K 1500 Suburban 4WD V8-5.3L VIN Z Flex Fuel (2003)
Engine Control Module: Service and Repair
Programming
Service Programming System (SPS) Description
Service Programming System (SPS) Description
The service programming system (SPS) allows a technician to program a control module through the data link connector (DLC). The information
transfer circuit that is used at the DLC is the same serial data circuit used by the scan tool for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), displaying
data, clearing DTCs, etc. This procedure offers the ability to install software/calibrations matched to a particular vehicle.
Most control modules have 2 types of memory. The software/calibrations reside in the flash memory. The 2 types of memory are listed below:
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Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
This type of memory allows selected portions of memory to be programmed while other portions remain unchanged. Certain learned values reside
in the EEPROM, such as:
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The vehicle identification number (VIN)
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The crankshaft variation learned position
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The software/calibrations identification numbers
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The control module security information
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Flash Read Only Memory - Flash Memory
Flash memory has increased memory storage capacity. During programming, all information within this type of memory is erased, and then
replaced with entirely new information.
Service Programming Methods
Service Programming Methods
The 4 methods of programming a control module and the proper tools for each method are as follows:
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Remote Programming:
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The Tech 2 or other scan tool, Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General Motors Corporation authorized programming
software--The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
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The control module is installed in the vehicle
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Pass Thru Programming:
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The Tech 2 or other scan tool, Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General Motors Corporation authorized programming
software--The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
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The control module is installed in the vehicle.
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Off-Board Remote Programming, vehicle NOT available:
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The Tech 2 or other scan tool, off-board programming adapter (OBPA), Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General
Motors Corporation authorized programming software--The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the
Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
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The control module is NOT installed in a vehicle.
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Off-Board Pass Thru Programming
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The Tech 2 or other scan tool, off-board programming adapter (OBPA), Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General
Motors Corporation authorized programming software--The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the
Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
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The control module is NOT installed in a vehicle.
All 4 methods may not be available for every vehicle.
Before & After Programming A Control Module
Before Programming a Control Module
Important:
DO NOT program an existing control module with the identical software/calibration package. This procedure is not a short cut to
correct a driveability condition. This is an ineffective repair. A control module should only be programmed when the following occurs:
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When a service procedure instructs you to replace the control module. The service part control module does not contain operating
software or calibrations.
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General Motors Corporation releases an updated software/calibration package.
