Reprogram a Module

Electronic PCM
Currently, for most vehicle manufacturers
The software or firmware that comes mounted on a control module.
electronic for example thePCMes of great importance, so much so that
is estimated to be even 10% of the cost of the vehicle. This
the cost is only for the "program" or "software" that runs the vehicle,
without taking into account either the wiring or the electronic components of the
modules as such, that is, the "hardware". For this reason, it is of utmost importance
for the automotive mechanics workshops and for the automotive technicians in
general to be clear that there is a large field of work related to the
Rescheduling of Modules since normally this type of
procedures were only available in authorized workshops, but that
now they can be carried out in our workshops with just an investment
minimum. Rescheduling has become a procedure of
adds importance for the proper functioning of a vehicle,
much more in the Latin American market since generally
the technological development of modern vehicles is aimed at
markets like Europe and North America which leads to the
running these vehicles under our working conditions and
subject it to lower quality fuels, generally
failures related to the operation of the
motor or the emissions system. We also found that it is
it is necessary to make Module Reschedules when
we need to install a new or used computer in a vehicle
in the workshop.
The fact is that nowadays this procedure is available for
anyone who wishes to specialize in the subject, of course there are
to invest in equipment and training, but the changes that have arisen
leads to this investment being not even half of what it could have been 5 years ago
to think.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MODULE RESCHEDULING:
1. Manufacturer Software: This Software can be downloaded.
directly from the manufacturer's website Example for Ford must
download from the MOTORCRAFT SERVICE page. It can also be
acquired through CD or DVD. In our Links of Interest module
ubicado en la página de inicio puedes encontrar las principales páginas para
GM, FORD, NISSAN, BMW.
2. Desktop Computer or Laptop: A PC is needed.
preferably with Windows XP since most programs only
they run on this operating system however some are already available
for Windows Vista 32 Bit or 64 Bit or Windows 7. You must check in the
program specifications before installing it to avoid errors.
3. J2534 Interface Device: There are currently many
we recommend that you thoroughly investigate suppliers of this type of interfaces
before acquiring it since the ideal is to buy one that fits
specifically to their needs in the workshop.
4. Vehicle to Reprogram: It is important to know which is the
protocol of the network with which the vehicle operates before proceeding and that
J2534 support.

WHEN TO RESCHEDULE A MODULE:

There are many reasons why a module should be rescheduled, without
embargo, among the main ones we can find the following:

1. Update the Software or Firmware of the Module: This is the main

due to rescheduling and is done when we have vehicle failures
that can only be resolved by installing an updated version of
Vehicle module software.
2. Module Change: It is another common reason to make a
reprogramming occurs when there is damage to the module
the same and this must be replaced with a new or used functioning one,
Therefore, the new module must have the version of the Software installed.
adequate and updated for that vehicle model.
3. Module Reinitialization: It occurs when there is a 'flashing' of
some of the complementary modules for example BCM (Body Control
Module) oABS, and it is required to make a re-initialization of the PCM for
pair the codes and establish communication between the
modules.
4. Work on the Immobilizer System: Most of the work that
The actions on the immobilizer system require reprogramming.
about the PCM module. Also many replacement jobs and
parameter adaptation to the vehicle, for example, change in diameter of
the rims, light change, installation of reverse cameras, installation of
DVD screens, installation of electronic chairs, and many other reasons
what can be learned if one is trained in this topic in depth.
The central electronic unit comes factory programmed.
for each vehicle, in the production vehicles these parameters are
invariables, but this programming can be modified to obtain a
better engine performance, as manufacturers design engines to
that can operate in extreme conditions, so the margin of
improvement is quite broad.
In some cars, reprogramming may be more feasible than in others.
In the event that rescheduling is not possible, it may
optar por instalar una ECU programable, previo esto a modificaciones en el
motors that fit the system's variables.
What is necessary to reprogram with Dimsport?
What is necessary to reprogram with Dimsport
In order to offer a service for ECU electronic optimizations
motor is necessary:

Have a mechanical workshop / technical laboratory / or technical office

To have diagnostic equipment for the car in order to be able to carry out
reading tasks of error codes, checking and locating
failures including real-time measurement channel reading.
Battery voltage stabilizer
Regulated power supply at 12v / 24v with a minimum of 5Ah

Have, at a minimum, knowledge of mechanics or electromechanics

of automotive both to be able to understand the functioning and structure of
the maps and the motor cartographies, as well as to predict how they go
to affect the engine the modifications we make.

Regarding reprogramming equipment, depending on the type of vehicles to

program (cars, vans, trucks, tractors...) the professional
I would need to have at least one of these two pieces of equipment.
reading/writing

New Genius: if you want to work through the OBDII connection. (In some
Vehicles will require the use of specific wiring for that socket.
diagnosis
New Trasdata: if you wish to work directly on the switchboard in
either of the two existing modalities:
Pinout: connecting programming cables directly to the pins
from the ECU connector itself.
BDM, BOOT, JTAG: opening the control unit (Engine ECU) and acting (already
either by welding wires or by puncturing into a plate
directly on the tracks or internal components of it.
The New Genius team is a reading/writing tool for the ECU
completely autonomous (does not need to be connected to the computer). It connects
to the vehicle through the diagnostic port, using the wiring
standard or the specific wiring for that model.

With this equipment we will be able to reprogram cars, trucks, tractors,

motorcycles, boats... of any brand. It is possible to activate the equipment in a
category of the previously described or in ALL mode
categories.

We need to consult with our commercial department about the different

activation options and the prices of each of them. It will study each
case and will advise him in the best way for the professional to invest it
necessary for the work I will be performing.

As a general rule, mechanical workshops tend to have a certain type of

client and are specialized in gasoline or diesel, or in vehicles
industrial, tourism, motorcycles, agricultural. We have a solution for
each type of professional.

The New Trasdata team is a reading/writing tool for the ECU.

that works connected to a PC. Following the instructions of the software of
With the new Trasdata, we will access the reading/writing of the control unit. It is possible.
activate the New Trasdata by families of control units or in full mode if you
What we want is to be able to work with ALL the control centers.
The New Genius and the New Trasdata are complementary teams to each other, in
function of needs we can choose one of them or, if we wish
cover 95% of vehicles in the market, both.

By clicking on the following link you can perform a search for

brand, variant, and engine to determine which Dimsport equipment (New Genius
The new Trasdata) must be used for the selected vehicle:

ECU reprogramming system - Dimsport

What does it mean to reprogram the car's ECU?
Manufacturers program the operating criteria of the engine
memorizing them on a chip called EPROM (Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory, in Spanish: programmable erasable ROM). This
Information can be edited to allow adaptation to the installation.
of new components, different from the stock ones, and this is what is known
how to reprogram the car's central unit.
What does the car's central unit take care of?
Nowadays, all vehicles come equipped with a central computer,
also known as ECU (for its English initials: Engine Control
Unit), which is responsible for storing the operating parameters of the
car and how the engine should behave in each situation.

Thanks to some sensors, the system receives information about how it

the car is behaving and she compares it with the levels it has
programmed on a chip called Eprom Flash, in which it is stored
the information that is sent to the engine (such as the ideal amount of
combustible, the optimal intake pressure, etc.).

By reprogramming the control unit and changing the values on that chip, it
they modify the commands sent to the engine, causing its response
be different from the one I had before the manipulation. This brings with it a
a series of improvements, but also some inconveniences that are important
take into account.

Advantages of reprogramming the central unit

Vehicle dashboard with tachometer
[Link]
Reprogramming the ECU allows changing the throttle response, the
revolutions or the engine temperature, with the following benefits:

Increase the engine power by 25 percent, although it can reach up to

40 in turbocharged engines.
Increase security, since having more power, the capacity of
response in, for example, incorporations or advances, is much
better.
Reduce consumption by modifying the appropriate injection timing, the
ideal amount of fuel or the intake pressure, provided that
the driving should be smooth.
Adapta el funcionamiento del motor al estilo del conductor (más suave o
more aggressive).
What inconveniences does it have?
Reprogramming a switchboard is not an easy task and doing it in a way
Inadequate can bring certain risks that are important to know:

One of the main risks is that the central unit gets damaged and, therefore,
the operation of the vehicle causing faults of varying severity.
It is not always possible to reduce consumption. Normally, when increasing
the power of the vehicle, it needs to consume more. And if the car has
atmospheric gasoline engine, not only may it not decrease, but
increase by 10 percent.
The warranty is void unless the modification is carried out in the workshop.
manufacturer's officer.
If the reprogramming focuses on changing the sensor values of
coolant temperature, it may be the case that the level of
pollutant emissions increase.
It shortens the life of the engine, especially if the alteration is made to have a
more aggressive driving style. Among other things, it can generate
wear or breakage of cylinders, tires, clutch, constant velocity joints,
and, ultimately, produce a mechanical collapse.
It is necessary to communicate the change in the Technical Vehicle Inspection.
(ITV).
In reality, if the reform is carried out by an expert workshop and there is a
smooth driving, these inconveniences should not occur. In case
On the contrary, there is a risk of causing serious damage that could end with
the vehicle's useful life. Check the coverage and advantages of the insurance
MAPFRE car to be at ease in the face of various breakdowns that may occur.
suffer your car.

Is there any alternative?

If you want to increase the power of the vehicle, you can reprogram the
central unit, coupling a power chip or chip tuning. This alternative can
to be placed or extracted easily by the user himself, without the need to
does not leave traces when uninstalled and, in some cases, it
can be controlled through a mobile application.
What is the engine control unit ECU/ECM?
The engine control unit (ECU), also known as the module of
engine control (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM), is
one of the most important components found in
practically all modern vehicles. It essentially works like
the main computer that controls many of the performance functions
of the engine. The ECU receives information from various sensors and uses it
to achieve maximum power and efficiency from the engine.

engine ECU central unit

What symptoms indicate a failure in the car's ECU unit?

The engine control unit (ECU) plays a crucial role in vehicles.

When the ECU has a fault, it can cause all kinds of problems.
Generally, a faulty engine control unit shows some symptoms of
key failure that can alert the driver to a potential problem.

Engine failure warning light on

A check engine light illuminated is a possible symptom of
a problem with the ECU. The check engine light usually comes on
when the engine control unit (ECU) detects a problem with any of its
sensors or circuits. However, there are cases where the ECU lights up a light.
the warning on the instrument panel by mistake, or when there is none
no problems present. Scan the control unit with a machine of
diagnosis in search of error codes can help reveal if the
the problem is in the ECU or in another part of the vehicle.

2. Starting and engine operation problems

Another symptom of failure in the engine control unit is the behavior.
engine abnormal. A defective engine control unit can cause the
the vehicle has intermittent problems, irregular functioning
of the engine at idle and ignition failures. The symptoms of failure can
appear and disappear, and it may seem that they have no pattern at all
para su frecuencia o gravedad.

3. Performance Issues
Engine performance issues are another symptom of a possible
problem with the ECU. If the control unit has any issues, it can alter the
engine time and fuel configuration, which can affect
negatively the performance.
A defective ECU can cause the vehicle to experience a
reduction in fuel efficiency, power, and acceleration.

The car won't start

Another symptom of a failure in the control unit is a vehicle that does not start or is
hard to start. If the ECU completely fails, it will leave the vehicle without
engine management control and as a result it will not start.
In other cases, the engine may still start, but it will not be able to function.
correctly without the vital inputs for the functioning of the
central

Given that the ECU plays such a vital role in performance

motor, any failure in the control unit can cause significant problems
with the general functionality of the automobile. For this reason, if you suspect that
The ECU of your vehicle has a problem, contact a technician.
professional to inspect the vehicle and determine if your car
You will need a replacement for the engine control unit ECU.

Common symptoms indicating a malfunction in the engine ECU:

Lack of power, difficulties in accelerating.
Excess consumption
Idling malfunction
Thick, dark smoke is coming out of the exhaust pipe.
Heater indicator light on
Witness of failure in the engine
The engine doesn't start, or starts with difficulty.
The vehicle stops while in motion
The windshield wiper is not working or is working erratically.
Small detonations occur in the engine from time to time.
The warning lights on the dashboard do not turn off or do not
they turn on.

Why does the car's control unit get damaged?

The most common causes that can lead to failure in the engine control unit
ECU son:

Humidity in the car's central unit: if the central unit comes into contact with the
water or simply being affected by humidity can damage the circuit
electricity from the motherboard. This case may be one of the worst scenarios.
since in most cases it will not be possible to repair and it will have to be replaced
the central unit for another. According to the circumstances or the preference of each
person, one can choose a new ECU control unit or another second-hand one.
hand in good condition.

Short circuits or voltage overloads: there are cases when a short circuit
in an external electronic component or faulty cables can
cause an internal short circuit in the ECU unit.
When these short circuits occur, the cables are affected, it is because
Hello, it is very important to find out where the problem comes from to
try to solve it before changing the control unit since the
the problem would continue to occur.

Vibrations: if the control unit has not been installed correctly, it may suffer
damage to the plate due to vibrations.
Programming failures: if it has not been programmed properly, or
if the engine control unit ECU has been reprogrammed previously without having
Given the specific characteristics of that model, it is normal that it
regular failures.
At Ecupro, we offer repair and programming services for control units.
motor ECU.
We work with the leading brands in the market such as Autoliv, Bosch,
Delco, Delphi, Lucas, Magneti Marelli, Siemens, Denso, Visteon, VDO.