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.
Repair Procedure with Starmobile® Desktop Client
If this flash process is interrupted or aborted, the flash should be restarted.
-- Open the hood of the vehicle and install a battery charger. Verify that the charging rate provides a continuous charge of 13.2 - 13.5 volts.
-- Connect the StarMOBILE® to the vehicle data link connector located under the steering column and turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position.
-- Power on the StarMOBILE®. Launch the StarMOBILE® Desktop Client and connect to the appropriate StarMOBILE® device.
-- Retrieve the old ECU part number.
From the tool's home screen:
-- Select "ECU View".
-- Select "PCM".
-- Select "More Options".
-- Select "ECU Flash".
-- Record the part number at the top of the Flash PCM screen for later reference.
Program the ECU as follows:
-- Using the StarMOBILE® at the Home screen, select "ECU View".
-- Select "PCM".
-- Select "More Options".
-- Select "ECU Flash".
-- Select "Browse for New File" and follow the on screen instructions.
-- Highlight the appropriate calibration based on the part number recorded in Step 4, or by using Year/Model/Engine and appropriate emissions selection for the vehicle being worked on.
If you are not connected to the vehicle, you may also search for flash files by selecting the "Flash Download" button from the Home screen.
-- Select "Download to Scantool".
-- Once the download is complete, select "Close" and then "Back".
-- Highlight the listed calibration, select "Update Controller" and follow the on screen instructions.
-- When the PCM update is complete, select "OK".
-- Verify that the part number at the top of the Flash PCM screen has updated to the new part number.
If this flash process is interrupted or aborted, the flash should be restarted.
-- Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" and attach near the VECI label. Refer to AUTHORIZED MODIFICATION LABEL for details.
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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.