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.
Principles of Operation
Configurable modules accommodate a variety of vehicle options, eliminating the need for many unique modules for one vehicle line. These modules must be configured when replaced as part of a repair procedure.
Configurable modules should not be exchanged between vehicles since the settings are unique to each vehicle. Failure to configure a new module may result in improper operation and/or any of the following DTCs setting:
- B2477 - sets when a body/chassis module is not configured or is configured incorrectly.
- B2900 - sets when there is a VIN mismatch between the module with the B2900 and the PCM. The stored VIN in either module may be incorrect.
- P0602, P0605 and/or P1639 - sets when the PCM vehicle identification (VID) block is not configured.
- U0300 - sets when the configuration between 2 or more modules do not match.
- U2050 and/or U2051 - sets when a valid strategy/calibration is not present.
The following are the 3 different methods of configuration:
- Programmable module installation (PMI)
- Module reprogramming ("flashing")
- Programmable parameters
Some modules do not support all 3 methods.
Definition of Terms
The following are definitions of configuration terms:
Programmable Module Installation (PMI)
PMI is a scan tool process which configures settings in a new module. Data used for the PMI process is automatically downloaded from the original module and stored when a scan tool session is started. If this data cannot be retrieved from the module being replaced, the scan tool may prompt for As-Built data entry or display a list of parameter values that need to be manually selected. Some modules are reprogrammed during PMI when a strategy/calibration update is available.
To carry out PMI, refer to Programmable Module Installation (PMI) .
Module Reprogramming
Module reprogramming (also referred to as "flashing") is a scan tool process which updates the strategy/calibration in a module. Module reprogramming is automatically carried out during PMI when a later strategy/calibration is available.
Reprogramming a module with the same level of software will not improve module operation or repair a hardware failure.
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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.