PGM Tester Tips

Export Service PGM Tester Tips

Welcome to PGM Tester Tips. This page is dedicated to providing helpful suggestions on using the PGM Tester. Be sure to check back on a regular basis to see what's new. If you have any questions or comments please drop me an e-mail.

Best Regards,

Bert Gonzalez

humberto_gonzalez@ahm.honda.com

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Urgent Information | "Blocked Software" | "Check Sum Errors | Procedure to Change PCM and Register Keys

Urgent PGM/Immobilizer Information

Recently I have had an increase in requests for technical assistance in the area of PGM tester. The reason for this increase is that we are in the middle of a Product Update (PUD) on PCMs for the 2001 model Civic. You are now starting to receive your parts, and the time has come to do the job.

Along with the PCM replacement we are having to register the original keys to our new PCM. This is where the problems begin. The process described in the PUD Service Bulletin # 00-098 does work, however I found a way to simplify the process. This step by step procedure along with the photos is explained below. Use of this modified procedure will make this task much easier to perform. I have personally performed this process here at AH using a '01 KK Civic and current version 7.0 software. Before beginning this procedure take a close look at the following tips....

Please make sure that you are using Immobilizer program card update version 7.0 dated 15/11/00. This the most current version that was sent to you.

Make sure that you have freshly charged batteries in your tester.

Make sure the market destination is set to the vehicle’s destination (example.. General ).

Make sure that your tester’s time and date are set correctly.

What to do about "blocked" software and error after performing a "check sum " procedure after updating your card.

If you should have a problem and "block" your software, the best way to unblock it is to simply rewrite the program card with the latest version of software again from your PC. This seems to be more successful than trying to remember which unblock password your are on. This also works for the countries that have to perform this task on more than 45 cars since the second passwords (3) will only allow you to register 15 cars per password. By rewriting the Program card this resets the count.

Please disregard any error messages that may appear if you performed a "check sum" procedure on your cartridge after updating. This is another glitch in the software. The PGM tester displays an error even though you have a successful transfer from the PC to the tester.

THE FOLLOWING IS A STEP BY STEP DEMONSTRATION OF BERT'S METHOD OF REPLACING AND TO REGISTERING ORIGINAL KEYS TO A NEW PCM.

Step 1 Replace the old PCM with the new one. Connect the tester to the car’s 16 pin connector. Turn the ignition on. Turn on the PGM tester. When you power up your tester you should see this display, however your version should be 7.0 and have the date of 15/11/00
If you turn on your tester without having the tester hooked up to a car, you will see this on your display, when you press enter. In this case, turn off the tester and proceed as follows: Connect the tester to the car’s 16 pin connector. Turn the ignition on. Turn on the PGM tester. Top of Procedure
*Step 2* You should now see the following display on the right. Enter the Car’s VIN number Press enter.
Step 3 Enter the odometer reading. Press enter. Top of Procedure
Step 4 Enter the correct date and time. Press enter.
Step 5 Select number 4: "Replace ECM/PCM" Press enter. Top of Procedure
Step 6 You have already replaced the PCM Press enter Note: This is the step that the Service Bulletin instructs you to replace the PCM.
Step 7 Wait as instructed. Top of Procedure
Step 8 Turn the ignition switch off.
Step 9 Disconnect the cable. Press enter. Note: This step requires that you remove the cable from the 16 pin connector, this will take power away from the tester. You will need good batteries or a constant power supply to the tester to continue. Top of Procedure
Step 10 Locate the correct 2^nd password on the confidential document sent to you. (Do NOT use "7SUBI" or you will block your cartridge.) Enter the 2^nd password. Press enter. Note: Each of the 3 sequential 2^nd. Passwords are good for 15 uses.
Step 11 Reconnect the cable to the 16 pin connector on the car. Press enter. Top of Procedure
Step 12 Turn the ignition on.
Step 13 Wait as instructed. Top of Procedure
Step 14 Turn the ignition switch off.
Step 15 Turn the ignition switch on. Top of Procedure
Step 16 When you see this display, you are done with the PCM/Key registration. All keys should work, however the following screen will have you check all keys to make sure. 1. Turn the ignition switch off.
Step 17 Check all the keys to make sure they start the car. Turn the ignition on when your done. Top of Procedure
The End You are finished with this vehicle. For each additional vehicle you must power off and repeat the process. Are we having fun yet!!? If you have any questions concerning this procedure, please call Bert Gonzalez at 310-783-3095 Top of Procedure

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Last Update: 08 Nov 2004