How to Read, License, and Flash an ECM

Reading the VCM

If this is the initial read of the stock VCM, we recommend that you save (and backup) the file before any modifications are made. You may wish to restore your vehicle to the stock tune at a later date.

To read the VCM, follow these steps:

1. Plug the interface cable into the vehicle's OBDII port. Connect the other end to your PC's USB port. See Connecting to the Vehicle for more information.
2. Open VCM Editor. Ensure no files are currently open and select Read Vehicle from the Flash menu.
   
   
3. Put the key in the ignition and turn to the ON position. Do not start the vehicle.
4. Make sure the doors are closed and all accessories are turned off. Do not use any vehicle accessories, including the door locking mechanism, during reading or writing procedures. 
5. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.
6. Click the Read button in the Vehicle Reader window. 
   
   
7. Allow the PC to read the VCM until the status bar indicates the read had completed.
8. Turn off the ignition and unplug the interface cable.
9. The file will automatically open in VCM Editor. 

Please note for vehicles with multiple VCM's (eg. LS2 A4 vehicles) there is a 15-second pause between reading each VCM.

About reading the VCM

When you read the VCM, you are uploading calibration information from your VCM to VCM Editor. The read process will automatically detect the presence of relevant VCMs in the vehicle and read them all in sequence. The various status messages and progress bar gives information about the current state of the read.

It is not possible to harm your PCM during the read process. If communication is lost the program will automatically reset the PCM. It will then prompt you to rectify the problem and/or try again.

Read Times

Approximate read times (error-free, high-speed mode) are as follows:

Writing the VCM

Steps for Writing the VCM

1. Plug the interface cable into the vehicle's OBDII port. Connect the other end to your PC's USB port. See Connecting to the Vehicle for more information.
2. Open VCM Editor. Ensure a valid file for the VCM is currently open (this could be the file you just read).
3. Select Write Vehicle from the Flash menu.
4. Put the key in the ignition and turn to the ON position. Do not start the vehicle.
5. Make sure the doors are closed and all accessories are turned off. Do not use any vehicle accessories, including the door locking mechanism, during reading or writing procedures. 
6. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.
7. Click the Write button.
8. Allow the PC to write the VCM until the status bar indicates the write has been completed. 
9. Turn off the ignition and unplug the interface cable. Wait at least 15 seconds before restarting the vehicle. 
10. The new calibration has now been written to the PCM.

Important:

• Do not disrupt the programming session.
• Do not open vehicle doors or use vehicle accessories.
• Do not program vehicles with battery voltage lower than 11.5 Volts
• Do not program vehicles while connected to car battery charger.

VCM Recovery

When rewriting the VCM, critical components of the VCM software must be erased and re-written. If the VCM loses power during the writing of these critical system components, the VCM may become unrecoverable. Do not power down the VCM under any circumstances during a write failure using these advanced options.

Rewrite Entire (selected vehicles only)

This is a useful feature for the tuner shop or mail order tuner and doesn't apply much to a single-vehicle tuner. What this can allow you to do is program a VCM that came from another vehicle for your specific vehicle type. You must make sure that the VCM hardware matches. This is a very powerful feature and must be used with caution. If you write a VCM with a file that doesn't belong on it, you could damage the VCM and cause it to be unrecoverable. It is not available for all vehicle types.

"Write VCM" failed and now my car won't start, what do I do?

Don't panic. An error during the write process has occurred. Follow these guidelines:

• Make sure the vehicle has sufficient battery voltage for programming.
• Make sure your laptop has sufficient power.
• Make sure all communications cables are connected firmly.
• DO NOT pull your VCM's fuse or disconnect battery power in an attempt to correct the problem.
• Restart VCM Editor and open up the same file you wrote to the VCM when the error occurred. It is very important that you use the same file. Try to Write VCM again.
• If the problem persists please contact customer support using these instructions Contacting Customer Support.

Write Times

Approximate write times (error-free, high-speed mode) are as follows: