Software Updates (Flashes) What they do and don't do *

**fnkychkn** · 08-06-2005, 01:47 AM

allright class. the lesson for today is software updates (flashes). i know you want them. but do you really need them? seems lately more and more people want to have "version 4.xx" displayed in their EVIC.

- a PCM or TCM flash will NOT update CCN (cluster) software version (visible through EVIC)
- all flashes are released to address a specific concern(s).
- all flashes update to the latest available software. if you get any module flashed for any reason, you get the most recent software version available (at time of download) for that module. which will include all previously released versions.
- flashes are done by part number. not software version.
- some flashes may adversely affect vehicle performance characteristics.
- flashes are not a five minute job.
- some TSB's include parts replacement along with a flash.
- not all flashes are to repair software glitches. some are to bypass mechanical deficiencies.
- not all flashes are for all vehicles. they are vehicle configuration and build date specific.
- just because you get flashed, doesn't mean your symptom will go away. it may just be masked or occur at a less noticeable time/rpm range/speed.
- all flashes that can affect vehicle emissions (usually PCM or TCM), must be accompanied by an "authorized vehicle modification" label which should be affixed as close as possible to VECI label (Vehicle Emission Control Information).
- some flashes can enable diagnostic tests performed by starscan.
- whenever a flash is performed, there is a possibility, however remote, for catastrophic failure which could render the module useless and require replacement. you need an experienced, qualified tech to do this (not a job for car wash guy).
- on CAN bus equipped vehicles, including LX, most flashes will set communication fault codes in many other modules. make sure they get erased after a flash to prevent erroneous diagnostics should the need arise.

i hope this answers some questions. if you have more questions about flashes, please post them to this thread and i will do my best to answer them.

i am a veteran flasher. since 1993, i estimate having performed over 500 flashes with only two unrecoverable failures requiring module replacement.

**fnkychkn** · 08-07-2005, 01:11 AM

other good flash threads:

Flash questions
2.7L SE was FLASHED to 4.3 today
PCM flashed now AC won't kick if interior is over 90F

**Scott** · 08-07-2005, 03:05 AM

Thanks posting the purposes, and the pros and cons of flashes...

Now...For those of use with 2005 RTs with with version 3.61 displayed in our instrument panel ... what does version 4.05 offer? Is it meaningful? Are we eligible for an upgrade?

Thanks in advance -- Scott

**graymagnum** · 08-07-2005, 03:45 AM

Ask The Dealer?---lol===lol===lol===lol

**BlackRT** · 11-07-2005, 01:06 AM

Ok...so I took my RT into the dealer to have a rough idle looked at (which I actually had) and they said the flashed it based on the TSB.

There is no mention of this on the service report that I got. Is there any way to tell what software I'm running?

**fnkychkn** · 11-07-2005, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by BlackRT

Ok...so I took my RT into the dealer to have a rough idle looked at (which I actually had) and they said the flashed it based on the TSB.

There is no mention of this on the service report that I got. Is there any way to tell what software I'm running?

if they flashed the PCM, there should be an "authorized modification decal" affixed near the VECI label. if not, you'll need a starscan to read PCM P/N.

**fnkychkn** · 11-07-2005, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by Scott

Thanks posting the purposes, and the pros and cons of flashes...

Now...For those of use with 2005 RTs with with version 3.61 displayed in our instrument panel ... what does version 4.05 offer? Is it meaningful? Are we eligible for an upgrade?

Thanks in advance -- Scott

sorry for the late reply. version 3.61 is the latest available for 2005 models.

**GoofyTimL** · 12-03-2005, 04:15 PM

I hope this thread is not "Dead" ... just check the CCN ver. on my '05 "C" and it says 3.53 and is dated 2/25/2004. Car's original in-service date (purchase) was 8/4/04 and we purchased it certified pre-owned on 9/29/05. Would there be any benefit to flashing to 3.61?

**fnkychkn** · 12-04-2005, 12:49 AM

i'm not sure what the differences are. perhaps one of our other members that has had their's updated could chime in.

**done** · 12-04-2005, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by fnkychkn

i'm not sure what the differences are. perhaps one of our other members that has had their's updated could chime in.

Pretty sure that is the update to make the oil pressure display correctly.

**Northern Rider** · 12-04-2005, 12:21 PM

Also corrects inside / outside temp display; tilt mirrors in reverse issue; highway speed hesitation, etc. 3.61 is a must for '05 LX cars. Here's a good thread:

3.61 Software Upgrade