seems like a few members have run into some difficulties using their starscan/starmobile to flash/update modules. this TSB contains some very good tips to help prevent problems and some possible solutions should problems arise.


NUMBER:
18-001-06 REV. A


GROUP:


Vehicle Performance

DATE:


July 12, 2006

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 18-001-06, DATED
JANUARY 11, 2006, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL
REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL
MODELS, YEARS AND A REVISED DISCUSSION ABOUT ABORTED FLASH
REPROGRAMMING RECOVERY.
SUBJECT:
StarSCAN®/StarMOBILE™ Abort Recovery Procedures
OVERVIEW:
This Bulletin provides guidelines to minimize flash reprogramming problems and recovery
procedure information for failed flash attempts.
MODELS:
**2007 (DC) Ram Cab & Chassis**
2006 - **2007** (DR/DH/D1) Ram Truck
2004 - **2007** (HB/HG) Durango/Aspen
2007 (JK) Wrangler
**2007 (JS) Sebring**
**2007 (KA) Nitro**
2006 - **2007** (KJ) Liberty/Cherokee
2005 - **2007** (LX/LE) 300/Magnum/Charger
**2007 (MK) Compass**
2005 - **2007** (ND) Dakota
**2007 (PM) Caliber**
2006 - **2007* (PT) PT Cruiser
2005 - **2007** (WK/WH) Grand Cherokee
2006 - **2007** (XK/XH) Commander
DISCUSSION:
NOTE: Many of the reasons a flash reprogramming procedure may not complete are
documented in this service bulletin.


Occasionally a flash update procedure may not complete properly and/or the diagnostic

equipment may lock up or become disconnected during the procedure. Flash
Reprogramming is a "CRITICAL PROCESS"; an error may result in a no-start/failed
control module. Most modules, encountering an interruption or failure while
reprogramming, are recoverable. Replacing a module that is recoverable is not covered
under the provisions of the warranty.
This service bulletin covers items that may cause this condition, a process to restart the
flash procedure, and miscellaneous information that will help prevent unnecessary
replacement of control modules.
GENERAL:
Flash Reprogramming is only authorized when programming a generic module or by a
specific SERVICE ACTION (Service Bulletin/Recall/Rapid Response Transmittal/Advance
Service Information).
CAUTION: When updating a module because of a Service Action, it is important to
follow the steps outlined in the Repair Procedure section of the Service
Action. Procedures may differ depending on the module that is being
reprogrammed.
Review the


entire Service Action prior to performing a flash reprogramming update. Often

other parts may need to be serviced, replaced, or tested, prior to flash reprogramming, and
ARE REQUIRED as part of completing the Service Action.
COMMON CAUSES OF FLASH REPROGRAMMING ERRORS
Interruptions, voltage problems, a variety of other outside interactions, and failure to follow
the steps outlined in the Service Action can potentially interfere with the process. This
document seeks to provide information to minimize problems associated with module flash
reprogramming.
SOFTWARE VERSIONS MUST BE CURRENT
Before attempting a flash reprogramming session, make sure you have the most current
software installed in the scan tool (StarSCAN®/StarMOBILE™). Refer to the current
software release information available in TechCONNECT, under: Service Info >
StarSCAN® and StarMOBILE™ Tools > Latest News > Select the most recent release
number. The technician will be able to see the applicable version numbers.
Often, because of multiple StarSCAN®/StarMOBILE™s in the shop, not all devices will get
updated in a timely manner. The installed StarSCAN®/StarMOBILE™ software version
and scan tool operating system version, (Fig. 2), can be verified from the “Home” screen
as follows:
StarMOBILE Desktop Client
·


Select “Tool Menu” .

·


Select “Version Information”

StarSCAN
·


Select “Show Shortcuts”

·


Select “Tool Menu” .

·


Select “Version Information”

Typical Tool Menu (Fig. 1)
18-001-06 REV. A -2-
NOTE: The StarSCAN also displays the version number on the right side of the blue
header at the top of each screen.
NOTE: To read the version on the StarMOBILE™, it must be connected and the
application running or the user will receive “N/A” for the “System” value.
Fig. 1 TYPICAL TOOL MENU
Fig. 2 VERSION INFORMATION
-3- 18-001-06 REV. A
GENERAL NOTES FOR CABLES AND VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
Consider ALL cables to be wear items.
It is a good practice to have dedicated cables devoted to "Flash ONLY".
Always have a spare StarSCAN® CH9404 (vehicle) cable available.
Always have a spare StarMOBILE™ CH9804 (vehicle) cable available (blue cable end).
Diagnosing vehicle cable problems
Inspect vehicle cable connectors for potential problems that might cause communication
interruptions. Use the information available on DealerCONNECT under:
·


eSupport (above the “Marketing” tab)

·


Under “Knowledge Center” - select “Find Answers”

·


In the “Enter link, error message, or topic” area, type “9561”

·


In the “Search By” area, select “Answer ID”

·


At the next screen, select the “StarSCAN Flash Lockup.pdf” link to access the

information to diagnose suspect vehicle cable continuity.
FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROBLEM PREVENTION
·


Follow the steps outlined in the Service Action.

·


Pay attention to the screen prompts displayed during the flash process.

·


Replace worn cables.

·


Verify the vehicle is equipped with a known good battery.

·


Ensure the battery charger charging rate provides approximately 13.2 - 13.8 volts.

Set the battery charger to continuous charge. Do not allow the charger to time out
during the flash process.
**ABORTED FLASH REPROGRAMMING RECOVERY**
**The following steps may help recover a non-responsive module when the flash process
is aborted or interrupted.
1. When the Flash ECU screen displays an Error Message, select OK.
2. Turn the ignition to “off” and power down the StarSCAN®.
3. Turn the vehicle ignition to the “On” position.
4. Power on the StarSCAN®.
NOTE: If the technician was flashing a PCM, the tool may display “Unknown VIN”.
Disregard this.
5. Select (ECU) View.
6. Highlight the ECU that was being flashed.
NOTE: The module may appear to be non-responsive. Highlight the module anyway.
7. Select More Options
8. Select ECU Flash
9. If the “Flash ECU” screen displays “Resident flash files for Part # XXXXX”, the module
should be recoverable. If the screen displays “No resident flash files found” the module
is not recoverable. Does the Flash ECU screen display “No resident flash files
found?”
a. Yes >> The module must be replaced.
b. No >> proceed to Step #10.
18-001-06 REV. A -4-
10. Is a calibration file displayed on the StarSCAN®?
a. Yes >> proceed to


Step #11.

b. No >> Select “Browse For New File” and follow on screen instructions. Highlight the
calibration that was previously chosen. Select “Download to Scantool”. When the
file is downloaded to the scantool, select “Back” and proceed to Step #11.
11. Highlight the appropriate calibration.
12. Select “Update Controller” and follow the on screen instructions.
13. When the flash is complete, verify the “Resident flash file part number” matches the
“New P/N” of the appropriate calibration.
14. Proceed with the steps listed in the Service Bulletin to complete the service action.**
NOTE: If after following the steps above, you are still having issues performing the
flash reprogramming procedure using a specific StarSCAN®/StarMOBILE® it
is suggested to contact SPX/Miller Special Tools for service.
POLICY:
Information Only


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