Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
PCM/TCM Flash Procedure: Notes
-- If using StarMOBILE® Desktop Client, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE WITH STARMOBILE® DESKTOP CLIENT .
-- If using StarMOBILE® Standalone Diagnostic Mode, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE WITH STARMOBILE® STANDALONE DIAGNOSTIC MODE .
Required Tools/Equipment
| >>PART NUMBER<< | >>StarSCAN®<< | >>PART NUMBER<< | >>StarMOBILE®<< |
| NPN | Battery Charger | NPN | Battery Charger |
| CH9401 | StarSCAN® Tool Kit | CH9801 | StarMOBILE® Tool Kit |
| CH9404 | StarSCAN® Vehicle Cable | CH9804 | StarMOBILE® Vehicle Cable |
| TechCONNECT PC or equivalent |
Tech Tips and Information
-- StarMOBILE® Standalone Diagnostic Mode is an efficient way to flash ECUs without having direct access to a network connection. It involves first copying the flash file to the StarMOBILE® device which does require a network connection. Once the file has been copied to the StarMOBILE® device, it can be used in a Standalone mode to flash the ECU without a network connection.
-- To use the StarMOBILE® in Pass-Through Mode requires that your StarMOBILE® is connected to the dealerships network via a wired or wireless connection.
-- StarMOBILE® does not need to be connected to a vehicle when retrieving a flash file for Standalone Mode.
-- Extreme care must be taken when programming a calibration into a generic PCM. Do not randomly select a calibration. Once a calibration is selected and programmed, the controller cannot be reprogrammed to a different calibration. The ECU can only be reprogrammed to a more recent version of that calibration.
-- If the flash process is interrupted or aborted, the flash should be restarted.
-- Due to the PCM / TCM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other ECUs within the vehicle. Some DTCs may cause the MIL to illuminate. From the "Home" screen select "System View". Then select "All DTCs". Press "Clear All Stored DTCs" if there are any DTCs shown on the list.
-- Do not allow the battery charger to time out or the charging rate to climb more than 13.5 volts during the flash process.
-- The StarSCAN® and StarMOBILE® diagnostic tools fully support Internet connectivity and must be configured for your dealership's network.
-- The operating software in the StarSCAN® and StarMOBILE® must be programmed with the latest software release level. The software level is visible in the blue header at the top of the StarSCAN® and StarMOBILE® Desktop Client screens.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.