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

54K views 48 replies 26 participants last post by  fnkychkn 
#1 · (Edited)
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.
 
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#31 ·
Thanks, but this isn't just a fluctuation. Wierd symptoms- when I first start the car and turn on the headlights they flash on and off (as do the interior lights) - not with any rythym nor in time with each other. After a few minutes of this they stop flashing and all is well. It seems to me that if it were a ground problem or bad switch it would happen, say, if I hit a bump in the road etc.
The fact that it goes away not to return until the next time I start the car and turn on the lights is what has me baffled..
 
#34 ·
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.
I recently bought a predator and needed to do the DCX calibration update. Does this update my car to the latest flash or anything similiar?
 
#35 ·
I believe that would be the third one down: - 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.
 
#36 ·
Thanks Danny! I see your in IT also :rock:, I am having to play catch up with learning about my car. The last time I had an interest (performance/moddin/etc) in a car, I was in high school and they werent loaded with computers.

Does the latest flash, include all the TSB's for a particular model? Or are they selective?
 
#37 ·
fnky is the expert but that's the way I read it. As an example I did the rough shift TSB for mine about a year ago. It was specific for the 4 spd V6 SXT built between certain dates.

I'm glad I did the update since a couple of the 4spd guys are having trouble with the Predator not recognizing something on their PCMs. Not positive but I'm guessing that the Calid is not up to date.
 
#38 ·
GO to techathority.com and click on lower left corner of page FLASH AVAILABILITY. Useing a scan tool my PCM version was ended in AF but latest is AJ . MY TCM ending in AE but latest is AI .. See what latest is available on tech site then check with the Diablo site for any conflcts before dealer does any upgrade.
 
#39 · (Edited)
Okay I've got a question - I have an 06 AWD R/T Magnum that's never been flashed (only 3k miles). I have really slow throttle response when I nail it - a lot of lag, when shifting manually the time from my shift to the transmission shift is really slow (vs shift response in other cars).

Would this be something that a flash would help with? Is this something that could/would be done under warranty?
 
#40 ·
awesome thread!

sorry for the question but mabe i have not understand rigth.

the evic its possible to flash only in the same versionnumber......., but its possible to flash a softwareversion from another year for have the diffrents option..??
( 0-60 or.....)

thx for feedback¨!
 
#41 ·
awesome thread!

sorry for the question but mabe i have not understand rigth.

the evic its possible to flash only in the same versionnumber......., but its possible to flash a softwareversion from another year for have the diffrents option..??
( 0-60 or.....)

thx for feedback¨!
this thread is over 5 years old. a lot has changed since then but to get the 0-60 timer, i'm pretty sure you need to change the cluster and possibly the EOM (electronic overhead module), which houses the EVIC software. you might want to ask nyinstaller to chime in.
 
#42 ·
oddly enough times have changed lessons have been learned.

you are correct funky. 0-60 timer is only available on clusters with software from oem.

Now i have a part number For a flash file id love someone who works with chrysler can attempt to get a file for. (not avial on dealerconnect or tech authority.) its for an 07 ccn from a super bee. the cluster has 0-60, volts. cool display picture. etc.

and oddly enough the evic will work with out the eom. just the compass will remain with dashes. so i dont really know if the eom actually is required.


but anyways as of now if your car did not come with 0-60 etc on your evic your only option is to upgrade to a newer year. however a professional flasher will have to get involved or a few other things wont work.

since the cluster is an important component in our cars IE controls almost everything inside the car. it has to be software matched with the fcm module so it can communicate. if it is not a lot of normal functions like temp will not work.
 
#44 ·
oddly enough times have changed lessons have been learned.

you are correct funky. 0-60 timer is only available on clusters with software from oem.

Now i have a part number For a flash file id love someone who works with chrysler can attempt to get a file for. (not avial on dealerconnect or tech authority.) its for an 07 ccn from a super bee. the cluster has 0-60, volts. cool display picture. etc.

and oddly enough the evic will work with out the eom. just the compass will remain with dashes. so i dont really know if the eom actually is required.

but anyways as of now if your car did not come with 0-60 etc on your evic your only option is to upgrade to a newer year. however a professional flasher will have to get involved or a few other things wont work.

since the cluster is an important component in our cars IE controls almost everything inside the car. it has to be software matched with the fcm module so it can communicate. if it is not a lot of normal functions like temp will not work.
See if the dealer can add the 07 bee sales code to your build and then update your modules with the new software via starscan.

C.
 
#46 ·
Holy flashback Batman! I know I'm digging up an extremely old thread, but I'd love to know if there is a service where I can send both my PCM and TCM off and have them programmed/flashed with the most up to date software and TSB's. I'm having transmission woes with my Charger and am trying to narow down the problem, part of which could be the TCM which I have no clue how to test for functionality... Any help is appreciated.
 
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