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.
Service Programming System (SPS)
For step-by-step programming instructions, please refer to the techline information system (TIS) terminal.
Review the information below to ensure proper programming protocol.
Ensure the following conditions are met before programming a control module:
- Vehicle system voltage
- There is no charging system concern. All charging system concerns must be repaired before programming a control module.
- Battery voltage is between 12-16 volts. The battery must be charged before programming the control module if the battery voltage is low.
- A battery charger is NOT connected to the vehicle battery. Incorrect system voltage or voltage fluctuations from a battery charger, may cause programming failure or control module damage.
- Turn OFF or disable any system that may put a load on the vehicle battery, such as the following components:
- Twilight sentinel
- Interior lights
- Daytime running lamps (DRL)-Applying the parking brake, on most vehicles, disables the DRL system. Refer to the Owner's manual.
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Engine cooling fans, radio, etc.
- The ignition switch must be in the proper position. The Tech 2 prompts you to turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. DO NOT change the position of the ignition switch during the programming procedure, unless instructed to do so. The ignition mode switch has 2 contact buttons.
The upper button, with a circle indicator on it, starts the engine if brake pedal is applied.
The bottom one has 2 indicators on it, O and ACC. This button cycles the ignition through the following modes:
- OFF-This is the normal state upon entering the vehicle, and can also be reached from any other mode by depressing the button. The O indicator illuminates.
- Accessory-This mode can be reached from the OFF state by depressing the button. The ACC indicator illuminates.
- ON with the engine OFF-This state can be reached from the OFF or Accessory modes by depressing the button for about 5-6 seconds. The upper LED illuminates.
- Make certain all tool connections are secure, including the following components and circuits:
- The control module Serial Data Link Tester
- The RS-232 communication cable port
- The connection at the data link connector (DLC)
- The voltage supply circuits
- DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage may occur.
- DO NOT turn OFF the ignition if the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure that all control module and DLC connections are secure and the TIS terminal operating software is up-to-date. Attempt to reprogram the control module. If the control module cannot be programmed, replace the control module.
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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.