Principles of Operation

Some modules on this vehicle will allow the scan tool to configure items. This vehicle supports two different methods of configuration. One method of configuration is called programmable module installation. The other method is called customer preference items.

Programmable module installation
The programmable module installation configuration method is used when a new module is to be installed. If the module supports this method of configuration ii will allow the scan tool to retrieve or extract all option content information from the original module and, after installing the new module, restore or inject the option content information into the new module. If this is done successfully, no further configuration is necessary.

During programmable module installation the scan tool first looks to the PCM for the VIN number of the vehicle. Once the VIN is retrieved the scan tool will perform an on-demand self-test of the module. The self- test will determine if the module contains configuration information that can be retrieved. If the self-test returns DTC B2477 the configuration routine will halt and give instructions on how to proceed. If DTC B2477 is not returned the module will allow the scan tool to retrieve the option content information. REFER to Module Communications Network (Information Bus). The scan tool will then combine the option content information with the VIN and store it on the scan tool. The scan tool can store only one modules option content information. Once information is stored on the scan tool, the scan tool cannot be used to extract any other option content information without erasing the previous option content information. The scan tool will not store configuration data for more that 48 hours. Make sure the replacement module is on-hand for installation before retrieving module content information data. However, the scan tool can be used for other diagnostic purposes.

After the new module is installed use the scan tool to restore the option content information into the new module.

Vehicle Identification Block

NOTE:
^ If the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) needs to have a powertrain calibration flash programmed, refer to the Computers and Control Systems.
^ Flash programming powertrain calibrations onto the PCM is different than programmable module installation. It has no effect on the VID block memory area of the PCM.
^ If using the programmable module installation configuration routine when installing a new PCM, use the standard scan tool cable, do not use the 'flash' cable.

Some PCMs support a memory area called a Vehicle Identification (VID) block. The VID block is used to backup the option content information of each programmable module on the vehicle. This vehicle specific VID block is only used in the unlikely event that a programmable module is unable to give its option content information to the scan tool. If the scan tool cannot retrieve option content information from the module the scan tool will then attempt to extract the information from the VID block of the PCM. The VID block in the PCM has nothing to do with the powertrain calibration information stored in the PCM. If the PCM has had a new powertrain calibration flashed onto the PCM the VID block will not be affected. If using the programmable module installation routine to install a new PCM, the scan tool will retrieve only VID information, the engine calibration information will still need to be flashed. For more information,refer to the Computers and Control Systems or flash programming information.

Customer Preference Items
The customer preference items method of configuration is used when individual items controlled by the module need to be changed to accommodate customer preferences. Not all items controlled by a module can be enabled or disabled using this configuration method. To determine which items can be enabled or disabled refer to the module configuration index. Module Configuration Index

If an item is changed using the customer preference items method of configuration the changed information will not match the VID block in the PCM. The VID

block represents option content information of each programmable module as it left the assembly plant.