shift points and needed a long strech of road. I had to have my car towed to my house. To make a long story short, I took my PCM out and gave it to Ken at Carputing. He was able to recover it. Ken has developed a new way to recover corruped PCMs.
Get the software, it will be the best money you ever spent.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? I too have LS1 Edit on it's way. From lurking around on different sites trying to learn what I can; I won't use any type of AC
C battery charger. The reason being: Your PCM is communicating to your com adapter via a bipolar 0-12volt signal. If you've got a common 110vac powered battery charger hooked up and pluged in, your bound to get some small millivolt leakage from the rectifier. This leakage of AC voltage (bipolar!) can easily ripple through your entire cars electrical system; including corrupting the ATA signal as your flashing the PCM eeprom. Someone used the term "Dirty Voltage" and that pretty much sums it up. Carputing warns against the use of a battery charger for obvious reasons.
The solution of hooking up an auxiliary battery supply via jumper cables has got to be the simplest/safest means around this problem.
I hope this helps a few ........... 1002
C battery charger. The reason being: Your PCM is communicating to your com adapter via a bipolar 0-12volt signal. If you've got a common 110vac powered battery charger hooked up and pluged in, your bound to get some small millivolt leakage from the rectifier. This leakage of AC voltage (bipolar!) can easily ripple through your entire cars electrical system; including corrupting the ATA signal as your flashing the PCM eeprom. Someone used the term "Dirty Voltage" and that pretty much sums it up. Carputing warns against the use of a battery charger for obvious reasons.The solution of hooking up an auxiliary battery supply via jumper cables has got to be the simplest/safest means around this problem.
I hope this helps a few ........... 1002
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 117
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From: York, PA
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? Yikes!!! thanks T/A....I retract my earlier post.
I never even thought about that...glad you caught me on that one.
My bad <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
I never even thought about that...glad you caught me on that one.
My bad <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
Likes: 2,557
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? Ok, this might sound like a strange question, but if you’re going to use a battery from another car as your back-up, would you hook up the jumpers from neg to neg and pos to pos? Or do you want a ground for one of the cars? If so, which one? This isn’t like a traditional battery jumping where one car is running, so I just want to be sure on the best way to do this.
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 268
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From: Monterey Park, CA
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? My notebook sometimes shuts down by itself without notice sometimes. Maybe it's better to unplug my desktop, and take it out to the garage.
Leo
Leo
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 44
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From: Willow Springs, IL
Re: Anyone fried their PCM with LS1Edit yet? (FWIW, I fix flash corrupted LT1 PCMs all the time. On those, you have to remove the flash chip, clean it, program it in an EPROM programmer, and then solder it back to the board. I think with the LS1's, though, that it's a non-invasive procedure to recover, since LS1_Edit is only programming data tables - it leaves a good chunk of the program alone.)
-Andrew
Andrew's totally correct. I have had the occasion to lose communication with a couple of PCM's in the past and LS1 PCM's are recoverable by simply taking the PCM to a dealship and loading your original flash into the PCM via your VIN. The only problem is that most dealerships need your car or a similar one to act as the cabling to the PCM. They use a Tech 2 and a PC that would have TIS2000 software loaded onto it. It's a very simple procedure.
BTW, FWIW, the most common cause of a miscommunication, in my world, is when a car has a cheap, aftermarket car alarm system on it that's been wired using the ALDL post's + or - connections. That's a big no-no! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />
-Andrew
Andrew's totally correct. I have had the occasion to lose communication with a couple of PCM's in the past and LS1 PCM's are recoverable by simply taking the PCM to a dealship and loading your original flash into the PCM via your VIN. The only problem is that most dealerships need your car or a similar one to act as the cabling to the PCM. They use a Tech 2 and a PC that would have TIS2000 software loaded onto it. It's a very simple procedure.
BTW, FWIW, the most common cause of a miscommunication, in my world, is when a car has a cheap, aftermarket car alarm system on it that's been wired using the ALDL post's + or - connections. That's a big no-no! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />